Regards contemporains sur l’architecture coloniale en Algérie
Institut du monde arabe・70 minutes read
The roundtable discussion highlights the complexities of colonial architecture in Algeria, with speakers advocating for greater recognition and preservation of 19th and 20th-century buildings, which are often overlooked in favor of ancient structures. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of integrating architectural heritage into education and public perception, noting a shift towards acknowledging these colonial-era contributions as part of Algeria's identity.
Insights
- The roundtable discussion on colonial architecture in Algeria features a diverse group of experts, including Nabila Sherifff, who emphasizes the need to recognize 19th and 20th-century French architecture as part of Algeria's heritage, advocating for its classification alongside Ottoman and medieval structures.
- Boussade Aich highlights the ongoing degradation of colonial-era architecture in Algeria and calls for protective policies, pointing out that this aspect of heritage is often neglected by authorities, which underscores the importance of preservation efforts in the face of urban development.
- Sami Boufassa shares his frustration with the historical neglect of Algerian architecture in academic settings, prompting him to create a course that addresses this gap, indicating a broader shift in architectural education that now includes colonial architecture in the curriculum.
- Claudine Piatton stresses the importance of archival research to understand colonial architecture's complex influences, advocating for a more nuanced view that goes beyond the traditional narrative of French colonialism, thus enriching the discourse around Algeria's architectural identity.
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Recent questions
What is colonial architecture?
Colonial architecture refers to the architectural styles and structures built during the colonial period, often reflecting the cultural influences of the colonizing power. In the context of Algeria, this includes buildings constructed by the French during their rule, which showcase a blend of European architectural styles and local influences. The term encompasses a wide range of structures, from residential homes to public buildings, and is often characterized by specific design elements such as balconies, decorative facades, and the use of local materials. Understanding colonial architecture involves recognizing its historical significance and the socio-political context in which it was created, as well as its impact on contemporary architectural identity in post-colonial societies.
How to preserve historical buildings?
Preserving historical buildings involves a multifaceted approach that includes legal protection, community engagement, and proper maintenance. Effective preservation starts with establishing legal frameworks that recognize the significance of these structures, ensuring they are protected from demolition or neglect. Community involvement is crucial, as local populations often have emotional ties to historical buildings and can advocate for their preservation. Regular maintenance and restoration efforts are also essential to prevent deterioration, which may involve using traditional materials and techniques to maintain authenticity. Additionally, raising awareness about the cultural and historical value of these buildings can foster a sense of pride and responsibility within the community, encouraging collective efforts to safeguard their architectural heritage for future generations.
What defines modern architecture?
Modern architecture is defined by its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials and technologies. Emerging in the early 20th century, it marked a departure from traditional architectural styles, favoring clean lines, open spaces, and a lack of ornamentation. Key characteristics include the use of steel, glass, and concrete, which allow for innovative structural forms and large windows that connect indoor spaces with the outdoors. Modern architecture often reflects the social and cultural changes of its time, prioritizing efficiency and the needs of contemporary life. It also embraces sustainability, with many modern designs incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials, making it relevant in today’s context of environmental awareness and urban development.
Why is architectural education important?
Architectural education is crucial as it equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable built environments. It fosters critical thinking and creativity, allowing future architects to address complex societal challenges through innovative design solutions. A comprehensive architectural education also emphasizes the importance of historical context, teaching students to appreciate and integrate cultural heritage into their work. Furthermore, it prepares students to engage with various stakeholders, including clients, communities, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that their designs meet diverse needs and comply with legal standards. Ultimately, a strong architectural education contributes to the development of responsible professionals who can positively impact urban landscapes and enhance the quality of life for communities.
What is the significance of urban planning?
Urban planning is significant as it shapes the development and organization of cities, influencing how people interact with their environment. Effective urban planning addresses various aspects, including land use, transportation, housing, and public spaces, ensuring that cities function efficiently and sustainably. It plays a critical role in promoting social equity by providing access to essential services and amenities for all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status. Additionally, urban planning helps mitigate environmental impacts by incorporating green spaces and promoting sustainable practices. By considering the needs of current and future populations, urban planning fosters vibrant, livable communities that enhance the overall quality of life and contribute to economic growth and resilience.
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Summary
00:00
Colonial Architecture Perspectives in Algeria
- The roundtable discussion focuses on colonial architecture in Algeria, featuring four speakers: Nabila Sherifff, Boussade Aich, Sami Boufassa, and Claudine Piatton, each with distinct backgrounds in architecture and heritage studies.
