Intermediate spaces in Moroccan vernacular architecture: Climatic and cultural challenges

Abstract

Intermediate spaces in Moroccan vernacular architecture are important in addressing cultural, functional, and climatic challenges, acting as transitional zones between public and private spheres. These spaces, which include terraces, courtyards, patios, and thresholds, not only facilitate social and economic interactions within local communities but also play a crucial role in regulating the thermal comfort of dwellings. This study, focusing on specific cases in Sebt el Gardan in the Taroudant region, highlights the diversity and functionality of these intermediate spaces. It demonstrates how they contribute to both thermal regulation and the facilitation of social interactions while emphasizing the importance of local materials such as rammed earth and mud in their construction. Traditional techniques showcase how vernacular architecture meets contemporary needs while preserving its cultural identity. The central hypothesis of this research is that the climate and communal ways of life largely influence the typology of intermediate spaces in Moroccan vernacular architecture. Through a documentary approach and case studies, the study aims to deepen the understanding of spatial and social dynamics within communities, while underscoring the need to preserve this often underestimated cultural heritage. Thus, intermediate spaces are not merely architectural elements but dynamic vectors of Moroccan cultural heritage, capable of adapting to socio-economic and historical changes, reinforcing their relevance in the discourse on sustainable development and cultural heritage conservation.