Publications
Fast-survey techniques for digital mapping and understanding the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
A groundbreaking approach demonstrates that rapid, non-invasive digital mapping techniques can effectively capture the complex morphology of vernacular heritage sites with metric reliability. By combining unmanned aerial systems (UAS) videogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), researchers achieved high-resolution 3D representations of the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou in southern Morocco, prioritizing speed, portability, and minimal equipment without compromising accuracy. Comparative analyses revealed that UAS-based photogrammetric data, processed through Structure from Motion–Multi View Stereo (SfM-MVS) algorithms, closely matched TLS measurements, validating its potential for preliminary analysis and interpretative modeling. This methodology offers a scalable solution for documenting architectural form, construction logic, and typological variation, enhancing visual comprehension of complex heritage structures.
Lessons Learnt from Adaptive Reuse of Earthen Heritage in Desert Oases in Hot Arid Climates
Adaptive reuse of earthen heritage in desert oases offers proven strategies for preserving historical values while meeting contemporary needs. This study identifies key lessons from successful projects in Egypt, Saudi Arabia (AlUla and Al-Turaif), Morocco (Ksar Ait Ben Haddou), and Yemen (Old Sanaa), highlighting common challenges and solutions applicable globally. Central to these approaches is community involvement and the creation of new economic opportunities for locals, which enhance both conservation efforts and local engagement. The analysis provides actionable insights for stakeholders, architects, and planners, emphasizing how earthen construction can be sustainably adapted in hot arid climates while maintaining cultural significance.
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