- Nabila Sherifff is an architect and doctor in art history from the University of Paris 4, specializing in Ottoman architecture and responsible for doctoral heritage training at the Polytechnic School of Architecture and Urban Planning of Algiers.
- Boussade Aich, also an architect, teaches at the University of Tiziouu and completed a thesis on 1930s architecture in Algiers, emphasizing the influence of local architecture during the colonial period.
- Sami Boufassa, an architect and philosopher, teaches history of architecture in Algeria at the University of Béjaya and has a background in urban prospective, focusing on the 19th and 20th-century architectural heritage.
- Claudine Piatton, an architect and urban planner, specializes in heritage and has worked on projects in Egypt, including Heliopolis and the Suez Canal cities, and is currently involved in a European cooperation project on Algerian architecture.
- Nabila highlights the lack of recognition for 19th and 20th-century French architecture in Algeria, advocating for its classification as heritage alongside Ottoman and medieval structures, and actively participates in awareness-raising initiatives.
- Boussade discusses the degradation of colonial-era architecture in Algeria, stressing the need for policies to protect and preserve this heritage, which is often overlooked by authorities.
- Sami reflects on his frustration during his architectural training, where Algerian architecture was not adequately covered, leading him to develop a course on the subject at his university.
- Claudine emphasizes the importance of archival research in understanding and documenting colonial architecture, advocating for a nuanced perspective that considers diverse influences beyond just French colonialism.
- The speakers collectively address the complexities of naming colonial architecture, noting that in Algeria, it is often referred to as "French architecture" or "European architecture" to avoid the politically charged implications of the term "colonial."
16:46
Evolving Architectural Education in Algeria
- The discussion centers on the evolution of architectural education in Algeria, particularly regarding the colonial period's architecture, which is now included in the curriculum under the LMD system, similar to France's educational structure.
- A specific course titled "Architecture and Town Planning of the 19th and 20th Century" has been introduced to help students understand the architectural production during the colonial period, emphasizing the need to differentiate between colonial history and architectural development.
- The speakers highlight the importance of a dispassionate approach to history, suggesting that understanding the architectural heritage requires separating the colonial context from the architectural achievements of the time.
- Socially, the architecture from the colonial period is increasingly accepted as part of Algeria's heritage, despite some political reluctance to officially recognize it as such, indicating a shift in public perception.
- Students studying architecture in Algeria today were born after the country's independence, leading to a different relationship with history and a more nuanced understanding of colonial architecture.
- The term "Algerian architecture" is proposed to simplify discussions about architectural history, encompassing structures from various centuries, including the 19th and 20th, while questioning why earlier periods are not labeled as colonial.
- The speakers note that the teaching of 19th and 20th-century architecture in Algeria is a recent development, with previous curricula focusing primarily on ancient and vernacular architecture, largely due to the influence of Italian educators.
- The reform of architectural education has led to a greater emphasis on heritage, with courses designed to help students understand and engage with the architectural lessons from the colonial period for urban planning and design.
- Architectural workshops play a crucial role in teaching, where students apply historical knowledge to practical projects, focusing on urban fabrics and rehabilitation of old buildings, thus integrating heritage into contemporary architectural practice.
- A survey of architecture students revealed that they often categorize 19th-century architecture as colonial, while modernist architecture from the same period is viewed differently, indicating a complex relationship with the colonial legacy in architectural identity.
33:12
Algerian Architecture: Heritage and Modernity Explored
- The architectural styles in Algeria show continuity with post-independence designs, particularly in works like Aerohabitat, which is recognized as part of Algerian architecture despite its Corbusian influences.
- A significant distinction exists between 19th-century European architecture, characterized by statues and sculptures, and modern architecture, which has been appropriated in Algeria, reflecting a colonial legacy.
- An educator conducts annual questionnaires with architecture students, focusing on historical phenomena rather than heritage preservation, emphasizing the need for fieldwork to engage with local architecture.
- Students in Béja are encouraged to study various architectural elements, such as wrought iron balconies and ceramics, over a three-month period to develop sensitivity towards local architectural styles.
- In a survey conducted three years ago, only one out of 35 students believed in demolishing colonial architecture, while the majority argued for its preservation due to its current utility and beauty.
- A common misconception among students is that many colonial buildings, particularly schools, were torture centers, highlighting the need for historical context in architectural studies.
- The classification of buildings often depends on their historical significance, with some 19th-century structures being recognized for their role in colonial history, while others, like the Grande Poste, are classified for their architectural style.
- There is a noted lack of scholarly interest in 19th-century architecture compared to the 20th century, leading to a deficit in available research and resources for students and historians.
