Recognition of rammed earth in Tlemcen as a means of preserving a forgotten heritage

Abstract Through a study of its historical, architectural and social features, this article aims to enhance the value of rammed earth in Tlemcen, a traditional building material with undeniably interesting ecological and heritage assets. This contribution highlights the richness of the architectural heritage of rammed earth, which is now under threat and remains underexploited because of the ideological upheavals of the current era. Scientific research will make it possible to promote and improve knowledge in this field, to better identify the problems facing rammed earth structures and develop conservation policies. The rammed earth heritage offers an important and very broad field of experimentation for rediscovering the fundamentals of this technique, which has withstood the test of time for centuries and whose primary objective today is to formalise the knowledge needed to enhance it. It is also from this new perspective that we are now looking to provide answers to current issues such as the impact on the environment and energy consumption.