ABSTRACT
The Berber house in the Aures region of Algeria is known for being an example of austere architecture, defined by the construction materials available on site. What makes it different from other traditional settlements in North Africa is the fact that it is influenced by the vernacular culture of the Shawia 1 community. This is mainly the result of a process of adaptation to the common lifestyle of the region, which is the main reason why Shawia house typologies and urban configurations look so similar in their general aspect. However, diversity can be observed from one village to another, resulting in a rich urban fabric. The aim of this research is to investigate and diagnose, through a comparative analysis, the cultural influences on the architecture of two examples of Shawia houses situated in two different villages, the first from the Oued-Abdi valley in the western part of the Aures, and the second from the eastern part of the Oued-Labiod valley.
