January 2001
Table of Contents
Completed Designs
CDG (the Community Development Group Engineering and Management Associates), in association with the American architectural firm Gensler, completed the Aqaba design guidelines and designs for the updated master plan for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ). The Consolidated Consultants for Engineering and Environment, EnviroConsult Office, and the American architectural firm Wilbur Smith Associates participated in the service design of the project. The master plan, which covers the 380 square kilometer area located within the borders of ASEZ and extends 27 kilometers along the Red Sea cost, provides planning regulations and design guidelines that aim at creating and preserving an architectural and urban vision for Aqaba over the upcoming 20 years. The plan revises land use policies in the ASEZ area and provides for the development of infrastructure services, including the upgrading and further development of the Aqaba port and airport. ASEZ will officially come into being as of February 1, 2001.
SIGMA Consulting Engineers, in association with the French firm THIS, completed the preparation of analytical studies and the land use plan for the area located on both sides of the Taybeh - Wadi Musa Road in southern Jordan. The 6.4 square kilometer Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities project aims at preserving the architectural and natural character and views of the area surrounding the Taybeh - Wadi Musa Road. The next phase of the project, which also will be carried out by SIGMA Consulting Engineers, includes preparing a master plan for the area as well as developing building and landscape regulations that aims at protecting the area's natural character while allowing for its development.
New Commissions
Dar al-Omran was commissioned to design the architectural and landscape works for the Fahaheel Waterfront development project in Kuwait. The American firm Cambridge Seven Associates had put together the architectural concept for the project, the Kuwaiti firm Gulf Consult will design the structural and electromechanical works for it, the United Arab Emirates firm Mouchel Middle East was assigned the marine works, and the Kuwaiti firm Projacs will be in charge of project management. The 32,000 square meter, 1,600 meter long waterfront project, which is owned by the Tamdeen Real Estate Company, is expected to cost 37 million JD (52,8 million $US).
The Fahaheel Waterfront Development Project
Jafar Tukan and Partners were commissioned to design a lion den at al-Hussein National Park in Amman. The Municipality of Greater Amman project occupies a site of 2,700 square meters, of which 200 square meters are built up areas. The project is expected to cost 310,000 JD (440,000 $US). (For additional information concerning al-Hussein National Park, see the Initiation of projects section in the February 2000 news items, the New commissions section in the July 2000 news items, the Completed designs section in the December 2000 news items, and the completed designs sections below.
A Lion den at al-Hussein National Park
News from Academia
3 students received their bachelor's degrees in architecture from the Applied Sciences University in Amman; 2 from al-Isra' University in Amman; 9 from the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid; 6 from Petra University in Amman; and 3 from the University of Jordan in Amman.
Rami Daher, assistant professor at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, will be spending the period from January through August as a Fulbright Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. Daher will carry out research on the socio-critical investigation of heritage conservation during the Ottoman and contemporary periods in the area of Bilad al-Sham. He also will deliver two public lectures a well as several class lectures in architecture and anthropology.
Seminars
The Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordanian Department of Antiquities held a workshop in Amman on managing the Petra Archaeological Preserve. Representatives from concerned local governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as international organizations, particularly the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) participated in the workshop. The participants approved the establishment of a division within the Department of Antiquities for the management of the Petra Archaeological Preserve. They also approved the division's management strategy and organizational skeleton that were prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Department of Antiquities in association with the United States National Parks Service. The latter will provide technical support and experts who will train local staff for the management of the preserve.
Other News
The Government Tenders Directorate at the Jordanian Ministry of Public Works and Housing awarded a 21 million JD (30 million $US) contract for the construction of the Prince Hamzeh Hospital in Amman. The contract was awarded to the Husayn 'Atiyyah Establishment for Buildings and Contracting and the Burhan Kuwaiti Company for General Trade and Contracting. The Amman Office for Consulting and City Planning, in association with the Lebanese medical planning firm Mebex, designed the 60,000 square meter, 400-bed hospital. The Jordanian Ministry of Health will run the Prince Hamzeh hospital, which is expected to begin operation in four years.
Riwaq Center for Architectural Conservation published a book by architect Diala Khasawneh entitled Memoirs Engraved in Stone: Palestinian Urban Mansions. The book shows the specificity of Palestinian architecture in the wake of the 1900s through the display of old houses located in various cities of Palestine and through the discussion of their historical and social contexts. The book is the second of Riwaq's monograph series on the traditional architecture of Palestine. The first monograph was published in 2000 and is entitled "Traditional Floor Tiles in Palestine." (For additional information concerning Riwaq Center for Architectural Conservation and its publications, see their web site http://www.riwaq.org)
Memoirs Engraved in Stone: Palestinian Urban Mansions
February 2001
Table of Contents
Completed Designs
Dr. Yaghmour and Associates Consulting Architects completed designs for the Dubai IT Mall in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The 8,280 square meter project is expected to cost 4,14 million JD (5,9 million $US).
The Dubai IT Mall
Jafar Tukan and Partners completed designs for the main theater at al-Hussein National Park in Amman. The 2,100 square meter Municipality of Greater Amman project is expected to cost 350,000 JD (500,000 $US). (For additional information concerning al-Hussein National Park, see the Initiation of projects section in the February 2000 news items, the New commissions section in the July 2000 news items, the Completed designs section in the December 2000 news items, the New commissions section above, and the completed designs section below).
The main theater at al-Hussein National Park
New Commissions
Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects were commissioned to design the facilities for a car industry complex in Ma'an, in southern Jordan. The complex, which is owned by the Jordanian Shaheen Group and is built in association with the International Land Rover Group, is the first of its kind in the country, and is expected to provide around 1000 job opportunities
Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects were commissioned to design the infrastructure for Marina Town in the Tala Bay Tourist Complex in Aqaba. The project, which is owned by the Jordan Projects for Tourism Development Company, comprises a 75-yacht harbor, a 4-star hotel, a marine club, and a commercial center. (For additional information on the Tala Bay Tourist Complex, see the Architectural competitions section in the December 2000 news items. For additional information on Marina Town, see the New commissions section in the December 2000 news items.)
Competitions
Darb (Design Associates and Research Bureau; www.darb.com.jo) received second prize in the competition organized by the Municipality of Ramallah for the design of the Ramallah Commercial Center in Palestine. Also, GDAR Group received a citation for its entry. The 10,000 square meter project, which will include stores, offices, restaurants, and underground facilities, is expected to cost 2,100,000 JD (3 million $US).
Proposed design for the Ramallah Commercial Center (entry by Darb)
Proposed design for the Ramallah Commercial Center (entry by GDAR Group)
Lectures
Mario Botta, the renowned Swiss architect, delivered two public lectures on his work at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid and the University of Jordan in Amman. The lectures were cosponsored by the Swiss Embassy in Amman and Darat al-Funun - The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.
Exhibitions
In the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, and under the Museum With No Frontiers (MWNF) Exhibition Trails Cycle entitled Islamic Art in the Mediterranean, the Jordanian Department of Antiquities inaugurated the Jordan Trail, which is entitled The Umayyads: The Rise of Islamic Art. Jordan is one of 15 Euro-Mediterranean countries participating in the exhibition's cycle, where each country displays through its own trail the artistic, architectural, and urban planning features that represent, within the original context, a prominent period of Islamic civilization. The European Commission, the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and antiquities, and the Jordanian Ministry of Culture provided support for the organization of this project, which aims at developing cultural heritage and tourism in Jordan as well as contributing, along with other MWNF exhibition trails, to enhancing the Euro-Islamic dialogue. (For more information concerning MWNF and its exhibitions, see its web site at http://www.mwnf.org. For additional information concerning the Jordan trail, see the Other news sections below.)
Each of the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, and the University of Jordan in Amman hosted an exhibition on the works of the renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta. The exhibition was cosponsored by the Swiss Embassy in Amman and Darat al-Funun - The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.
