Urban Heritage as a Catalyst for Territorial Transformation in Casablanca

Equipe Géomatique, Télédétection et Cartographie (GéoTéCa), FSTT, Université Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tétouan, Maroc.

^* Corresponding author: souhail.reyabi@etu.uae.ac.ma

Abstract

Urban heritage goes beyond old buildings or historical monuments; it embodies a living memory that shapes neighborhood identity, influences public spaces, and serves as a spatial and emotional anchor for residents. Subtly woven into daily life, it gives meaning to the city and reinforces people's connection to their environment. In a rapidly changing world—marked by demographic growth, modernization, and environmental challenges—urban heritage has become a strategic asset, enabling cities to balance development with continuity and innovation with respect for history. It also holds deep symbolic value, acting as a common good that links generations and fosters a shared sense of belonging. For heritage to become a real driver of urban development, it must be integrated into major planning decisions. This involves preserving historic neighborhoods, regulating renovation practices, promoting cultural and touristic assets, and involving citizens in the planning process. Today, digital tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D modeling offer innovative ways to map, analyze, and manage heritage more effectively. In a transforming city like Casablanca, heritage can help guide modernization without erasing identity. The challenge is no longer only to protect heritage, but to activate it as a pillar of sustainable urban planning.