ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 318

Figure 8: Ratio of paved and green area in the three typologies This allows suggesting that the size of the plot appears to be more favourable to extensions than planting. However, the small change observed in green areas at the two historical periods (at initial design stage and presently) as seen in Figure 7 and 8, helps conclude that plot size has no major influence on the surface reserved to vegetation. More crucially, the historic evolution of the homes shows that plot size is more conducive to building extension than planting. Conclusion This study explored the spatial and physical characteristics of green spaces in different individual housing typology as commonly found in Algeria. The study shed some light in greenery and open space design in individual housing in Oran, a city of Algeria, and owners’ general attitude to vegetation. The main and consistent finding highlights the exclusive rectilinear configuration of green areas in all three unit typologies. They are generally located along property walls, demarcated from the paved spaces and their dimensions vary depending on the plot size, but are of a lesser size than the mineral or paved areas. Fruit trees and vine like plants dominate the landscaping, while grass is inexistent. The high-maintenance ornamental plants do occur but are not common, while the vegetable garden is virtually inexistent and is socially disregarded. The aesthetic treatment of the outdoor space materializes mainly through ceramics-covered walls with sometimes added features such as a fountain or a pergola. Building extensions affected the existing open space. However, the extent of the impacts on the vegetation depended on one side on both the scale of the extensions, their shape either horizontal or vertical and on the other side, on the location of green areas. The plot size was not retained as a predominant factor on the degree of presence of vegetation, since the ratio of green areas remained in a close range regardless of the plot’s size. 316 ZEMCH 2015 | International Conference | Bari - Lecce, Italy