L’analyse parcellaire comme source de l’histoire urbaine et architecturale. Cas de la ville d’Alger du XIXe siècle
Parcel Analysis as a Source of Urban and Architectural History. Case of the Nineteenth Century Algiers City

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the plot plan of the first French city built in Algiers in the nineteenth century: the Quartier d’Isly. Between 1840 and 1900 was built on almost virgin land with uneven and highly contrasted relief; this city remained fortified until the end of the nineteenth century. This historical context serves as a backdrop for the presentation of the morphological study results of the plot plan. Carried out on a total of 127 blocks and 744 plots, this study aims to produce a reasonably exhaustive morphological knowledge of the Quartier d’Isly urban fabric. The analysis method developed is based on a careful examination of morphological information from the urban plot plan: blocks shape and size, the blocks' inner courtyards density, plot shape and size, plot position and width on the street. The results revealed the presence of three distinct plot entities. A different organization of blocks and plots characterizes each entity. The Quartier d’Isly plot pattern is, therefore, irregular. Contrary to the usual discourse attesting to the regularity of urban fabrics produced in nineteenth-century Algeria, this study shows that the urban fabric structure in Algiers is different. It also explains the reasons for this specific organization, mainly due to the relief shape. Finally, it highlights the consequences produced at the urban, architectural and social levels. The conclusions drawn invite us to take a new and different look at the urban history of the 19th century Algiers city.

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