International Science and Technology Journal

Harmony between environment and buildings is the strongest point of ancient architecture. The old desert architecture corresponds to its local environment, including culture and traditions. In addition, it deals with environmental and climatic factors, manufacture of local building materials. Back then, people in Ghadamis built their homes according to their capabilities, needs, terrain, culture , and their available materials . Without any legal restrictions from the government or architects, the architecture of the people was simple geometry. This paper discusses the plan and architecture of the old city of Ghadames based on the research methodology on the qualitative explanatory analysis and the methods of comparative synthesis of both the ancient region and the principles of modern sustainability and take into consideration many features of old city such as city planning, horizon, infrastructure, public spaces, and the urban identity of the old city of Ghadames. The results of this research provide an understanding about the different dimensions of the ancient city ,confirm its identity to the principles of sustainability and how the old city is closer to it, also how architects and stakeholders can learn from local architecture strategies. The paper draws conclusions to confirm that the old city of Ghadames a bridge to the world of sustainable architecture and urban planning. Keywords: sustainability, Old Ghadames, urban identity, ancient architecture