Restoring Traditional Architecture and Promoting Earth Building in the M hamid Oasis: 2012-2014 Campaigns

Terrachidia is an NGO established in Spain in 2012, made up of a group of practitioners interested in promoting traditional architecture and building techniques, regarded as a key factor to achieve a sustainable environment. Since its creation, we have organized continuous heritage restoration workshops and teaching activities. Nevertheless, our main teaching program is not in Spain, but in Southern Morocco, in M hamid, the last oasis in the valley of the Draa River. Our M hamid restoration program helps to keep local traditions alive, supporting local building masters and helping them with the diffusion of their knowledge. We work along with local associations, restoring and promoting the architectural heritage of this region, and contributing that way to the sustainable development of the oasis. This paper will present both our methodology and the outcomes of the restoration works we have undertaken from 2012 to 2014.