Contribution méthodologique au processus d'évaluation du paysage culturel

Abstract

The content and limits of the concept of “cultural landscape” are not yet sufficiently clear and still difficult to circumscribe. Its apprehension encompasses different dimensions related to several fields. The intense theoretical and practical studies on the landscape approaches of the last three decades show the concern of both practitioners and researchers for a comprehensive framework to be used for the evaluation of cultural landscapes. In Algeria, cultural heritage in general, and some cultural landscapes in particular are subjected to important decays. Some listed monuments such as “the royal mausoleum of Maurétanie “in Tipasa might even loose the main features that helped their listing on the World Cultural Heritage List. By addressing the issue of “cultural landscapes evaluation” the research work presented in this thesis aims at analysing the reliability and validity of the different models of landscape evaluation used in some European countries in order to adapt them to the Algerian context. The different model analysed were classified according to their conceptualisation of the notion of landscape: • Landscape / Subject • Landscape/ Object • Landscape /Subject/ Object The appreciation of a landscape is usually based on subjective aspects. The main argument is to find a way of translating this subjectivity into more objective and measurable criteria. Indeed, the evaluation of a cultural landscape constitute the first step for its preservation and conservation; therefore establishing a methodology for the identification of the different components of a landscape, and its appraisal from all the different aspects (environmental, historical and social) should become an operational tool in all decision making process. The introduction of the concept of “cultural landscape” as encompassing both natural and cultural heritage should also help in changing conventional attitudes towards historical settlements and monuments, as it considers both heritage resources as complementary and equally vital for sustaining our cultural heritage. In this research work, the main argument is that the evaluation of the cultural landscape should be achieved through several phases, mainly: • Determination of the motivations that justify the evaluation act. The aim of this phase is to select the Algerian historical settings listed as historical monuments and having significant landscaping potentials. • Elaboration of a set of evaluation criteria specific for the case study, ex: The Royal mausoleum of Tipasa. The aim of this second phase would be to identify the different relationships which might exist between the historical monuments and its environment (social, cultural and geographical) and thus, enable an objective and detailed evaluation. • Elaboration of a methodological evaluation process that helps to evaluate quantitatively (by attributing a mark) the varied landscaping resources (natural and cultural). The aim of this phase being that a cultural landscape evaluation should necessarily look at the architectural as well as the historical aspects of the monument, his physical context, his landscaping characteristics and his socio cultural attributes. In fine, the political stakes of such an approach would be: • To activate the landscape parameters for the tourist valorisation of the varied territories, with an emphasis on their sustainability • To stress on the various resources of the cultural landscape that can help the initiation of more effective and sustainable conservation projects. • To involve the general public in the evaluation of the cultural landscape which would help a better identification of their needs, values, attitudes and aspirations towards their landscapes. The practical outcome of this research work would be to establish a methodological platform based on the valorisation of complementary approaches developed by the various fields related to cultural heritage such as geography, economy, GIS..., and that could be used by the different actors involved in cultural landscape to develop their own specific and context related tools.