Rural Vernacular Heritage and Strategic Design: Matmata as an example of Sustainable Development

Abstract

This paper examines the sustainable design strategies of Matmata mountains' vernacular architecture. Hence, the small town is located in south-eastern Tunisia and it represents a perfect example of the Berber architectural heritage, offering the opportunity to analyze and discuss the building strategies of the past which are still nowadays considered relevant. Hence, the great potential of this Berber originality manifests itself in the troglodytic (underground) architecture. This article aims to highlight Matamata's originality and to present the underground living as a cultural heritage recently witnessing a massive decline due to the socio-economic changes the region has undergone. The article also aims to depict the development of hotels. The initial phase of the research consists of an interpretation of the basic theoretical and methodological concepts of sustainable design. Then, we will introduce a geo-historical study of the region. Afterwards, an analytical study researching the troglodytic architecture of Matmata will take place.

Keywords

• Rural Vernacular heritage
• Troglodyte
• Strategic Design

References

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