Other News
In connection with the inauguration of the Jordan Exhibition Trail, The Umayyads: The Rise of Islamic Art, carried out under the Museum With No Frontiers' (MWNF) exhibition cycle on Islamic art in the Mediterranean, a catalogue carrying the same title as the trail was published. The catalogue, which includes contributions by a number of renowned Jordanian scholars, is available in English, French, and Spanish, and will be translated into other languages, including Arabic. The catalogue includes historical information on the social, political, economic, and religious aspects of Jordan during the reign of the Umayyad dynasty (661 - 750 AD). It also illustrates the five itineraries that tourists visiting Jordan can follow to view the most prominent artistic, architectural, and urban planning representations of the Umayyad period. (For additional information concerning the Jordan Trail, see the Exhibitions section above.)
The Municipality of Greater Amman completed the formulation of the amended building code for Amman. The major change included in the amended code is to permit the construction of high-rise buildings that can extend up to 30 stories.
As part of the United Nations Urban Management Program, which operates under the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Jordanian team of the program will carry out a project on the conservation of the cultural and architectural heritage of the city of Salt entitled The Most Beautiful Memory. The project, which will be carried out in association with local organizations in the city including al-Balqa' Applied University, aims at developing legislation for the protection of the architectural heritage of Salt and training staff members in the Municipality of Salt to follow up on the implementation of such legislation. The project includes carrying out a comprehensive public awareness campaign that aims at enhancing public participation in the conservation of the cultural and architectural heritage of the city. It also will carry out documentation work on the oral history of Salt.
The Directorate of Rural Affairs at the Jordanian Ministry of Municipal, Rural and Environmental Affairs recommended the approval of a project for the construction of a craft shops zone in the town of Kraymeh in the Northern Valleys of Jordan. The 1,600 square meter project will include 61 stores, and is expected to cost 140,000 JD (200,000 $US).
Construction work began on the residential apartment project for the faculty members at the Tafila Applied University College in Tafila. The 4,000 square meter project is expected to cost 1 million JD (1,41 million $US).
The al-Hussein Bin Talal University awarded a contract for the design of its permanent campus in Ma'an. The contract requires the preparation of a master plan for the 3.2 square kilometer university campus, as well as the preparation of design studies for infrastructure and agricultural works.
Completed Projects
Construction work was completed on the Conference Palace at the Amman Le Meridien Hotel. Dar al- Handaseh carried out the designs for the 5,000 square meter project, which hosted the March 2001 Amman Arab Summit.
Construction work was completed on the Environment and Bio - Diversity Museum for Children at the Haya Cultural Center in Amman. Turath (Heritage Conservation Management and Environmental Design Consultants) carried out the designs for the 180 square meter project. (See also the New commissions section of the August 2000 news items.)
The Environment and Bio - Diversity Museum for Children
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on al-Roomi Car Showroom in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Yaghmour and Associates Consulting Architects carried out the designs for the 6,640 square meter showroom, which is expected to cost 2,325 million JD (3,32 million $US).
Completed Designs
Ayman Zuaiter, Bilal Hammad Associates, and Infinity Design completed a joint design for the Islamic Garden at al-Hussein National Park in Amman. The 6,000 square meter Municipality of Greater Amman project is expected to cost 200,000 JD (285,000 $US). (For additional information concerning al-Hussein National Park, see the Initiation of projects section in the February 2000 news items, the New commissions section in the July 2000 news items, the Completed designs section in the December 2000 news items, and the New commissions and the completed designs sections above.)
Dar al-Omran completed designs and studies for the Sidon Waterfront Development project in Lebanon. The project includes the design of a master plan for a 1.28 square kilometer area, and the implementation of a number of pilot projects in old Sidon. The project was awarded to Dar al-Omran in 1997.
Proposed design for the Sidon Waterfront Development Project
GDAR Group completed designs for an automated teller machine (ATM) station for vehicles and a model ATM station for the Jordan - Kuwait Bank.
A design for an ATM station for vehicles
Hakeem and Associates completed designs for the Museum at the Lowest Point on Earth: Lot's Museum in 'Ain 'Araba in Safi Valley, south of the Dead Sea. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities project includes 400 square meters of built up areas, and is expected to cost 350,000 JD (500,000 $US.)
Jafar Tukan and Partners completed designs for the School of Science at al-Najah National University in Nablus, Palestine. The 17,500 square meter project is expected to cost 5,6 million JD (7,8 million $US) and to be completed by June 2002.
The School of Science at al-Najah University
SIGMA Consulting Engineers, in association with the Jordanian Consulting Engineers and the Egyptian firm Sabbur, completed designs for the master plan of a new city to be located on the site of the old military camp of the city of Zarqa. The project, which belongs to the Housing and Urban Development Corporation at the Jordanian Ministry of Housing and Public Works, will include residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and various service facilities. It occupies an area of 24 square kilometers and is intended to house 480,000 persons.
New Commissions
GDAR Group was commissioned to design the Lost City of the Dead Sea touristic project on the Dead Sea coast. The 60,000 square meter project, which comprises a hotel complex, a health spa, a water park, and chalets, occupies a site of 150,000 square meters, and is expected to cost 35 million JD (50 million $US)
Proposed design for the Lost City of the Dead Sea Touristic Project
News from Academia
Hazim al-Nijaidi of the Department of Architecture at the Applied Sciences University in Amman was promoted to the rank of associate professor.
The Faculty of Architecture and Arts at Petra University in Amman held its fifth annual exhibition. The exhibition featured works by the university's students in architecture and interior design.
al-Isra' University in Amman organized a symposium entitled the Problematic Issue of Contemporary Architecture in Jordan: Experiences and Visions. The university also organized a lecture series that included presentations by Jordanian architects Natheer Abu Obeid (The Behavioral Scene and the Place), Waddah al - 'Abidi (Arab Architects - Whereto?), and Ayman Zuaiter (A Contribution to the Revival of Urban Space in Downtown Amman).
Lectures
Rasem Badran, co-principal of the architectural firm Dar al-Omran, delivered a public lecture entitled Reflections on the Novelty of the Place at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (GSD) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He also delivered two public lectures in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia that concentrated on Dar al-Omran's entry for the Jabal Omar competition in Saudi Arabia. The competition calls for the comprehensive development of a residential and commercial district near Mecca.
Exhibitions
The Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid hosted an exhibition entitled French Architecture. The exhibition, which was organized by JUST and the French Embassy in Amman addressed the evolution of French Architecture during the second half of the 20th century.
Seminars
The Engineers Training Center (ETC) of the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) offered a 27-hour course on the architectural details of buildings.
The Arab Town Organization Award, in association with the Arab Urban Development Institute and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, organized a symposium in Doha, Qatar entitled The Islamic Architectural Heritage of the Third Millennium. The Jordanian architect Rasem Badran, co-principal of the architectural firm Dar al-Omran, was among those who gave presentations at the symposium.
Other News
Mohammad al-Asad, director of the Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE), was chosen as the Alan K. and Leonarda F. Laing Distinguished Visiting Professor for the 2001 spring semester at the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign. As the Laing Professor, al-Asad will deliver two public lectures and teach an eight-week graduate seminar entitled "Defining the Other: Western Explorations of the Architecture of the Islamic World."
Completed Projects
Construction work was completed on the King Abdullah University Hospital at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid. The Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, in association with Jafar Tukan and Partners, had designed the building in the 1980s. JUST staff and Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects carried out design development for the project, and Arabtech - Jardaneh were responsible for construction management. The 614-bed, 17 story hospital has an overall built up area of 87,000 square meters.
The Amman Sheraton Hotel and Towers was inaugurated. Jafar Tukan and Partners had designed the project in association with the British firm Buro Happold. The French firm Pierre Yves Rochon was responsible for interior design work and the Paris office of the San Francisco (USA) - based international landscaping and planning firm EDAW carried out landscape design work for the project. The 5-star 14 story hotel has an overall built up area of 50,000 square meters, and comprises 283 rooms, 7 luxurious suites, a royal suite, conference structures, and recreational facilities. The project, which is owned by al-Dawlia for Hotels and Malls, cost 35 million JD (49 million $US).
The Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on the gates and outer fence for al-Hussein National Park in Amman. Tahhan and Bushnaq Architects designed these components for the 700,000 square meter park. (For additional information concerning al-Hussein National Park, see the Initiation of projects section in the February 2000 news items, the New commissions sections in the July 2000 and January 2001 news items, and the completed designs sections in the December 2000, February 2001, and March 2001 news items.)
Construction work began on the headquarters of the Palestine Telecommunications Company in Nablus, Palestine. Diran Masri Sarrar, Consultant Architects and Engineers designed the 4,500 square meter project, which is expected to cost 1 million JD (1.4 million $US).
Completed Designs
Bilal Hammad Associates completed designs for a mosque in al-Hafayer area in the middle beach of Aqaba. The 350 square meter project is expected to cost 50,000 JD (70,000 $US). The mosque is part of a larger project for the development of al-Hafayer area, which is being supervised by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). (Also see the Architectural competitions section in the April 2000 news items, and the Completed designs section in the June 2001 news items.)
A mosque in al-Hafayer Area
Dr. Yaghmour and Associates Consulting Architects completed designs for the Petra Province headquarters and the official residence for the Petra Provincial Governor. The Department of Building Studies at the Jordanian Ministry of Public Works and Housing carried out the structural and electro-mechanical designs for the project. The 2,050 square meter Jordanian Ministry of Interior project is expected to cost 1 million JD (1.4 million $US).
The Petra Province Headquarters
Designs and studies for the Jawharat Amman (the gem of Amman) project were completed. The project includes the transformation of the sizable area containing the Headquarters of the Jordanian Armed Forces in al-'Abdali into a large trade center that also will house telecommunication and Internet companies. The international consultant Bose Allen designed the project, which is expected to cost 400 million JD (565 million $US). The public-sector National Company for Investment will carry out the construction work for the project.
Designs for the Karak Commercial Complex in Karak were completed. The complex, which is owned by the Karak Development Corporation, includes a 13,000 square meter commercial center, Internet cafes, a leasure city, and a 120-room tourist hotel. The project is expected to cost 8 million JD (11.3 million $US).
New Commissions
Bitar Consultants were commissioned to design the refurbishment works for the 7,500 square meter Applied Sciences University building in Amman.
Darb (Design Associates and Research Bureau) were commissioned to design the 6,000 square meter Rainbow Garment Factory and the 7,000 square meter Needlecraft Garment Factory in Wadi Dulayl QIZ (Qualified Industrial Zone, i.e. an area whose industrial products can be exported to the USA on advantageous terms). The two factories are expected to begin production by the end of 2001.
News from Academia
The Applied Sciences University in Amman organized two lectures by Jordanian architects Jafar Tukan (Architecture in Jordan: The Personal Experience) and Natheer Abu Obeid (The Behavioral Scene and the Dramatic Structure of the Place).
Lectures
The Applied Sciences University in Amman organized two lectures by Jordanian architects Jafar Tukan (Architecture in Jordan: The Personal Experience) and Natheer Abu Obeid (The Behavioral Scene and the Dramatic Structure of the Place).
Seminars and Workshops
Patricia Waterfall, director of the Low 4 Landscape Water Conservation Program at the University of Arizona in Tucson, delivered a digital video teleconference on the principles and practices of arid landscaping. The teleconference was organized by the Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE), and by the American Embassy in Amman, which hosted the teleconference
The Architectural Scientific Committee of the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) held a seminar entitled Architecture in Iraq.
The Training Center of the Jordan Agricultural Engineers Association organized a three-day course on the design of gardens. The course discussed issues including the preparation of landscape drawings as well as the classification and arrangement of plants in sites.
Other News
The Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) participated in the 22nd Arab Engineering Conference in Tunis, Tunisia entitled Sustainable Development and the Role of the Arab Engineer in Attaining it. The conference discussed issues related to the different fields of engineering including the theme of urban environment and the Arab city in the 21st century.
Completed Projects
Construction work was completed on the refurbishment and expansion of the Intercontinental Hotel in Amman. Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects designed the project in association with the British firm Ove Arup and Partners, Consulting Engineers for the Jordan Hotels and Tourism Company. The British firm Derek Lovejoy Partnership was responsible for landscape design work. The expansion includes 127 rooms, a health club, a swimming pool, and underground garages. The 81,000 square meter project cost 28 million JD (39.5 million $US).
The Intercontinental Hotel
Darat Samir Shamma, a complex devoted to the care of the elderly, was inaugurated in Amman. The complex, which can accommodate 150 occupants, comprises 61 small furnished flats, 6 villas, a swimming pool, a library, a health center, a shopping center, and restaurants. The 3 million JD (4.25 million $US) project was designed by Sobeh Engineering Office and funded by philanthropist Samir Shamma. The Jordanian Ministry of Social Development donated the 20,000 square meter site for the project and the Municipality of Greater Amman provided infrastructure services.
Four public gardens were inaugurated in different areas in Amman. The Municipality of Greater Amman gardens, which include planted areas as well as seating areas and children's playgrounds, occupy a total area of 20,000 square meters and cost 200,000 JD (280,000 $US).
Al-Istiqlal Hospital was inaugurated in Amman. Dumyati and Sha'sha'a Office for Architecture designed the 13,000 square meter project. The hospital includes a 170-bed inpatient department, outpatient clinics, an emergency department, an operation theatre, a pharmacy, and laboratories.
Completed Designs
Diran Masri Sarrar, Consultant Architects and Engineers, in association with Ammar Khammash and M. K. Mahadin Consultants completed designs for the Sundays Resort on the Dead Sea coast for Sundays International for Tourist Investment. The 9,000 square meter project is expected to cost 4 million JD (5.6 million $US). (See the New commissions section in the October 2000 news items, and the Initiation of projects section in the June 2001 news items.)
The Sundays Resort
Almarsam Architects and Engineers and the Amman regional office of Omrania and Associates completed a joint design for the Millennium Hotel in Amman. The project, which is owned by the Middle East and Commodore Hotels Company, includes preparing feasibility studies as well as architectural and landscape architecture designs for the refurbishment and expansion of the existing Middle East Hotel. The 30,000 square meter project is expected to cost 11 million JD (15.5 million $US).
Proposed design for the Millennium Hotel
Mihrab for Islamic Architecture completed designs for Al al-Bayt Foundation for Islamic Thought in al-Hussein National Park in Amman. The 2,100 square meter Municipality of Greater Amman project is expected to cost 750,000 JD (1.05 million $US).
Al al-Bayt Foundation for Islamic Thought
SIGMA Consulting Engineers completed designs for the 5,000 square meter fitness center at the Royal Jordanian Automobile Club in Amman.
SIGMA Consulting Engineers completed designs for a 22,000 square meter industrial complex for the Specialized Investment Compounds Company in Sahab near Amman.
New Commissions
Jafar Tukan and Partners were commissioned to design a commercial building in Jerusalem, Palestine. The 9,100 square meter project is expected to cost about 2.5 million JD (3.5 million $US)
Kayyali and Fasheh were commissioned to design the Hard Rock Café in Kuwait. The 800 square meter project is expected to cost 710,000 JD (1 million $US).
Competitions
The Arab Company for the Manufacturing of Lime and Building Materials, in association with the Architectural Section at the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA), organized a competition for the design of a model house in which lime bricks would be used as the main building material.
News from Academia
The Applied Sciences University in Amman organized two lectures by Jordanian architects Akram Abu Hamdan (On the Edge of Architecture) and Bilal Hammad (Selected Works).
The Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology organized an exhibition on the design works of its first and second year students at the French Cultural Center in Amman.
Abdullah Abu Gharbiyyeh successfully defended his master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled IES as a Tool in the Urban and Regional Planning: The Case Study of Bethlehem.
Afnan Salih successfully defended her master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled The Integral Role of the Urban Space and Patterns of Circulation in the Center of Amman.
Maysaa' al-Shomali successfully defended her master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled The Effect of Globalization on the Built Environment of the City of Amman: The Case Study of the High-Rise Buildings.
Sirinaz Sulaiman successfully defended her master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled The Changing Environmental Values Accompanying Tourists Sweep over Traditional Villages: The Two Case Studies of Wadi Musa and Taybeh.
Amneh al-Zou'bi successfully defended her master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. The thesis is entitled The Evaluative Image of the City: The Case Stuy of Irbid's City Center.
Hassan Ali successfully defended his master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. The thesis is entitled Self-Similar Fractality of Urban Growth Systems.
Lectures
Margaret Livingston, assistant professor in the School of Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona in Tucson, delivered a public lecture at Darat al-Funun in Amman entitled Creating Landscapes in Water - Scarce Environments: A Case Study of Tucson, Arizona. The lecture was cosponsored by the American Center in Amman, the Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE), Darat al-Funun / The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, and WEPIA (Water Efficiency and Public Information for Action), a project funded by USAID (United States Agency for International Development) in collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation.
The Applied Sciences University in Amman organized two lectures by Jordanian architects Akram Abu Hamdan (On the Edge of Architecture) and Bilal Hammad (Selected Works).
Seminars and Workshops
The Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE) held a two-day workshop in Amman on the principles and practices of arid landscaping. The workshop, which consisted of a series of presentations as well as a sketch design project, was administered by a team of visiting faculty and staff members from the University of Arizona in Tucson. Support for the workshop was provided by Tuneib Farm and Nursery, the American Center in Amman, and WEPIA (Water Efficiency and Public Information for Action), a project funded by USAID (United States Agency for International Development) in collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation.
A two-day international symposium entitled Computers and Information Technology in Architectural Education and Practice was held at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid. The lecture was co-organized by JUST, and by the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD), a newly established organization that aims at conducting research and disseminating knowledge on the use of computers and information technology in architecture and construction in the Arab World.
Petra University in Amman organized a symposium entitled Jerusalem between the Past and the Present. The symposium discussed historical, political, literary, archaeological, and architectural dimensions related to the city of Jerusalem.
The Municipality of Greater Amman (MOGA) held a seminar entitled Societal Awareness and the Elimination of Architectural Obstacles Facing Citizens with Special Needs. MOGA had established a department for the study and implementation of a special building code to accommodate the needs of inhabitants of the city with special needs. The special building code was implemented in a few public buildings as well as parks and pedestrian areas in Amman.
The Arab Engineering Offices Corporation of the Federation of Arab Engineers, in association with the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA), organized a course entitled Engineering Contracts and Claims. The course was offered in Amman and administered by Jordanian and Arab specialists.
Other News
The Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) participated in a meeting for the Consulting Corporation of the Council for Arab Housing Ministers held in Cairo, Egypt. The meeting discussed issues such as coordination between the Arab Engineering Offices Corporation and the Arab League on the exchange of experiences and carrying out joint ventures.
Completed Projects
Construction work was completed on Abdoun Mall in Amman. Ammar Nabulsi Architects designed the 12,500 square meter project for the Abdoun Company for Commercial Centers and Real Estate Development.
Construction work was completed on the Safeway Store in Irbid. Mimar Consulting Engineers and Architects designed the project for the Jordanian Limited Company for Investment and Financing. The 7,500 square meter project cost 1,25 million JD (1.75 million $US).
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on the two-story expansion of the headquarters of the Aram International Investment Company in Amman. Malhas and Associates carried out the designs for the 775 square meter project, which is expected to cost 320,000 JD (450,000 $US).
The expansion of the Aram International Investment Company building
Construction work began on the headquarters for the Electricity Distribution Company in Amman. Bitar Consultants carried out the designs for the 5,500 square meter project, which is expected to cost 1.5 million JD (2.1 million $US).
The Headquarters for the Electricity Distribution Company
Construction work began on the Sundays Resort on the Dead Sea coast. Diran Masri Sarrar, Consultant Architects and Engineers, in association with Ammar Khammash and M. K. Mahadin Consultants, designed the 9,000 square meter project. The project is expected to cost 4 million JD (5.6 million $US). (See the New commissions section in the October 2000 news items, and the Completed designs section in the May 2001 news items.)
Completed Designs
Bilal Hammad Associates designed a number of commercial buildings in al-Hafayer area in the middle beach of Aqaba. The buildings, which are of private ownership, vary in area from 400 to 1,000 square meters, and the expected average cost per building is 105,000 JD (148,000 $US). The project is part of a larger scheme for the development of al-Hafayer area, which is being supervised by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). (Also see the Architectural competitions section in the April 2000 news items, and the Completed designs section in the April 2001 news items.)
Commercial buildings in al-Hayfar area
Bilal Hammad Associates completed the conceptual designs for Khatir Mall in Aqaba. The 4,000 square meter project is expected to cost 800,000 JD (1.13 million $US).
The Khatir Mall
SIGMA Consulting Engineers completed designs for the 14,000 square meter Language Center at the Hashemite University in Zarqa. (Also, see the Completed projects section in the June 2000 news items, and the Completed designs section in the September 2000 news items.)
SIGMA Consulting Engineers completed designs for the refurbishment of the first floor and facades of the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade building in Amman.
SIGMA Consulting Engineers completed designs for the 7,000 square meter United Nations University Leadership Academy at the University of Jordan in Amman.
Tha'er Quba'ah completed designs for al-Anani Commercial Center in Amman. The 1,450 square meter project is expected to cost 220,000 JD (310,000 $US).
New Commissions
Ammar Nabulsi Architects were commissioned to design al-Dawoud Center in Amman. The 45,000 square meter project includes a shopping mall, a six-story office building, and a cinema complex.
Diran Masri Sarrar, Consultant Architects and Engineers were commissioned to design the expansion of the headquarters of the Specialized Technical Services Company in Amman. The 6,000 square meter project is expected to cost 2 million JD (2.8 million $US).
The expansion of the headquarters of the Specialized Technical Services Company
Competitions
The Consolidated Consultants for Engineering and Environment received first prize in the competition organized by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for the refurbishment of the Founding King's Palace in Ma'an in southern Jordan. The palace consists of one of the buildings of the Hijaz Railroad Line in Ma'an, which date to the early part of the twentieth century. King Abdullah I used the structure as his headquarters and residence in 1920 - 1921, before moving to Amman. Dar al-Omran received second prize, Bitar Consultants received third prize, and Dr. Yaghmour and Associates Consulting Architects and Khalid Za'balawi received fourth prize for their joint entry for the competition. The 2,000 square meter project is expected to cost 1 million JD (1.4 million $US). (Image shown: Entry by Bitar Consultants.)
Bitar Consultants entry for the refurbishment of the Founding King's Palace competition
News from Academia
21 students received their bachelor's degrees in architecture from the Applied Sciences University in Amman, 10 from al-Isra' University in Amman, 17 from the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, and 48 from the University of Jordan in Amman.
Al al-Bayt University in Mafraq established a Department of Architecture. The department will begin admitting students for a bachelor's degree program in architecture in the 2001 - 2002 academic year.
The Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid began admitting students in its newly established master's degree program in Urban Planning and Studies. (Also see the News from academia section in the October 2000 News items.)
The Department of Architecture at Petra University in Amman will no longer admit students beginning in the 2001 - 2002 academic year. However, the University's Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design will continue to admit students in interior design and graphic design.
Seminars and Workshops
The Scientific Committee of the Civil Engineering Section at the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) held a seminar on stone as a building material. The seminar discussed issues relating to stone including geological characteristics, technical specifications, and construction techniques.
