Spirit of Place through Material and Cultural Lifecycles in 

Ghardaïa Revealed
A Window into Sahara Splendor




Covering 33% of the Earth's surface, the Sahara
embodies the essence of slow architecture through its lifecycle properties. The rhythms of nature and culture shape the spirit of the built environment, ensuring that the architectural design resonates harmoniously with the surroundings, and nurturing a sustainable ethos that enriches both the community and the landscape.

Located among dunes and oases, the Mozabite community thrives through an architectural approach rooted in eco-centric principles, where the lifecycle properties of materials and cultural practices intertwine seamlessly. It fosters a distinctive atmosphere that profoundly influences both the body and the mind. This resonance with human experience shapes various facets of communal existence, creating a deep connection
with the place.

© Sarah El Ouazzani (May 2023)