1. Potential for Regeneration of Kasbahs and Ksour as Off-Grid
Community Technology Learning Centres
J. Acosta-Cabronero, S. Brihuega-Moreno, S.G. Leon-Saval, A. Moreno-Losana,
D. Panagiotakopoulos and J.E. Simpson
Within the past decade, social and educational organisations around the world have been concerned with
improving the public accessibility of computers and other sources of basic information as a means to
enhance social and scientific development [1]. In order to meet this goal the concept of a community
technology learning centre (CTLC) has been developed in the context of information and communication
technologies (ICT) [2]. CTLC’s have proliferated and have proved to be a useful tool in a variety of
geographical and socio-economic environments, but there are still many challenges ahead [3].
This manuscript proposes a sustainable self-sufficient building model for a CTLC within the context
of both renewable energies and vernacular architecture in semi-arid conditions. This model is based solely
on renewable energy technologies to meet its energy needs and aims to transfer skills to local communities
by educating them in the use and implementation of these technologies to provide the platform for a more
self-reliable and sustainable community. The programme of the off-grid CTLC facilitates the diversification
of the local economy, improves community development, creates new ways of communication and
enhances local commerce. The study proceeds in two parts describing the architectural and technological
approaches to the model. A special emphasis is given to the socio-economical impact on the rural
communities.
Modern construction techniques applied in relatively isolated rural areas can dramatically increase
the cost of the development and the energy required. This results in a higher environmental impact in
terms of transporting personnel, building materials and equipment. Urbanisation also implies an increase
in water, air and soil pollution. Vernacular architecture avoids these issues as it is informed by collective
experience; it is resource efficient by nature. The techniques described in the paper employ local materials
that are re-useable, bio-degradable and consequently sustainable as well as using a local workforce. Our
model aims for the re-appropriation of existing vernacular buildings, which further reduces the amount of
material to transport and the energy input. This directly translates into cost reductions, lower environmental
impact and a new cultural relevance to dilapidated but potentially valuable housing stock.
The off-grid CTLC helps to reduce the high costs involved in delivering energy to remote areas by
implementing on-site renewable energy systems. Power generation from photo-voltaic and hydro-power
sources enables self-sufficiency to rural communities and the production of bio-mass and bio-fuels benefits
the economy by diversifying the local agriculture. An adaptable and self-sufficient CTLC provides the
infrastructure for further essential technology transfers such as water extraction or waste management
systems, and creates a platform for the local population to benefit from the advantages of satellite internet
connections (i.e. potential collaboration for bringing together western expertise with local knowledge).
This model can be applied to Kasbahs/Ksour in the Moroccan pre-Saharan valleys as a way to
strategically regenerate architectural heritage and technology development in a country that is need of an
improvement in social conditions in order to reach a higher position in the global marketplace.
References
[1] http://digitaldividenetwork.org
[2] R. M. Thioune, F. Etta, S. Parvyn-Wamahiu and T. James. ICT for Development in Africa. IDRC
Books (2004).
[3] S.Parkinson. Telecentres, Access and Development, Experiences and Lessons from Uganda and South
Africa. ITDG Publishing (2005).