Other News
The building industry in Jordan showed considerable growth during the first half of 2001. A statistical bulletin issued by the Central Bank of Jordan states that 9,221 building permits covering a total area of 2.63 million square meters were issued during the first six months of 2001. This is a 16% rise in the number of building permits and a 27% rise in the overall licensed building areas in comparison to the first half of 2000. About 91% of the permits and 84% of the areas licensed for building are for residential purposes.
The Government Tenders Directorate (GTD) at the Jordanian Ministry of Public Works and Housing published its 2000 Yearbook. The seven-chapter book, which is issued in Arabic, includes information on GTD's administration and strategies, evaluation procedures for bids, construction activities, awarded tenders, qualified architectural and engineering firms and contracting companies, and guiding prices of items included in selected tenders.
The Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) issued the seventy-first volume of its Arabic-language periodical, The Jordanian Engineer. The periodical, which has been published over the past 35 years (at an average rate of 2 volumes per year), includes articles addressing the different fields of engineering, including architecture, as well as reports and news on the activities of JEA.
Natheer Abu Obeid, associate professor at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid and chairman of the University's Department of Architecture, received the State's Appreciation Prize in Science - Specialty of Architecture.
The Municipality of Greater Amman invited tenders for a project for the renovation of downtown Amman as a tourist area. The project includes the renovation of al-Hashemi and King Talal streets, as well as a three-kilometer promenade. Tibah Consultants and Pacific Consultants International (PCI) of Tokyo, Japan had designed the project, which is expected to cost about 1,14 million JD (1.6 million $US) and is being funded by a loan from the Japan Bank for International Development. (See the Completed designs section of the March 2000 news items.)
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on a project for the renovation of downtown Amman as a tourist area. The project includes the renovation of al-Hashemi and King Talal streets, as well as a three-kilometer long, four-meter wide promenade. The renovation works incorporate pavements, street furniture, and the refurbishment of facades of buildings. Tibah Consultants and Pacific Consultants International (PCI) of Tokyo, Japan had designed the project for the Municipality of Greater Amman. The project is expected to cost about 1.14 million JD (1.6 million $US) and is being funded by a loan from the Japan Bank for International Development. The completion of the project is set for July 2002.
Construction work began on the second phase of the Royal Car Museum at al-Hussein National Park in Amman. The Municipality of Greater Amman project will house the late King Hussein's car collection. Jafar Tukan and Partners designed the one million JD (1.4 million $US) project that occupies an area of 5,200 square meters. The museum will open to the public around the beginning of the year 2002.
Construction work began on al-Khairy Commercial Center in Amman. S. M. Dudin Architects and Engineers designed the 2,000 square meter project.
Construction work began on Al al-Bayt Foundation for Islamic Thought in al-Hussein National Park in Amman. Mihrab for Islamic Architecture designed the 2,100 square-meter complex for the Municipality of Greater Amman. The project is expected to cost 750,000 JD (1,05 million $US).
Al al-Bayt Foundation for Islamic Thought
Completed Designs
Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects completed designs for a 1,000 square-meter garage building for the National Electricity Company in Amman.
Jafar Tukan and Partners completed designs for the development of the commercial district in Aqaba for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). The project extends over an area of 40,000 square meters.
Diran Masri Sarrar, Consultant Architects and Engineers, completed designs for the Jordan Insurance Federation Building. The 4,000 square-meter project is expected to cost 1.2 million JD (1.7 million $US).
The Jordan Insurance Federation Building
New Commissions
The Municipality of Greater Amman began designs and studies for the construction of a public garden for people with special needs in Amman. The garden, which extends over a 7,000 square-meter site, includes sport halls, swimming pools, and restaurants. The Municipality's Special Building Department also is preparing a building code that addresses the needs of people with special needs.
Bitar Consultants were commissioned to design the refurbishment and interior works for al-Salam Markets for the Military Consumers Corporation in Amman.
Bitar Consultants and Jafar Tukan and Partners were commissioned to provide architectural and engineering designs for the renovation of forty primary health care centers located throughout Jordan. A budget of 42,000 JD (60,000 $US) has been assigned for the renovation of each health center. The renovation projects are part of the Primary Health Care Initiatives program that USAID (United States Agency for International Development) is funding in order to improve health care resources in Jordan.
Competitions
Ammar Khammash Architects received first prize in the competition organized by the Nazareth Municipality for the design of the 1,200 square-meter Shihab el-Din Mosque in Nazareth.
News from Academia
Ala' Gammoh successfully defended his master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled The Evolution of Public Buildings Architecture in Amman between 1923 and 1973.
Nimer Mustafa successfully defended his master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled From the Part to the Whole: the Architectural Detail as a Concept in Architectural Designs.
Other news
Al-Dulayl Industrial Complex was inaugurated in Wadi Dulayl QIZ (Qualified Industrial Zone, i. e. an area whose industrial products can be exported to the USA on advantageous terms). The complex incorporates seven operating factories, each with an area of 800 square meters, as well as five factories that are still under construction. The complex has a capital of 42 million JD (60 million $US), and already employs 2000 workers.
Completed Projects
Construction work was completed on a museum and memorial for the Public Security Directorate in the city of Azraq, southeast of Amman. The museum, which deals with the history of the Public Security Directorate, has a built up area of 170 square meters and is located on a 7,650 square-meter site. The memorial, built in commemoration of the Public Security men killed in the line of duty, incorporates a six-meter high obelisk on which their names are engraved.
Construction work was completed on the expansion of Farah Maternity Hospital in Amman. Tahhan and Bushnaq Architects, in association with the medical consultant Llewelyn - Davis, designed the 8,200 square-meter expansion of the 960 square-meter existing hospital. The expansion incorporates eleven stories as well as three basement levels.
The expansion of Farah Maternity Hospital
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on the Cultural Village at al-Hussein National Park in Amman. The Municipality of Greater Amman project occupies an area of 3,000 square meters and incorporates studios for Arabic calligraphy, stone carving, natural paints, and clay crafts, as well as exhibition halls. The 1.1 million JD (1,57 million $US) project also includes the Jordanian Pavilion of the Expo 2000 in Hannover, Germany.
Site preparation works were initiated for the Karak Commercial Complex in the city of Karak, in southern Jordan. The 8 million JD (11.3 million $US) Karak Development Corporation project has a built up area of 40,000 square meters and is located on a 100,000 square-meter site. It includes a commercial center, an entertainment center, and a hotel.
Construction work began on the expansion of the Queen Alia Heart Center in Amman. Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects, in association with Heery International, designed the project for the Royal Medical Services of the Jordanian Armed Forces. The 14,000 square-meter expansion is expected to cost 12.75 million JD (18 million $US).
Completed Designs
Bilal Hammad Associates completed designs for the fishermen's harbor in al-Hafayer area in the middle beach of Aqaba for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). The 1,500 square-meter project, which is expected to cost 150,000 JD (214,000 $US), is part of a larger scheme for the development of al-Hafayer area, which is being supervised by ASEZA.
The Fisherman's Harbor
Bilal Hammad Associates completed conceptual designs for the Captain Hotel and Restaurant in Aqaba. The 3,500 square-meter project is expected to cost 700,000 JD (1 million $US).
The Captain Hotel and Restaurant
Fuad Malkawi, assistant professor at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, completed designs for a residential neighborhood in Saudi Arabia. The design, which covers an area of 150 hectares, provides a master plan for 800 residential units and the necessary supporting public facilities.
New Commissions
Sobeh Engineering Office was commissioned to design the 7,800 square-meter Central Library for the Hashemite University in Zarqa, northeast of Amman.
S. M. Dudin Architects and Engineers were commissioned to design the Learning Trail Private School for al-Rajwa Investments in Amman.
Bitar Consultants completed designs for the 2,700 square-meter Investment Complex Building for the Aqaba Association for the Welfare of Orphans.
Competitions
S. M. Dudin Architects and Engineers participated in a closed competition for the design of a 17,000 square meter, five-star hotel for Alpha International in Aqaba.
S. M. Dudin Architects and Engineers’ submission for the design of of a five-star hotel competition
News form Academia
3 students received their bachelor's degrees in architecture from the Applied Sciences University in Amman and 6 from the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid.
Dina Abdulkarim successfully defended her master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. The thesis is entitled The Sonic Image of the Environment: Characterizing and Evaluating Soundscapes.
Sari Abu Munshar successfully defended his master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled Space Syntax at Jerusalem: Analysis of Old and New Spaces Using Space Syntax Software.
Zein Kharashfeh successfully defended her master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. The thesis is entitled Islam and Heritage Conservation: An Authentic Critical Value-Oriented Approach of Thinking.
Samer Younis successfully defended his master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled The Impact of Political Changes on Urban Morphology: The Case of Jerusalem Since 1861.
Ahmad Yunis successfully defended his master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. The thesis is entitled A Conceptual Analysis for Visual Impact Assessment.
Sultan Zakariya successfully defended his master's thesis at the Department of Architecture at the University of Jordan. The thesis is entitled The Civil Commercial Centers in the City of Amman and their Effects on the Evolution of the City.
Other News
Work began on a project for the conservation of the historic site of Umm-Qais, in northwestern Jordan. The project is part of the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Program that the Jordanian Ministry of Youth and Sports and the European Commission agreed upon earlier in 2001. The Umm-Qais project is being carried out by the Irbid Youth Center in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at Yarmouk University in Irbid. The project includes the participation of youths from Italy, Jordan, Spain, and Syria, and consists of workshops on conservation, excavations, and discussions of conservation experiences in the participating countries.
Completed Projects
Construction work was completed on the Petra Tours office building in Amman. S. M. Dudin Architects designed the 2,740 square-meter project, with interior designs being carried out by Fadi Hasabi from Lebanon.
Construction work was completed on the Sadeen Amman Hotel in Amman. Architect Wa'el Hamarneh designed the 5,000 square-meter, 2 million JD (2,85 million $US) project with interior designs being carried out by Ahmad Salah.
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on a low-cost housing project in Wadi 'Araba, in the Jordan Valley, south of the Dead Sea. The project, which is part of the second phase of a social security program that addresses the development of Wadi 'Araba, includes the construction of 40 residential units for the needy inhabitants of the area. The project is expected to cost 200,000 JD (280,000 $US), which have been donated by King Abdullah II.
Construction began on the Lady of Peace Center, a project dedicated to the physically disabled and located in Umm al-Kundum, outside Amman. The Latin Patriarchate project has a built up area of 3,000 square meters and is located on a 35,000 square-meter site. It includes a church, celebration and conference halls, clinics, residences for 250 persons, and a club for the physically disabled. The project is expected to cost 5 million JD (7.1 million $US).
Construction work began on the Needlecraft Garment Factory in Wadi Dulayl QIZ (Qualified Industrial Zone, i. e. an area whose industrial products can be exported to the USA on advantageous terms). Darb (Design Associates and Research Bureau) designed the three-story, 1,000 square-meter project.
Construction work began on al-Anani Commercial Center in Amman. Tha'er Quba'ah designed the 1,400 square-meter project, which is expected to cost 220,000 JD (310,000 $US).
Completed Designs
Dar al-Omran completed designs for the administration building at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid. The location of the building follows the university's original 1979 master plan, which the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange had designed in association with Jafar Tukan and Partners. The 4,400 square-meter, 2,337 million JD (3.3 million $US) building is one of five structures that Dar al-Omran has been commissioned to design for JUST. The other four structures are the deanship and student activities building (the designs of which were completed in December 2000), the central library and lecture hall complex, the student admissions and registration building, and the main campus gate.
Site plan of the Administration Building at JUST
Elevation view of the Administration Building at JUST
Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects completed infrastructure upgrade designs for three hospitals for the Royal Medical Services of the Jordanian Armed Forces. These include the Prince Ali bin al-Hussein hospital in Karak, Prince Hashim bin al-Hussein hospital in Zarqa, and Prince Rashid bin al-Hassan hospital in Irbid.
Jafar Tukan and Partners completed designs for the school of physical education at al-Najah National University in Nablus, Palestine. The 8,000 square-meter project is expected to cost 2,25 million JD (3,2 million $US).
Jafar Tukan and Partners completed designs for a restaurant and shops at al-Najah National University in Nablus, Palestine. The 4,500 square-meter project is expected to cost 1,050,000 JD (1,500,000 $US).
New Commissions
The Government Tenders Directorate at the Jordanian Ministry of Public Works and Housing awarded Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects a contract for the preparation of designs and tender documents for the Baq'a Public Hospital in Baq'a. The 11,000 square-meter hospital includes a 100-bed inpatient department, outpatient clinics, an emergency department, an operation theatre, laboratories, and a pharmacy.
Al-Marsam Architects and Engineers, in association with GDAR Group, were commissioned to design the interior and refurbishment works for the auditorium of the Jordan National Medical Council in Amman. The 210,000 JD (300,000 $US) project is part of the Primary Health Care Initiative Program that USAID (United States Agency for International Development) is funding in order to improve health care resources in Jordan.
The Modern Building Office was commissioned to design the interior works for the visitors' center of the Aqaba Marine Park in Aqaba. Bitar Consultants had carried out the architectural designs for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) project.
The Visitors' Center of the Aqaba Marine Park
Competitions
GDAR Group received first prize in a competition for the design of a private-owned resort in Morocco. Accordingly, GDAR Group was awarded the design job for the 4,500 square-meter project that is located on a 35,000 square-meter site, and is expected to cost 1.75 million JD (2.5 million $US).
News from Academia
Natheer Abu Obeid, associate professor at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid, is on sabbatical for the 2001 - 2002 academic year. While on sabbatical, he will head the architectural design section of the Saudi Arabian Otaishan Consulting Engineering Company.
Fuad Malkawi, assistant professor at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid, has been appointed chairman of the university's Department of Architecture.
Hazim al-Nijaidi, associate professor at the Applied Sciences University in Amman, has been appointed chairman of the university's Department of Architecture.
Ala' Gammoh has been appointed lecturer at the Department of Architecture at the Applied Sciences University in Amman.
Fuad Malkawi, assistant professor at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid and chairman of the university's Department of Architecture, is finalizing a research project for the Center for Studies and Research for the Contemporary Middle East (CERMOC) on the history of physical planning in Jordan. The project will be published towards the end of 2001.
Other News
The Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) approved 16,550 building design contracts covering a total area of 4.63 million square meters during the first nine months of 2001. This shows a 20% rise in the number of building contracts, and a 26% rise in the overall building area in comparison with the first nine months of the year 2000.
Maiss Razem, a fifth-year student at the Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, was chosen as one of ten finalists in an international essay contest entitled Dialogue among Civilizations that was organized by the United Nations. The finalists have been invited to read their essays at a special conference that will take place in New York City in November 2001.
Completed Projects
Construction work was completed on the Rainbow Garment Factory in the Wadi Dulayl QIZ (Qualified Industrial Zone, i.e. an area whose industrial products can be exported to the USA on advantageous terms). Darb (Design Associates and Research Bureau) designed the 6,000 square-meter factory, which includes a pre-cast, pre-stressed structural skeleton.
Construction work was completed for the Tesco section at the METS 2001 exhibition. Tha'er Quba'ah, in association with Rania Tarazi, designed the 72 meter-square project, which is expected to cost 4,000 JD (5,700 $US).
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on the development of tourist streets, trails, and lookouts in central Amman. The project includes the design of street furniture, pavements, landscaping, as well as streets and trails that will extend about 4 kilometers. Tibah Consultants and Pacific Consultants International (PCI) of Tokyo, Japan had designed the project for the Municipality of Greater Amman. It is expected to cost about 1.14 million JD (1.6 million $US) and is being funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and by a loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. The completion of the project is set for July 2002.
