A new standard of urban living

Matrix Partnership was commissioned by Abu Dhabi based developers and contractors and the  local land owner to produce a concept masterplan for a 12.57 hectare site in a fast growing city to the east of Algiers experiencing considerable development pressures, particularly for housing. In response the Municipality has produced an expansion strategy which provides the context for our masterplan.

The proposal is to create a new urban quarter that is substantially residential in nature (4,000 new homes), but incorporating other uses, such as offices, retail, an hotel, schools, mosques, leisure and community facilities. Our vision is that this development should define a new standard of urban living in Algeria.


Much of the recent development in the area is uniform in height and regimented in layout and does little to create a distinct sense of place and fails to respond to the magnificent valley setting. Central to our design philosophy is our belief in place making, creating distinct urban environments that are both beautiful and memorable. Planned and designed with these aims, the development will be a highly desirable place to live, increasing property values and providing a new quality benchmark for future urban development.


The starting point, for any of our designs is the local context, both physical in terms of the specific setting but also the cultural context and heritage of a particular location. The surrounding mountains elevate the city in general and the site in particular from the "ordinary" to the magnificent and the site topography presents opportunities as well as constraints and the inspiration for our masterplan that, we believe, responds to the site’s unique characteristics and opportunities to produce a place, of great distinction and quality.


The distinct topography of the site creates both challenges and opportunities. The significant changes in level require careful planning of the site, but the sloping ground form allows for intelligent access to space below buildings (car parking and services whilst above, the careful planning of higher buildings allows the most to be made of the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.  In addition, the topography of the site creates a special opportunity to create a new development that will contribute positively to the wider cityscape, and we are proposing that some special distinctive buildings should be built to greater heights, and which will become dramatic new landmarks within the city.


The project is currently undergoing a due diligence process and we look forward to developing the masterplan and realising the vision in the coming months and years.