Kasbah of Algiers

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Kasbah of Algiers from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Colonial Legacies in Heritage Conservation in Algeria

  Algeria's heritage conservation efforts, particularly for the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Algiers, face significant challenges rooted in colonial legacies. This study reveals that contemporary conservation practices often fail to address these issues effectively, despite the country's rich cultural and historical assets. By analyzing pre-colonial valuation processes—such as Numidian 'mausoleum culture' and waqf traditions—the research argues for a shift toward homegrown conservation approaches inspired by indigenous care practices rather than French colonial models like 'secteurs sauvegardés.' The findings underscore the need to reconnect with Algeria's deep-seated heritage values to develop culturally appropriate conservation strategies.

  Belgacem, S. (2025). Colonial Legacies in Heritage Conservation in Algeria. ARTis ON, (15). https://doi.org/10.37935/iha.oan2024.009

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• Requalification of urban identity according to the history of the place: the Kasbah of Algiers

  A novel approach to urban heritage conservation, rooted in the historical narrative of a place, demonstrates how the integration of new elements can enhance the cultural identity of historic sites without compromising their authenticity. This method, applied to the Kasbah of Algiersshows that leveraging the site's layered history and employing contemporary technologies can preserve its old substance while introducing modern functionalities. The approach emphasizes distinguishing between the old and new, ensuring respect for historical integrity while fostering dynamic cultural expressions. This strategy offers a global model for urban heritage valorization, balancing preservation with innovation.

  Ouassila, M. O. (2023). Requalification of urban identity according to the history of the place: the Kasbah of Algiers. Proceedings of the International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism-ICCAUA, 6(1), 633–640. https://doi.org/10.38027/iccaua2023en0050

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• The Heritage Atmosphere to the Test of Appropriation : Case of the Kasbah of Algiers

  A deep historical heritage, such as that of the Kasbah of Algiers, can significantly enhance ambient interactions and foster strong community appropriation. This study reveals that preserving a site's historical depth reactivates the interplay between its environmental and human dimensions, potentially leading to local engagement. The research employed a co-construction approach, combining the theory of heritage atmospheres with the concept of appropriation. Conducted in situ at the Kasbah, it utilized guided commentated walks alongside other investigative tools to explore how residents perceive and engage with this historic site.

  DJEDI, H., & BELAKEHAL, A. (2023). THE HERITAGE ATMOSPHERE TO THE TEST OF APPROPRIATION : CASE OF THE KASBAH OF ALGIERS. Bulletin de La Société Géographique de Liège, 285–308. https://doi.org/10.25518/0770-7576.7009

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• Surface Damage Identification for Heritage Site Protection: A Mobile Crowd-sensing Solution Based on Deep Learning

  A deep learning-based crowd-sensing solution demonstrates high accuracy (86.8% precision, 84% recall) in automatically identifying surface damage on heritage walls, addressing the inefficiencies of manual inspection methods. The study, conducted at Algiers' Kasbah, trained a MobileNetV2 CNN to detect efflorescence, spall, cracks, and mold using annotated images, with results showing effectiveness even with low-resolution inputs. This approach enables real-time, participatory damage detection via a mobile app, offering a scalable tool for heritage preservation.

  Meklati, S., Boussora, K., Abdi, M. E. H., & Berrani, S.-A. (2023). Surface Damage Identification for Heritage Site Protection: A Mobile Crowd-sensing Solution Based on Deep Learning. Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage, 16(2), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1145/3569093

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• Features of historical developmentof the urban environment of the city of Algiers in the period 1830-1962

  Between 1830 and 1962, Algiers underwent dramatic urban transformation under French colonial rule, resulting in irreversible alterations to its historic fabric. The study reveals that while new districts were built outside the Ottoman fortifications following European architectural trends, construction within the Kasbah—Algiers' 'White City'—led to significant loss of its original urban environment. This period saw profound social, economic, and spatial changes, reshaping Algiers from a traditional Mediterranean city into a modern colonial capital.

