Earthen architecture constitutes a significant component of cultural heritage worldwide. However, this heritage is under threat due to a multitude of factors, including social, environmental, and economic changes. In South Algeria, earthen architecture is intimately linked to the identity of historic urban landscapes, particularly in Timimoun, the chief town of the gourara region. However, the shift towards industrial construction techniques and materials, encouraged by the state, has led to the abandonment of earthen houses and a neglect of traditional building culture. This poses questions about the evolving relationship between the inhabitants and their existing built environment in the context of changing social and economic conditions. To address this issue, we conducted an ethnographic study aimed to understand the significance and value of earthen architecture among local communities. Drawing on existing literature on the positive and negative views linked to earthen architecture, we employed a questionnaire to identify stakeholders’ preferences, choices, and attitudes towards this form of architecture. Through analysing the responses to the questionnaire, we have gained insight into the current state of earthen architecture and its significance. Our research findings provide valuable contributions to better comprehend the challenges faced by the preservation of earthen architecture and the cultural heritage it represents.

中文翻译：

---

阿尔及利亚南部的土建筑：社会价值观和工业建筑实践影响的评估

土建筑是世界文化遗产的重要组成部分。然而，由于社会、环境和经济变化等多种因素，这一遗产正受到威胁。在阿尔及利亚南部，土制建筑与历史城市景观的特征密切相关，特别是在古拉拉地区的主要城镇蒂米蒙。然而，国家鼓励的工业化建筑技术和材料的转变导致了土屋的废弃和传统建筑文化的忽视。这就提出了在社会和经济条件不断变化的背景下居民与其现有建筑环境之间不断变化的关系的问题。为了解决这个问题，我们进行了一项民族志研究，旨在了解土建筑在当地社区中的意义和价值。借鉴现有关于土建筑积极和消极观点的文献，我们采用了一份调查问卷来确定利益相关者对这种建筑形式的偏好、选择和态度。通过对问卷调查的分析，我们了解了土建筑的现状及其意义。我们的研究结果为更好地理解保护土建筑及其所代表的文化遗产所面临的挑战提供了宝贵的贡献。