Team 3

Architecture and innovative natural materials (stones and earth)

 Saharan Architecture in Stones and Earth from tradition to innovation is the study that will allow us to systematize the state of knowledge in relation to oases. An oasis can be defined as a self-sufficient system which, in extreme climatic conditions, succeeds by elaborating complex forms of adaptation to the surrounding territory, optimizing the local resources at hand. In general, the oasis is like a living organism, a complex ecosystem made up of Ksour, the palm grove and different agricultural crops (fruit trees, market gardeners, etc.), held together through a system of water collection and collective and effective management of these waters. This research aims to demonstrate the concrete possibility that oases are still valid systems and effective witnesses and can become future centers of experimentation of agglomerations (Ksour) in environments with extreme climates. A fundamental starting point for reflection on the updating of knowledge of these agglomerations in a first time, the recovery and rehabilitation of these Ksour and new buildings in a second time and this through a sharp research on innovative stone materials and earth that meet the requirements of climatic conditions and thermal comfort for energy efficiency. The sine qua non condition is that these materials will be produced locally with local raw materials at hand by introducing technical innovations, Innovated natural materials for a sustainable Saharan architecture, Rehabilitation of the Saharan Architecture of the ksours, Local materials and comfort Thermal, Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency.