Connaissance et reconnaissance du pâtrimoine architectural du mouvement moderne à Alger(1930-1962)

Abstract

History is an addition of past events that influence countries and their population’s development. The impact of history is so strong, that to build the present and future, that one needs to consider the past and its understanding. Algeria is such a remarkable sample of countries that witnessed a great variety of events through its history. In fact, Algeria’s history can be reached through documents, as much as it can be read on its walls, streets and through the different architectures exposed. Among these history witnesses, the previous Algeria’s National Library building, which attracted our attention and led to this research work. Well known nowadays, as an annex to the present National Library but also as a room for the « National Book Center », its style of architecture is, up to now, a witness of the worldwide « modern movement » that was developed in Algiers during the first part of the 20th century. This building, despite the particular features of its architecture, remains unknown as regards to its history. For these reasons, and moreover the debate set around the status of the modern architecture movement in Algeria, and as researchers, involved in the built heritage concern, we decided to highlight the previous BNA building and show up its features, in order to underline its importance as a national heritage to be looked at..