ACF believes that a community’s culture and heritage is a non-renewable resource and that its preservation is vital to sustainability. ACF shares knowledge and skills necessary to create sustainable communities. All architectural restoration work is done by locals, is to the standard of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture, and utilizes traditional tools, techniques and materials.
Goals and Objectives
- Promote Appreciation of Cultural Diversity
- Recognize Culture’s Contribution to Sustainable Development
- Safeguard Cultural, Built and Natural Heritage
- Sustainable Community Planning and Community Revitalization
- Preserve Traditional Skills and Techniques
- Sustainable and Resilient Buildings
- Promote Use of Local Materials
- Indigenous Language Preservation
Projects
- Cultural Heritage Map
- Igherm Architectural Restorations
- Aguddim Town Center Revitalization
- Tamazight/English and Arabic/English Phrasebooks, Tamazight/English Dictionary
- Craftsman Training in Historical Restoration and Construction Methods of Stone and Earth
Highlighted Project – Igherm Architectural Restorations
This project has succeeded in:
- restoration of six historic structures
- training local craftsmen in traditional construction materials and techniques
- supporting sustainable cultural and eco tourism
- education of the importance of cultural preservation
- documentation of historic village center and revitalization planning
Ait Ben Hamd Igherm – Communal Fortified Granary
Original Construction Date: 17th Century
Restoration Dates: 2007 – 2010
Architectural and Technical: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Funding: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Before restoration. After restoration.
Ait Sidi Mouh Igherm – Saint’s House
Original Construction Date: 18th Century
Restoration Dates: 2011
Architectural and Technical: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Funding: Morocco Ministry of Culture
Before restoration. After restoration.
Ait Ben Mouh – Communal Fortified Granary
Original Construction Date: 17th Century
Restoration Dates: 2013 – 2015
Architectural and Technical: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Funding: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Before restoration. After restoration.
Ait Ookdim Igherm – Saint’s House
Original Construction Date: 19th Century
Restoration Dates: 2014 – 2015
Architectural and Technical: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Funding: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Before restoration. After restoration.
Ait U Amahdar Igherm – Saint’s House
Original Construction Date: 17th Century
Restoration Dates: 2015 – 2017
Architectural and Technical: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Funding: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Before restoration. After restoration.
Ait Sidi Moulay Igherm – Saint’s House
Original Construction Date: 15th Century
Restoration Dates: 2016 – 2019
Architectural and Technical: Atlas Cultural Foundation
Funding: Atlas Cultural Foundation (Exterior restoration funded by donor Mr. Robert Eckerlin.)
Before restoration. After restoration.
Before restoration. After restoration.
After restoration. Zawiya Ahansal village.