Formes et performances environnementales de l’espace "cour" dans le logement contemporain des régions arides cas la ville de biskra

Abstract

Contemporary neo-vernacular architecture is frequently perceived as a solid source of inspiration for a contextualized approach that respects environmental and sociocultural dimensions. In this context, our study focuses on the experience of the El Miniawy brothers, two Egyptian architects in Algeria, who adopted the neo-vernacular approach by implementing solutions that experts consider ingenious. Their goal was to engage in a contextual and environmental approach, applying technical and conceptual solutions drawn from vernacular heritage. Although the environmental efficiency of this approach has been demonstrated by numerous studies, our research focuses on a less explored aspect: the relationship between space and the user. This relationship is often sacrificed in favour of an urgent and justified interest in the energy efficiency of the building. Consequently, some architectural research studies limit themselves to assessing thermal efficiency, sometimes adding a psychosocial study to which little importance is granted. A process of reconversion leads the architect-researcher to take the place of the thermal engineer, thereby neglecting a domain that no one else can fulfill. In this context, our analysis emphasizes the experiences of redefining the "courtyard" space in a specific case that has proven its energy efficiency. We particularly focus on the "124 CNEP housing" project in Biskra, considered as an alternative to the traditional courtyard house. The El Miniawy brothers rethought the organization of the traditional house around the courtyard, transitioning from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement for contemporary housing. It is important to note that architects tended to propose specific neo-vernacular solutions, inspired by cultural contexts outside of their projects. We have noticed discomfort related to the profound transformations of the housing involved since their realization. To address this issue, our approach relies on two stages of investigation. The first stage is a content analysis through an examination of the theoretical foundations of the architects' vision for modern courtyard spaces inspired by the vernacular, based on archives written by or about them and their project. The second stage is an investigation strategy using environmental psychosociology techniques. In this phase, a two-step approach was necessary. The first is a method of evaluation by spatial syntax, which has proven its worth in recent studies. It allows quantitatively and qualitatively assessing the "courtyard" space in relation to its importance and role in housing. The second step is a post-occupancy evaluation combining observation and a questionnaire, to understand the process of adapting space and usage. It is important to emphasize that the environmental efficiency of the El Miniawy brothers' neo-vernacular approach has already been demonstrated and validated by various studies, thus justifying our choice not to include an energy evaluation in this study. By focusing on spatial syntax and post- IV occupational evaluation, our investigation makes an original and complementary contribution to understanding the impact of projects inspired by vernacular architecture on the quality of life of residents, while taking into account the influence of exogenous inspirations on the local cultural context.