Completed Designs
Faris and Faris Architects completed designs for the Ayla Center in Aqaba for Ayla Investments. The 7,000 square-meter complex includes shops and offices, and is expected to cost 2 million JD (2.8 million $US).
Jafar Tukan and Partners completed designs for a restaurant and gym at al-Najah National University in Nablus, Palestine. The restaurant occupies an area of 4,200 square meters and the gym has a total area of about 7,500 square meters.
New Commissions
The Office of Modern Buildings completed tender documents for the reinstallation of the 2,000 square-meter Jordanian Pavilion of the Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany for the Municipality of Greater Amman. The pavilion will be housed in al-Hussein National Park in Amman.
The Jordan Pavilion of the Expo 2000
Darb (Design Associates and Research Bureau) were commissioned to design the Pinewood Private Resort. The 10,000 square-meter resort is located on a 30,000 square-meter site located at the outskirts of Amman. The project consists of a main building and several adjacent buildings that include recreational athletic facilities.
Bitar Consultants were commissioned to design the interior works of the main administrative building of the Jordan Islamic Bank for Finance and Investment, located in Amman's banking district of Shmeisani. The 2,000 square-meter project is estimated to cost 900,000 JD (1.3 million $US).
Jafar Tukan and Partners were commissioned to design the renovation of a number of primary healthcare centers in Amman. The renovation projects for the Jordanian Ministry of Health are part of the Primary Health Care Initiatives (PHCI) program that USAID (the United States Agency for International Development) is funding to improve healthcare resources in Jordan. The selection of these health centers was based on the outcome of a study that CDG (the Community Development Group Engineering and Management Associates) carried out in association with the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based policy research firm Abt Associates Inc.
Competitions
Tibah Consultants were awarded first prize for the design of the 30,000 square-meter al-Afran Urban Development Project for ASEZA (the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority) in Aqaba. The offices Tahhan and Bushnaq Architects, GDAR, and Faris and Faris Architects were also invited to submit entries for this closed competition.
The submission for the design of al-Afran Urban Development Project Competition by Tibah Consultants
The submission for the design of al-Afran Urban Development Project Competition by Tahhan and Bushnaq architects
The submission for the design of al-Afran Urban Development Project Competition by Faris and Faris Architects
News from Academia
The Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid commenced its E-studio, an experiment in digital design studio for third year architecture students. The course encourages students to rethink traditional approaches to design, and to explore the use of digital media beyond its application as a presentation tool.
Lectures
Suha Ozkan, the Secretary General of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, delivered a public lecture at Darat al-Funun in Amman entitled Architecture for a Changing World: Twenty Years of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The lecture was cosponsored by Darat al-Funun - The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, the Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE), and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Other News
SIGMA Consulting Engineers received the Honorary Award of the Minister of Public Works and Housing for the Year 2000. The annual award is given to a Jordanian engineering and consulting office whose work is deemed to be of distinguished quality. A committee including representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, the Jordan Engineers Association, the University of Jordan, and the Government Tenders Directorate evaluates candidates and chooses the recipient of the award.
Jordanian architect Khaled al-Bourini was reelected head of the Arab Engineering Offices Corporation of the Federation of Arab Engineers. Jordan is a founding member of the corporation, which was founded in 1984 and has its headquarters in Amman. It has a membership of 110 consulting engineering and architectural firms and 650 consulting engineers and architects. The Federation of Arab Engineers has a membership of around 500,000 engineers and architects.
Completed Projects
Construction was completed on the second phase of the Car Museum at al-Hussein National Park in Amman. Jafar Tukan and Partners designed the project, which will house the late King Hussein's car collection for the Municipality of Greater Amman.
The Royal Automobile Museum
Jordanian artist Mohammad Abu Zureiq completed a large public mural entitled Arabesque. The mural, which covers a wall area of 100 square meters, is located in Amman's al-Mahatta area, opposite the Amman Railroad Station. The station complex dates to the early twentieth century, and includes some of the city's oldest surviving modern buildings. The mural is part of the Municipality of Greater Amman's preparations for the Amman Arab Cultural Capital 2002 celebrations.
Preparations are underway for the opening of the Le Royal Jordan Hotel in Amman. The 31-story building contains two royal suites, 32 suites, and 255 hotel rooms, in addition to conference facilities, 14 restaurants, three cinemas and a shopping center. The 257 million JD (180 million $US) project is owned by the General Mediterranean Group.
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on a sponge factory in Hanina, Madaba. Architect Wael Hamarneh designed the 3,000 square-meter project for the Allied Conversion Industries Company.
Construction work began on a Traffic Garden in Jabal al-Zuhur in Amman. The garden, which is being implemented by the Jordanian Society for the Prevention of Traffic Accidents, aims at increasing awareness regarding traffic safety among children. The 5,000 square-meter project, which is set for completion in May 2002, is expected to cost 260,000 JD (370,000 $US) and is being funded by the Municipality of Greater Amman.
Construction work began on the King Abdullah II Faculty for Information Technology at the University of Jordan. The 10,000 square-meter project is expected to cost 4 million JD (5.7 $US).
Completed Designs
Darb (Design Associates and Research Bureau) completed designs for an extension of the Italian Hospital in downtown Amman. The Italian Hospital, which was built in the 1930s, is one of Jordan's oldest hospitals. The six-story, 1,450 square-meter extension will house administration offices and a new delivery department.
CDG (the Community Development Group Engineering and Management Associates) completed designs for the Lubb Village Restoration Project located in the village of Lubb in the Madaba governorate for the Noor al-Hussein Foundation. The project is located on a 2,000 square-meter plot, and consists of the renovation of a traditional 470 square-meter structure to include a restaurant, crafts workshop, and administration offices.
Darb (Design Associates and Research Bureau) completed designs for the NOVA Furniture Factory in Sahab near Amman. The project covers an area of 5,000 square meters, and includes a two-floor factory and an administration and services building.
Arabtech - Jardaneh Consulting Engineers and Architects, in association with the Jerusalem-based office DOUR Engineering and Planning Consulting Engineers, completed designs for the al-Shurafat Housing Project in Beit Safafah, Palestine.
The Municipality of Greater Amman completed designs for the headquarters of the therapeutic equestrian club located in the Amman National Park. The project is the first of its kind in the region and aims at enabling people with special needs to participate in a physical activity that includes equestrian activities as an integral part of the rehabilitation process. The project includes stables, training courses, playgrounds, and a restaurant.
Faris and Faris Architects completed designs for a 1,500 square-meter restaurant complex in Amman for Al-Riyadh Investments.
New Commissions
The Amman office of the Saudi Arabia-based consulting firm Omrania and Associates, in a joint venture with Almarsam Architects and Engineers, were commissioned to design the refurbishment of a preexisting building that will serve as the new Australian Embassy in Amman. The 2,000 square-meter project is expected to cost about 100,000 JD (140,000 $US).
Bitar Consultants were commissioned to design primary healthcare clinic renovations for twenty healthcare centers located throughout Jordan. The 840,000 JD (1.2 million $US) project is part of the Primary Health Care Initiatives (PHCI) program that USAID (United States Agency for International Development) is funding to improve healthcare resources in Jordan. The selection of these health centers was based on the outcome of a study that CDG (the Community Development Group Engineering and Management Associates) carried out in association with the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based policy research firm Abt Associates.
Competitions
The Municipality of Greater Amman has organized an open competition for the design of a 2-million JD (about 2.8 million $US) children's museum at al-Hussein National Park in Amman. The project will occupy a 10,000 square-meter site and contain 4,500 square meters of build up areas.
News from Academia
The Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid participated in the Third Arab Architectural Exhibition for Graduation Projects that took place in Damascus. The Department of Architecture at JUST had initiated the idea of the exhibition and organized the first one in October 1999.