- The architectural production of the 19th century is largely viewed as a direct import from Parisian models, while the 20th century reflects a blend of local culture and colonial influences, particularly in state-sponsored projects.
- Recent efforts in Algeria focus on increasing research on 19th and 20th-century architecture, with initiatives to pool dispersed historical data from various archives in France and Algeria, enhancing access to architectural documentation.
49:16
Reviving Algerian Architectural Heritage Initiatives
- Recent efforts have been made to launch research programs focused on 20th-century architecture, particularly in Algeria, which had previously lacked such initiatives.
- Algerian students often seek documentation in France, despite the existence of shared archives, indicating a gap in accessible resources within Algeria for regional municipal architecture.
- A shared heritage project initiated around 15 years ago has helped identify Algerian centers with archives, libraries, and research facilities that can provide information on 19th and 20th-century architecture.
- Fieldwork is emphasized as crucial for research, as archives alone do not provide complete information; students are encouraged to conduct surveys and iconographic analyses, including photography.
- Access to municipal archives in Algiers is complicated, necessitating education and advocacy with local authorities to improve access for researchers.
- The 2003 earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of buildings in Algerian cities, prompting authorities to recognize the need for heritage preservation and rehabilitation efforts.
- A technical center (CTC) has been established to classify buildings based on conservation vulnerability, with a focus on demolishing those classified as high-risk, leading to tensions between engineers and architects regarding preservation strategies.
- Collaboration with the Vilaya of Algiers has been initiated to create specifications for building interventions, emphasizing documentation and preservation while allowing for selective demolition only when necessary.
- The demolition of the La Parisienne building in Algiers sparked public outcry and awareness regarding the importance of emotional memory and heritage, leading to increased activism and petitions to protect historical architecture.
- Recent developments include the restoration of significant structures, such as the court of Bejaya, and the establishment of a modern art museum in Algiers, reflecting a growing recognition of the aesthetic and historical value of Algerian architecture.
01:05:30
Algeria's Evolving Architectural Landscape and Heritage
- The construction of large complexes in Algeria, such as the new town in Constantine, was executed rapidly by Chinese builders to address the high birth rate and housing needs of the population, similar to post-World War II developments in France.
- The current trend involves the demolition of these large complexes, with sociological factors influencing the perception of their existence, particularly in areas like the European district of Constantine, which is noted for its architectural quality.
- In Algeria, balconies are often repurposed for practical uses such as satellite dishes, air conditioners, or storage, rather than being utilized as outdoor living spaces, reflecting a broader Mediterranean trend of closing off balconies.
- Young architects continue to design buildings with balconies, despite the common practice of enclosing them after construction, indicating a persistent adherence to traditional architectural models.
- The architectural landscape in Algeria is influenced by two primary models: the French city model and the vernacular city model, with a need to find a replacement for large housing complexes that lack social cohesion.
- A significant housing project aims to produce 1 million units over five years, but architects are often limited to standard plans, which hinders the creation of vibrant urban environments.
- Research on earth architecture in Algeria has gained traction, with numerous theses produced on the subject, and a new organization under the Ministry of Culture focusing on this area, highlighting its relevance to sustainable development.
- The history of architecture in Algeria, particularly the impact of French colonialism, is complex, involving both destruction and preservation of earlier structures, with ongoing debates about how to integrate this history into architectural education.
- The destruction of the Casbah in Algiers during the 19th century is a critical aspect of architectural history, revealing layers of urban development and the persistence of older structures beneath newer facades.
- Recent discussions emphasize the need for legal frameworks to protect 19th and 20th-century architectural heritage in Algeria, as current legislation primarily addresses ancient and medieval sites, leaving a gap in the preservation of more recent historical architecture.
01:22:35
Algiers Urban Planning Embraces Historical Significance
- The urban planning in Algiers has recently recognized the historic center, which includes both the protected sector of the Casbah and a significant portion of the colonial center, with the architectural and urban planning master plan set for completion by 2029. This designation marks a major advancement in acknowledging the historical significance of these areas, previously referred to simply as the old buildings of Algiers.
- The discussion highlighted the existence of colonial villages in Algeria, which were often constructed without regard to existing medinas or ancient towns, showcasing a distinct architectural style that was imported rather than locally developed. These villages, such as those in the Miijja region, were purely colonial creations, often planned by military engineers rather than architects.
- The French colonial efforts included the establishment of towns ex nihilo, such as Belabes, which were built adjacent to existing historical sites like the Byzantine enclosure. This approach often involved creating new urban centers while leaving some existing Algerian towns intact, reflecting a blend of colonial and local influences in urban development.
