Amman Downtown Development

Bridging History and Modernity on the Southern Slopes

Location: Downtown Amman, Jordan (The Southern Slopes of the Citadel) Typology: Urban Design, Mixed-Use Development, Heritage Conservation Context: The Historic Core (Between the Citadel and the Roman Amphitheatre)

Project Overview

The Jabal Al Qala'a Urban Regeneration project represents a strategic intervention within the dense historic core of Amman. Situated on the southern slopes of the Citadel, the project acts as a critical urban connector between two of the city's most significant historical poles: the ancient "Mountain" (The Citadel) and the vibrant "Valley" (The Roman Amphitheatre and Downtown Souqs). This development is part of a major urban transformation aimed at capitalizing on the temporal depth and cultural value of the city center.

Design Philosophy: The Eternal Journey

Rooted in a profound interpretation of the Genius Loci (Spirit of Place), the design concept facilitates the "Eternal Journey" between the upper topography of the Citadel and the lower urban fabric. The architectural vision seeks to imprint a "contemporary stamp" that respects the historical context while introducing a distinct, modern narrative. This dialectic relationship between the old and the new creates a "new urban reality" that is authentic, creative, and socially attentive.

Urban Strategy & Morphology

The master plan adopts a methodology of "Urban Stitching," healing the fragmented urban texture by analyzing the organic rhythm of solids and voids. Key strategies include:

Topographical Response: The massing and skyline are strictly governed by the site's natural hierarchy. Building heights and proportions are manipulated to respect the slope percentage, ensuring the visual dominance of the Citadel is preserved.
Vertical Connectivity: The project revitalizes the pedestrian experience by restoring the network of staircases and pathways that visually extend from the centerline of the Roman Theatre, enhancing permeability and walkability.
Adaptive Reuse: A core tenet of the proposal is the preservation and rehabilitation of significant "Ammani" heritage buildings. These structures are integrated into the new development, maintaining the genealogical heritage of the neighborhood while adapting them for modern utility.

Functional Program & Sustainability

The intervention introduces a dynamic mixed-use program designed to stimulate economic demand and tourism. The development features marketable amenities, cultural nodes, and public plazas that foster social interaction.

Environmentally, the project integrates "green pockets" and hard/soft landscaping to enhance the microclimate. The design embraces sustainable architectural technologies, including natural ventilation systems (Malaqef) and water harvesting, harmonizing the built environment with nature.

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