Cite this article
Heffaf, S. E., Bestandji, S., Hamida, N. S. (2025) ‘Formation and evolution of residential buildings in the Djelfa region of Algeria’, Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU, 30(1), pp. 15-27. https://www.doi.org/10.2478/alfa-2025-0003
SUMMARY
This research delves into the evolution of residential structures in the Djelfa region of Algeria, employing the principle of organicity as a framework to understand the continuity and interdependence of building forms over time. The study is grounded in the concept of the typological process, developed by the Italian School of Processual Typology, which examines the progressive differentiation of building types within a cultural area. The Djelfa region in Algeria, situated between the temperate Tell in the north and the arid Sahara in the south, has historically been shaped by two complementary lifestyles: the sedentary lifestyle, based on arboriculture and housed in villages called ksour, and the nomadic lifestyle, based on livestock and cereal farming, with tents as the primary form of habitat. This unique context provides a rich backdrop for exploring the transformation of residential typologies, from primitive huts and tents to courtyard houses, row houses, and modern apartment blocks.
The earliest residential forms in Djelfa include the hut and the tent, each representing distinct responses to environmental and cultural needs. The hut, an enclosure-based structure, evolved into the courtyard house, which became a dominant typology in the region. The courtyard house is characterised by a central open space surrounded by rooms, with its orientation optimised for sunlight. This typology reflects a deep connection to the region’s cultural and environmental context, evolving through diachronic variations such as the gradual occupation of the courtyard and the introduction of external openings. In rural areas, courtyard houses are simpler, often consisting of two to three cells for residential and storage purposes. In urban areas, they form low-density fabrics, with growth patterns influenced by the need for sunlight and spatial organisation. Urban courtyard houses exhibit greater complexity, with variations in access and layout to accommodate commercial and residential needs.
The tent, on the other hand, represents the nomadic lifestyle and is optimised for environmental adaptability and ease of transport. It is a lightweight, mobile structure designed to be easily dismantled and reassembled. The tent’s design reflects a high degree of specialisation, with specific techniques developed to respond to extreme environmental conditions. However, its potential for evolution is limited. The typological process of the tent primarily involves dimensional growth, with larger tents used for festivals and assemblies rather than residential purposes.
As the region underwent socio-economic changes, new residential typologies emerged. The row house evolved from the fragmentation of courtyard houses, reflecting the increasing value of urban land and the growing importance of commercial activities. Row houses are closely tied to the street, with narrow, deep plots and vertical growth. They represent a shift from the inward-focused courtyard house to a more outward-oriented typology.
The socio-economic turbulence of the 1990s further influenced the evolution of residential typologies, leading to the emergence of spontaneous apartment blocks. These blocks often include commercial spaces, reflecting the economic pressures faced by families. Spontaneous apartment blocks represent an adaptation of the courtyard house to new economic constraints and changing lifestyles, with families opting for multi-storey constructions to generate rental income. In contrast, planned apartment blocks represent a more formalised approach to urban expansion, though they often lack integration with the fabric. These blocks are characterised by their monotony and weak integration, reflecting the disintegration of the components of the urban fabric, such as the path, the plot, and the built unit.
The study reveals a dynamic evolution of residential typologies of Djelfa region, marked by alternating periods of stability and transformation. New building types often inherit characteristics from their predecessors, demonstrating a continuity in the typological process. The courtyard house, in particular, has proven to be a highly adaptable and influential typology, shaping urban forms over long periods and serving as a foundation for new architectural configurations. Its evolution reflects a deep cultural significance and a strong territorial anchoring.
This research underscores the importance of interpreting and designing the built environment “with the same hand,” a concept that involves reconstructing the process of shaping architectural reality as a sequence of interconnected phases. By retracing these phases, the study establishes a coherent relationship between existing structures and future interventions, ensuring continuity between past, present, and future developments. Redrawing the structuring phases of the residential built environment yields a series of “reconstructive samples” that, when viewed in sequence, reveal the evolutionary path leading to the current state of the built environment. This current stage is not an endpoint but a transitional moment—a culmination of the typological process and a foundation for future changes. The present built environment thus serves as a dynamic matrix, embodying historical adaptations while guiding future transformations. This approach highlights the need for continuity and adaptability, ensuring that future designs are rooted in a deep understanding of historical and typological evolution.