Design Thinking, A Strategic Approach To Urban Transition: The Case Of The Thazir District In Ain Smara, Constantine, Algeria

Abstract

The sustainable urban planning approach is a unique opportunity to create dynamic cities that respect both people and the environment. In fact, the quest for sustainable development that is more economical with material resources and respects the environment calls on specialists to articulate their thoughts on planning and new fundamental knowledge aimed at the future development of sustainable urban planning. Algeria's cities have undergone profound economic and social change, accompanied by rapid urbanisation, particularly those in the east, such as the colonial village of Ain Smara, which has proven assets thanks to its original natural setting and the diversity [1]of its existing urban infrastructure. This study sheds light on the application of the principles of sustainable development through the urban transition of the Thazir development to an eco-district project. To this end, a year's worth of fieldwork was carried out, supported by surveys using a variety of techniques, such as on-site observation of Ain Smara. The SWOT analysis was also applied to the Thazir district, in order to evaluate and establish the strategy to be followed in this urban transition. The Design Thinking approach, which is a first in Algeria, was also used in the field of urban planning, in order to bring into play the three founding factors of the eco-district: the human, institutional and innovative technological factors. The results show that design thinking provides innovative ideas for developing new sustainable and ecological design methods. In fact, this approach enables the city to become more open to creativity, and to give residents and local authorities the benefit of a stronger.