TROGLODYTE ARCHITECTURE Design, Materials, Energy and Environment. Tome 3

Abstract

Troglodytic architecture is not a relic of the past, but a form of spatial, social, and ecological intelligence that holds renewed relevance today. Long considered marginal or primitive, this form of habitat offers valuable lessons in sustainability, climate
adaptation, and cultural rootedness. The 2nd International Congress on Troglodytic Architecture, held in Gafsa in November 2023, brought together scholars, professionals, and local actors to explore its potential as a model for resilient and context-sensitive living. This volume - the third in a series of scientific publications stemming from the two international congresses on troglodytic architecture - brings together multidisciplinary contributions that examine the design, material, energy, and environmental dimensions of these unique built environments. The featured articles address a wide range of themes, from bioclimatic performance and vernacular construction techniques to social innovation, heritage revitalization, and environmental justice. The scope of discussion extends well beyond architecture, incorporating energy systems, governance models, collective memory, and ecological ethics. Troglodytic spaces are presented not just as heritage to preserve, but as living laboratories for reimagining the future-places where traditional knowledge meets contemporary innovation. The diversity of methodologies from field research to speculative design highlights the richness of this architectural field and its potential to inspire more sustainable, inclusive, and grounded ways of inhabiting the world.