Exhibitions
The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts in Amman held an exhibition featuring works by the late Syrian artist Wabhi al-Hariri al-Rifai entitled Houses of God. The exhibition includes over 50 drawings and paintings of historical mosques from different parts of the world that al-Rifa'i carried out. The exhibition toured Washington, D.C. and Doha, and will show in Riyadh following Amman.
Other News
A wave-wind study was completed for the Tala Bay Marina in Aqaba. Kirk McClure Morton (KMM) of Belfast, the United Kingdom carried out the study in association with Darb (Design Associates and Research Bureau) for the Jordan Projects for Tourism Development (JPTD). The study included wind and water data analysis, offshore wave generation and transformation, inshore wave modeling, and harbor disturbance modeling. The study aims at reaching the safest optimum configuration for the proposed marina.
In a ceremony that took place in Aleppo, Syria, the Jordanian architect Jafar Tukan was honored as one of nine recipients of the 2001 cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for his design of the SOS Children's Village in Aqaba. The complex, which functions as a family-based orphanage, was completed in 1991. It occupies a site of 20,000 square meters, has 2,700 square meters of built areas, and cost 1.2 million JD (about 1.7 million $US).
Th SOS Village in Aqaba
Completed Projects
Construction work was completed on the interior of the Environment and Bio-diversity Museum for Children at the Haya Cultural Center in Amman. Turath (Heritage Conservation Management and Environmental Design Consultants) designed the interior of the 180 square-meter project, which is located in an adapted existing building, and consists of designs for furniture, showcases, interpretive models, and other illustrative materials.
The Hijaz Jordan Railway Organization, in cooperation with Al al-Bayt University in Mafraq, announced the opening of a museum in one of the buildings of the Amman Railroad Station. The museum addresses the history of the railroad, and is part of an effort to revitalize the Railroad Line and reorganize its buildings to serve as tourist attractions. The Hijaz Railroad Line, which was constructed by the Ottoman authorities during the early twentieth century, extends from Damascus to Madina, contains 34 stations, and runs 452 kilometers through Jordan.
Century Cinema Complex in Amman opened its doors to business. The five-cinema complex has a capacity of 850 persons, and is located in the 42,000 square-meter Zara Trade Center, which is connected to the adjacent Amman Hyatt Hotel. The American architectural office of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) and Sigma Consulting Engineers carried out the designs for this Zara Investments project.
Initiation of Projects
Construction work began on the development of tourist streets, trails, observation areas, and a visitor's center in the city of Karak in southern Jordan. These elements are intended to allow visitors to better experience the city's famous twelfth-century Crusader-period castle. The Consolidated Consultants for Engineering and Environment and Pacific Consultants International (PCI) of Tokyo, Japan carried out the designs for the project that is part of a strategic plan for developing tourism in Amman, Salt, Karak, Madaba, and the Dead Sea. The project is expected to cost about 1.7 million JD (2.4 million $US) and is being funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
Completed Designs
Tom Postma Design, in cooperation with the Engineering Department of the Municipality of Greater Amman, completed designs for the 11 August Street 'Cultural Avenue' project in Amman's Shmeisani district for the Municipality of Greater Amman. The refurbishment of the 360 meter-long street includes the design of landscaping, paving, street furniture, as well as the construction of cultural and tourist landmarks on both sides of the street, including a summer theater for musical performances. The project, which is part of the Municipality of Greater Amman's preparations for the Amman Arab Cultural Capital 2002 celebrations, is set for completion in April 2002.
Dar al-Omran, in association with the American interior and graphic design firm Arrowstreet, completed designs for the permanent campus of al-Hussein Bin Talal University in Ma'an, Jordan. The designs include a master plan for the 3.2 square-kilometer university campus, designs for 199,000 square meters of built-up areas, as well as design studies for infrastructure and agricultural works. The project is expected to cost 82 million JD (117 million $US).
Proposed design for al-Hussein Bin Talal University
Dar al-Omran, in association with the American interior and graphic design firm Arrowstreet, completed designs for the Fahaheel Waterfront development project in Kuwait. The 32,000 square-meter, 1,600 meter-long waterfront project is owned by the Tamdeen Real Estate Company and is expected to cost 37 million JD (53 million $US).
Bitar Consultants is one of six consulting firms that have been commissioned to design the Aqaba New Islamic Hospital for the Islamic Center Society in Aqaba. The 30,000 square-meter project is estimated to cost 9 million JD (13 million $US).
Jafar Tukan and Partners completed urban designs for the development of Hadwa Street in Aqaba for ASEZA (the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority).
Jafar Tukan and Partners completed designs for a 1,100 square-meter dolphinarium in Aqaba for the Jordanian Company for Aquamarine Tourism.
Bilal Hammad Associates, Dr. Yaghmour and Associates Consulting Architects, and Tahhan and Bushnaq Architects, completed a joint design for the Sweimeh National Park in Sweimeh, along the Dead Sea, for the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The 3 kilometer-square project extends 3 kilometers along the seashore, and includes picnic areas, restaurants, and play areas.
Bilal Hammad Associates completed designs for a 620 square-meter mosque in Aqaba for ASEZA (the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority.
A mosque in Aqaba by Bilal Hammad Associates
New Commissions
Dar al-Omran, in association with the Libyan Engineering Consultants Office for Utilities, was commissioned to design the 126,000 square-meter Islamic Center in Kano, Nigeria for the International Islamic Call Society.
Competitions
Omrania and Associates were awarded first prize in a closed competition for the design of the Aqaba Arcade, the Aqaba produce market, and a mosque for ASEZA (the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority) in Aqaba. The Aqaba Arcade project, which includes shops and landscaped areas, consists of a 3,200 square-meter refurbished area and a new built up area of 1,250 square meters. The produce market occupies an area of 2,800 square meters and the mosque an area of 1,200 square meters. Jafar Tukan and Partners and PLANS-Hakim and Associates were also invited to submit entries for the competition.
The Aqaba Arcade
The Aqaba Produce Market
ASEZA (the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority) invited seven Jordanian architectural firms to submit entries for a competition to present urban and architectural design proposals for the relocation of the informal settlement of al-Shallalah, located in the eastern parts of the city. The project, which will create a new urban settlement to the north of the city, aims at improving living conditions and infrastructure services for the inhabitants of the settlement.
Tahhan and Bushnaq Architects were awarded first prize in a closed competition for the design of the Ayla Park urban development project for ASEZA (the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority) in Aqaba. The project occupies a site of 17,000 square meters, and includes 8,000 square meters of built up areas. GDAR and Diran Masri Sarrar Consultant Architects and Engineers were also invited to submit entries for the competition.
The entry for the Ayla Park Urban Development Project by Tahhan and Bushnaq Architects
The entry for the Ayla Park Urban Development Project by GDAR
The entry for the Ayla Park Urban Development Project by Diran Masri Sarrar
News from Academia
The Department of Architecture at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Irbid signed an agreement of cooperation with the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA), University of Paris X-Nanterre that allows the two institutions to participate in joint research projects and establish joint graduate programs.
Lectures
The Applied Sciences University in Amman organized a lecture by landscape architect and former Minister of Water and Irrigation Kamel Mahadin entitled Landscape Architecture in Jordan.
The Jordanian architect Rasim Badran delivered a lecture at the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) entitled Reflections on the Novelty of Place.
Other News
The building industry in Jordan showed considerable growth during the year 2001. According to information issued by the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA), 21,600 building permits covering a total area of 6.5 million square meters were issued during 2001. This is a 16% rise in the number of building permits and an 18% rise in the overall licensed building areas in comparison to the year 2000. About 85% of the areas licensed for building are intended for residential purposes.
The Jordanian Social Security Corporation (SSC) signed an agreement with the public-sector National Company for Investment to provide the latter with a loan of 20 million JD (29 million $US) for the development of Amman's al-'Abdali area. The project includes the transformation of the sizable area containing the headquarters of the Jordanian Armed Forces in al-'Abdali into a large trade center that also will house telecommunication and Internet companies.
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