The Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), in cooperation with the University of Amar Telidji and international partners, has announced the Vernacular Architecture Winter School 2026. The program will take place from January 29 to February 8, 2026, across selected locations in the Laghouat–Ghardaïa corridor of Algeria.
This hands-on training aims to strengthen the conservation and documentation of earthen vernacular heritage, promoting traditional building techniques and sustainable preservation practices. Participants will gain experience in compatible repairs, preventive maintenance, and digital heritage documentation methods such as TLS, LiDAR, and HBIM.
Led by an international faculty from Spain, Turkey, Italy, and the USA, the workshop will include lectures, site visits, and fieldwork. Focus areas include:
- Ksar Al Madhi and Ksar Tagliloumet (Laghouat Province)
- Ghardaïa & M’Zab Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The program welcomes post-graduate students and young professionals (5–7 years) in fields like architecture, conservation, archaeology, heritage management, and urban planning.
Proficiency in English (Arabic/French advantageous) and availability for the entire duration are required.
Fees & Travel:
No tuition fees are charged. Participants will cover their international airfare and visa/insurance costs, while local accommodation, transport, field materials, and most meals will be provided.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit a single PDF (≤ 5MB) including:
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Motivation statement (≤ 500 words)
- Mini portfolio (3–4 pages of relevant work)
- Contact details
Deadline: 12 November 2025 (23:59 TRT / UTC+3)
Results Announcement: 20 November 2025
Selected participants will receive certificates upon completion, and the working languages will include Arabic, French, and English.
For more details and applications, email: architecture@ircica.org
More information: www.ircica.org
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