  Bouriche, M. (2021). Features of historical developmentof the urban environment of the city of Algiers in the period 1830-1962. Вестник Гражданских Инженеров, 18(4), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.23968/1999-5571-2021-18-4-5-14

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• The architectural experience of the Kasbah of Algiers: Insights from le Corbusier’s experience and neuroarchitecture

  The Kasbah of Algiers evokes profound emotional engagement through its dynamic spatial and atmospheric properties, as revealed by a neuro-phenomenological analysis rooted in Le Corbusier's experience. Key elements—curved street contours, harmonic colors, panoramic sea views, human-scale proportions, height-light contrasts, and navigational walking routes—interact to shape perception, blending physical and cognitive-affective dimensions. This study pioneers an assessment tool that decodes personal architectural experiences, demonstrating how prior knowledge and aspirations integrate with spatial attributes to influence emotional responses. By leveraging text-based analysis of Le Corbusier's observations, the research uncovers the Kasbah as a complex network of interconnected elements that stir both cognitive and sensory reactions.

  Rezzoug, I., & Boussora, K. (2021). The architectural experience of the Kasbah of Algiers: Insights from le Corbusier’s experience and neuroarchitecture. Spatium, (45), 67–78. https://doi.org/10.2298/spat2145067r

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• From Point Cloud to HBIM to FEA, the Case of a Vernacular Architecture

  A groundbreaking application of 3D laser scanning and advanced modeling techniques on vernacular architecture within the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Algiers demonstrates significant potential for heritage preservation. The study successfully transitioned from point cloud data to detailed 3D numerical models, enabling comprehensive structural, archaeological, and thermal analyses through Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline (NURBS)-based software. This approach facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, conservators, and engineers, ensuring coherent and effective interventions in high-vulnerability seismic zones. The research highlights the transformative role of digital tools in preserving cultural heritage while addressing complex structural challenges.

  Zouaoui, M. A., Djebri, B., & Capsoni, A. (2020). From Point Cloud to HBIM to FEA, the Case of a Vernacular Architecture. Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage, 14(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1145/3418039

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• Man's Emotional Responses and Wellbeing in theKasbah of Algiers

  A study on the Kasbah of Algiers reveals that positive emotional responses—such as joy, admiration, surprise, awe, and optimism—enhance user comfort, satisfaction, and well-being. These emotions are closely tied to specific spatial stimuli within the site, including terraces with sea views, sunlit alleys, and transitions between dark and open spaces, such as the shift from covered impasses to light-filled patios or terraces. The research involved 10 architects who documented their spontaneous emotional reactions while navigating the Kasbah's alleys, with findings analyzed using Plutchik's emotional framework. This highlights the significance of architectural design in fostering positive human experiences and urban well-being.

  REZZOUG, I., & BOUSSORA, K. (2020). MAN’S EMOTIONAL RESPONSES AND WELLBEING IN THEKASBAH OF ALGIERS. BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.54729/2789-8288.1065

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• Towards a Better Knowledge of Traditional Environmental Devices: Comparison Between Two Traditional Algerian Houses

  A comparative analysis of two traditional Algerian houses—one from the Algiers Kasbah and another from the M’zab valley—reveals how these structures adapt their environmental devices, such as patios and terraces, to vastly different geo-climatic conditions. The study demonstrates that while both house types share a common typology ('house with wasted dar'), their design principles and materials diverge significantly in response to local climate and urban layout. This adaptation highlights the potential for integrating vernacular solutions into contemporary sustainable architecture, provided their performance is better understood and optimized.

  Racha, A., & Kacher, S. (2020). TOWARDS A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF TRADITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEVICES: COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO TRADITIONAL ALGERIAN HOUSES. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLIV-M-1-2020, 1065–1072. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xliv-m-1-2020-1065-2020

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