Privacy and Gendered Domestic Spaces in the 21st Century: Mapping Sociocultural Continuity in the Community led-housing Project of Ksar Tafilelt, Algeria
Abstract
As a sociocultural product, the home is shaped by specific sociocultural norms and values. Economic development and modernisation have significantly affected the architecture of many Muslim homes, resulting in a disconnection from Islamic culture. This paper explores two sociocultural factors in Muslim housing: privacy and gender segregation. The analysis highlights how the principles of traditional Islamic architecture are still woven into contemporary designs, using Ksar Tafilelt in Algeria as a case study. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that the Mozabite house in Ksar Tafilelt continues to uphold the social customs and religious beliefs of its residents despite the influences of modernisation.
Through fieldwork and comparative analysis, both the traditional house in the original Mozabite settlement and the contemporary house in Ksar Tafilelt are examined in terms of user zones rather than functional zones. This approach investigates how these homes uphold traditional Mozabite architectural patterns while accommodating contemporary comfort needs. The study methodology also includes a combination of questionnaires and interviews conducted with a sample of 70 residents from Ksar Tafilelt.
The findings reveal factors that have enabled the Mozabite community to maintain its Islamic identity. They also emphasise a notably conservative, family-oriented culture, which is reflected in the organisation of household spaces. This research study highlights the significance of involving the community in housing projects and comprehending the sociocultural principles of the local population throughout the construction process.
This research was conducted as part of a PhD project funded by Cardiff University.
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Article Details
Accepted 2025-04-23
Published 2025-04-30