People seated in an auditorium face a stage featuring a panel of people

Presentation and discussion of the rehabilitation proposal of Taourirt with the Ouarzazate authorities and community

This phase of the project developed a rehabilitation and conservation plan for an earthen site used by its community and managed by applicable authorities. Conserving the Kasbah demanded a multidisciplinary approach that addresses economic, social, cultural, and technical challenges.

An important component was to facilitate discussions between CERKAS, the municipality of Ouarzazate, community groups, governmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations about issues and opportunities presented by the site with the objective of arriving at a common vision for Kasbah Taourirt's future use.

This phase was divided into two components: 1) conservation and rehabilitation planning for the Kasbah and 2) conservation of the painted surfaces of the Kasbah Taourirt.

Two people, one pointing ahead, hold clipboards in the middle of an earthen site

Team members carrying out condition assessments at the site

Photo: Scott S. Warren

Conservation and Rehabilitation Planning for the Kasbah

A plan was developed for the conservation and rehabilitation of the site that can be adopted by site owners and managers. Activities included:

  • Mapping relative levels of significance and identifying character-defining features of the site in order to guide the rehabilitation proposal and appropriate uses of historic spaces
  • Carrying out a condition assessment of the Kasbah, focusing on identifying urgent and longer-term interventions
  • Preparing technical specifications to guide interventions for the adaptive reuse of the site
  • Developing policies for adaptive reuse based on the assessments of condition, significance, and values
  • Defining strategies of interventions including practical conservation approaches and programming for future use of the structures and public areas
  • Developing operational guidelines for the use and maintenance of the site as well as recommendations for the Kasbah and its relationship with the surrounding context
  • Presenting the conservation and rehabilitation proposal, including the policies and operational guidelines for the Kasbah's future use and maintenance to the community
  • Holding training workshops on activities including documentation, conditions assessment, significance and values, assessment and treatment of wall paintings, and conducting in-situ laboratory analysis of earthen materials

Conservation of the Painted Surfaces of the Kasbah Taourirt

A methodology was developed to record, assess, and implement treatments for the conservation of painted surfaces of the site through the following activities:

  • Developing appropriate documentation of the painted surfaces
  • Defining and assessing their condition
  • Designing and implementing proper conservation treatment using locally available materials
A person wearing a gas mask uses a scientific instrument to analyze a wall painting

Team member using nondestructive techniques to analyze the wall paintings at Kasbah Taourirt

Photo: Scott S. Warren

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