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Characterizing Sustainability and Assessing Biophilic Design in Vernacular Architecture: Case of Kasbahs and Ksour in South of Morocco

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  • Zakaria Abyaa

    (The Social Dynamics and Recomposition of Spaces Laboratory—LADYSS, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, 75005 Paris, France
    UNESCO Chair, Ecole Nationale d’Architecture, Rabat 10112, Morocco)

  • Khalid El Harrouni

    (UNESCO Chair, Ecole Nationale d’Architecture, Rabat 10112, Morocco)

  • Robin Degron

    (The Social Dynamics and Recomposition of Spaces Laboratory—LADYSS, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, 75005 Paris, France
    Plan Bleu (UNEP), 13002 Marseille, France)

Abstract

In recent decades, sustainability and biophilic design have gained significant attention as revived concepts in architecture, offering innovative pathways to reconnect the built environment with nature. Can these principles be characterized and assessed in vernacular architectural contexts so as to be incorporated into contemporary sustainable practices? This research seeks to answer this question by examining the vernacular architecture of Kasbahs and Ksour in southern Morocco through the lens of biophilic design. The link between the two remains underexplored, specifically in the context of southern Morocco—a gap this article seeks to address. This research analyzes these heritage architectures by combining a theoretical exploration of sustainability, biophilic design (BD), and operational BD frameworks with a practical evaluation using a Biophilic Interior Design Matrix. This analysis is particularly pertinent as the contemporary society spends roughly 90% of its time indoors and is considered to be an “indoor generation”. After examining eleven vernacular buildings spread over key areas of Ouarzazate Province in southern Morocco against 54 biophilic design attributes, the findings reveal that Kasbahs and Ksour showcase sustainability and biophilic qualities. This demonstrates that Moroccan traditional architectural values can enable heritage preservation through biophilic principles to deliver culturally contextual and sustainable architectural solutions for contemporary practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Zakaria Abyaa & Khalid El Harrouni & Robin Degron, 2025. "Characterizing Sustainability and Assessing Biophilic Design in Vernacular Architecture: Case of Kasbahs and Ksour in South of Morocco," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-25, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4680-:d:1659665
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ebru Ergöz Karahan & Özgür Göçer & Kenan Göçer & Didem Boyacıoğlu, 2021. "An Investigation of Occupant Energy-Saving Behavior in Vernacular Houses of Behramkale (Assos)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-23, December.
    2. Bjørn Grinde & Grete Grindal Patil, 2009. "Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-Being?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(9), pages 1-12, August.
    3. Marwa Dabaieh & Dalya Maguid & Deena El-Mahdy, 2021. "Circularity in the New Gravity—Re-Thinking Vernacular Architecture and Circularity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Atar Dialmy & Mustapha Rguig & Mehdi Meliani, 2023. "Optimization of the Granular Mixture of Natural Rammed Earth Using Compressible Packing Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-17, February.
    5. Deborah Lefosse & Arjan van Timmeren & Carlo Ratti, 2023. "Biophilia Upscaling: A Systematic Literature Review Based on a Three-Metric Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-34, November.
    6. Alis Saad Shbaita & Simge Bardak Denerel & Buket Asilsoy, 2024. "An Evidence-Based Assessment of Biophilic Interior Design in a Traditional Context: The Case of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-23, September.
    7. Sung Jun Park & Hyo Chang Lee, 2019. "Spatial Design of Childcare Facilities Based on Biophilic Design Patterns," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-15, May.
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