International conference: The Architectural and Landscape Identity Confronting Natural Risks in the Euro-Mediterranean Region

The Euromed School of Architecture, Design and Urbanism (EMADU) of the Euromed University of Fes organized, on December 12, 2024, an international conference on the theme " Architectural and landscape identity confronting natural risks in the Euro-Mediterranean region ».  

This event made it possible to explore the major challenges posed by the intensification of natural risks – such as earthquakes, floods, forest fires and landslides – in a context of climate change and rapid urbanization.  

The discussions particularly highlighted the vulnerabilities of heritage constructions, like those revealed by the Al Haouz earthquake in September 2023. This tragedy, which destroyed thousands of rammed-earth buildings, resonated with similar realities experienced in countries of the region, notably Italy, Greece and Turkey, which have also been marked by intense seismic activity.

Experts in architecture, urban planning, engineering and risk management, alongside local and national decision-makers, debated strategies to strengthen territorial resilience and preserve their cultural and heritage identity. 

Among the major axes addressed were:

• Adapting construction practices to face seismic and climatic challenges.
• Integrating local materials and traditional techniques from a resilience perspective.
• The role of public infrastructures and urban spaces in proactive risk management.
• Sustainable urban planning and tools to reduce the vulnerability of populations.

This conference also opened a reflection on the necessary balance between safety and preservation of architectural heritage, a crucial issue for the future of Euro-Mediterranean territories.  

A series of recommendations was formulated to guide the design and planning of territories exposed to natural risks, reconciling sustainability and heritage preservation.