The heritage atmosphere to the test of appropriation: case of the Kasbah of Algiers

Recently, studying heritage topic moved from a focused on authenticity and conservation related approach to a both atmospheric dimension and human performance integration based one. However, the field work reveals two shortcomings: i) a clear divide between the material and immaterial spheres, and ii) the inhabitants’ non-approval of the action on the heritage. Hence, this study mobilizes the theory of heritage atmosphere together with the concept of appropriation in order to build a historical urban place’s ambiences emerging from its own inhabitants. The developed approach is applied to an experimental study undertaken in the historical core of Algiers, namely the Casbah. The main adopted research method is the commented walks in addition to other secondary investigation tools. The main result of this study reveals that a heritage place, having preserved its deep historical depth, profoundly reactivates the interaction of ambient dimensions. It also could eventually generate a notorious degree of appropriation leading the engagement of local communities.