For an approach of conservation and enhancement of built heritage

the Intramuros of Setif

Abstract

The notion of heritage continues to evolve and expand by welcoming new dimensions: historical, identity and memorial, this evolution is intimately linked to the very evolution of the human species, its history, its culture, and to the relationship between man and his space.

Such as the historic center of the city of Sétif, among many others in Algeria, it retains today the imprint of the French colonial project which had been forged for more than a century.

This reflection focuses on the recognition of the Algerian heritage from the colonial period and the development of a look at the historical and architectural knowledge, necessary for any study of heritage conservation. We have identified three types of buildings of prestigious architecture that have marked the history of the city of Sétif, and which today constitute emblematic landmarks for its users.

The interest is to highlight this heritage, which, despite its values, remains frowned upon, rarely recognized, and in the process of withering away, in full view of everyone, it is a very important part of the history of the country, and therefore an important part of the Algerian identity.

The originality of this research lies in the knowledge of colonial architectural production in Sétif from the 19th and 20th centuries, thus serving as a reference and training base for research teams. This is only a first but essential step in the conservation approach, which will then lead to protection and then to enhancement and management