Tradição e vida social na forma urbana da Kasbah dos Oudayas e Medina de Rabat

Abstract

The research proposed in this investigation deals with the analysis of the urban organism of Rabat, capital of Morocco, seeking for the meaning of the Kasbah of Oudayas in its landscape ensemble. The method used is proposed by the English School of Urban Morphology and it investigates the urban evolution of Rabat according to the morphological periods of developments. Historical core of the city, the Kasbah of Oudayas is the first Islamic urban settlement in the region and along with the medina of Rabat, sets the oldest urban fabric within the city - the traditional continuous fabric of Rabat. According to our evaluation, there are characteristics that synthesize values which can be reproduced in different geographical regions. In this investigation we extract guidelines for urban design that may inspire projects in the future, based on values of tradition, sustainability and belonging within this fabric. Together they demonstrate great potential for formal representation in the urban space. Those guidelines reflect qualities of urban design based on relations of road hierarchy, use and building typology. We believe in the value of a reference as a contribution of our research, willing to stimulate a more conscious way of building and living our social life.