ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 318

Figure 8: Ratio of paved and green area in the three typologies
This allows suggesting that the size of the plot appears to be more favourable to extensions than
planting. However, the small change observed in green areas at the two historical periods (at
initial design stage and presently) as seen in Figure 7 and 8, helps conclude that plot size has no
major influence on the surface reserved to vegetation. More crucially, the historic evolution of the
homes shows that plot size is more conducive to building extension than planting.

Conclusion
This study explored the spatial and physical characteristics of green spaces in different individual housing typology as commonly found in Algeria. The study shed some light in greenery and
open space design in individual housing in Oran, a city of Algeria, and owners’ general attitude
to vegetation.
The main and consistent finding highlights the exclusive rectilinear configuration of green areas
in all three unit typologies. They are generally located along property walls, demarcated from the
paved spaces and their dimensions vary depending on the plot size, but are of a lesser size than
the mineral or paved areas. Fruit trees and vine like plants dominate the landscaping, while grass
is inexistent. The high-maintenance ornamental plants do occur but are not common, while the
vegetable garden is virtually inexistent and is socially disregarded. The aesthetic treatment of
the outdoor space materializes mainly through ceramics-covered walls with sometimes added
features such as a fountain or a pergola.
Building extensions affected the existing open space. However, the extent of the impacts on the
vegetation depended on one side on both the scale of the extensions, their shape either horizontal or vertical and on the other side, on the location of green areas. The plot size was not retained
as a predominant factor on the degree of presence of vegetation, since the ratio of green areas
remained in a close range regardless of the plot’s size.

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ZEMCH 2015 | International Conference | Bari - Lecce, Italy