DIAR DIAR ES-SAADA / EL-MAHÇOUL
These two Fernand Pouillon-designed housing estates are built from limestone in a harmonious layout.
The two cities designed by Fernand Pouillon will interest architecture lovers. Faced with the shortage of housing and the problem of shantytowns that are developing on the heights of the city and in which the Algerians are confined, the mayor of Algiers Jacques Chevallier, elected in 1953, undertakes a vast program to improve the housing of the capital. It was in this context that he called upon Fernand Pouillon, whom he appointed as the city's architect, to build three housing estates: Diar Es-Saâda, Diar El-Maçoul and Climat de France.
In a little more than a year, the first housing estate, Diar Es-Saâda ("City of Happiness"), was built. Comprising 732 modern and equipped dwellings, this first "normal comfort" complex was allocated to the European population.
The city of Diar El-Maçoul, delivered in 1955 and comprising 1,550 housing units, was divided into two sets, one with "simple comfort" for Algerians and the other with "normal comfort" composed of apartments with a view of the sea, brighter and more spacious, intended for Europeans.
Remarkably integrated into the site and inspired by traditional Mediterranean architectural principles (patios, plazas, gardens, porticos...), these two cities are built with limestone and according to a harmonious plan respecting the balance of masses. You will not fail to admire the blue ceramics of the minaret of the Bachir-Ibrahimi mosque.
The funicular of El Madania connects the district of Belouizdad to the city Diar El-Maçoul.
