Urban Planning in Crisis: Urban Fact between Sprawl and Control in Sétif, Algeria

Rapid urbanization in Algeria is at odds with the pre-existing spatial structure of the city and its social evolution. The points of rupture, in most cases out of step with the urban plan, can be read through the different modalities and rhythms of an ‘urban fact’. The urban fact and urbanization characterize a situation and a spontaneous evolution and are opposed to urbanism, which implies a voluntary and planned intervention. The methodology of approach in the present study is based on a retrospective reading of the city of Sétif in Algeria, through two aspects of urbanization: spatial evolution and urban densification. These two dimensions characterize the urban fact that the city of Sétif has to date endured, and has become vulnerable. This is mainly due to the absence of good urban governance and a succession of inconsistent policies, actions and circumstances. The aim of this study is to highlight the shortcomings of operative urban practice since Algerian independence on up to the present day. Urban planning now is in crisis. The goal here is to participate in the overhaul of the legislation on urban planning, putting the necessary markers so as to advance in changing the practices of planning and urban management adapted to territorial equity in the face of socioeconomic changes.