Urban morphology during the French colonization (19th-20th centuries). Case study of Mostaganem City in north-western Algeria

The urban fabric of French colonial cities in northern Algeria was shaped by broader objectives of spatial control and modernisation, transforming pre-existing urban forms and leaving a lasting morphological legacy. This study addresses an important research gap by analysing the colonial fabric of the city centre of Mostaganem. This urban context has not previously been subject to systematic morphological analysis. Using Conzen’s morphological approach and Panerai’s theoretical framework, supported by quantitative indicators (including block dimensions, land-use ratios, connectivity, and permeability), the study reconstructs the formation and development of the colonial urban structure. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating morphological and quantitative methods and reveals how French planning models were adapted to local conditions to produce a hybridised urban form.  It concentrates on the second (1880–1930) and third (1930–1962) phases of Mostaganem’s colonial evolution, intentionally excluding the initial phase (1834–1880).  The findings show that during the so-called “Golden Age” (1920s–1930s), half of the blocks were mixed-use and characterised by Haussmann-style arcaded galleries; 66% consisted of single land plots (monoplots), reflecting processes of land consolidation; and block shapes became significantly more regular. This period also saw the emergence of a consolidated civic and commercial core through major public building programmes. In the final colonial phase, the urban fabric incorporated modernist principles – such as simplified geometry and reinforced concrete construction, while still preserving elements from earlier stages. Beyond its historical contributions, the study offers valuable insights for heritage assessment and contemporary urban planning strategies.