The Arabian Peninsula represents one of the world’s leading exporters and users of fossil fuels, an economic reality that influences the area’s visions for the future and, implicitly, architecture and urban planning’s role in these scenarios. A number of emerging offices are however countering these narratives, turning to contextual research to reframe the area’s production of architecture. Among these, cultural practice Civil Architecture has become recognized for its provocative works that explore alternative narratives for the identity of the Middle East. While in Bahrain, ArchDaily's Christele Harrouk had the chance to sit down with Ali Karimi, who, together with Hamed Bukhamseen, co-founded Civil Architecture. In the video interview, they discuss the practice of architecture in the Gulf region and the narrative and research-focused approach of the office.
Amman: The Latest Architecture and News
Creating Architecture in an Uncivil Time: In Conversation with Ali Karimi of Civil Architecture
B. Kanaan Residence / Sahel AlHiyari Architects
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Architects: Sahel AlHiyari Architects
- Area: 866 m²
- Year: 2022
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Professionals: Corte Gherardi snc, Asas Engineering Bureau, EMCC Electro Mechanical Consult
Meet the Winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards
The Association of Arab Architects has announced the winners of the 2022 Arab Architects Awards. This year’s winning architectural projects highlight the importance of inclusive design, taking into account sustainability and designing with a sensible response to the local communities and landscapes they inhibit. The two-day ceremony was held in Amman, Jordan on November 16-17, 2022, and gathered hundreds of regional architects, urban planners, engineers, and designers of all demographics to explore and engage in discussions about architecture and the future of the built environment in the Arab region.
Amman, Bogota, and Freetown Among the 15 Winning Cities of the 2021 Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Mayors Challenge
Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced the 15 winning innovations of its 2021-2022 Global Mayors Challenge. Hailing from six continents, the chosen projects "seek improvements in the areas of economic recovery and inclusive growth, health and well-being, climate and environment, and gender and equality". The winning cities include Istanbul, Rotterdam, Butuan, and Wellington, and will all receive $1 million and external support to develop their programs.
.jpg?1643280352 "The World’s First Fully Accessible Art Depot Museum is Opening to the Public. Image © Ossip van Duivenbode / MVRDV")
Minor Paradises / studiolibani + #civilarchitectureorg
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Architects: #civilarchitectureorg, studiolibani
- Area: 720 m²
- Year: 2019
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Professionals: Anas Mikhi, Sosthen Hennekam
Rethinking Embassy Design: Building Diplomacy Around the World
The architecture of diplomacy balances security and openness. As symbols of protection and representation, embassies are built for utility in both urban and rural contexts alike. At their core, they are also made to communicate the values and ideals of nations as welcoming structures and sustainable civic spaces. Today, modern embassy projects are made to meet rigorous security standards while embracing local culture and conditions.
H Saket House / Sahel AlHiyari Architects
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Architects: Sahel AlHiyari Architects
- Area: 1125 m²
- Year: 2015
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Professionals: Ammoun Jordan Construction, Asas Engineering Bureau, Scope – MEP Design Studio
K. Barghouti House / Sahel AlHiyari Architects
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Architects: Sahel AlHiyari Architects
- Area: 1800 m²
- Year: 2019
Kama Local Gourmet - the showroom / Dina Haddadin
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Architects: Dina Haddadin
- Area: 60 m²
- Year: 2019
Capital Bank of Jordan / Paradigm DH
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Architects: Paradigm DH
- Area: 1100 m²
- Year: 2018
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Manufacturers: Fantoni, Linea Light Group, Lucem Lichtbeton, Poltrona Frau, interstull, +1
A R D 334 / A R D designs
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Architects: A R D designs
- Area: 2000 m²
- Year: 2017
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Manufacturers: Petra Aluminum Company
Queen Alia International Airport / Foster + Partners
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Architects: Foster + Partners
- Year: 2013
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Manufacturers: Euramax, Kingspan Insulated Panels, SAS International, Santamargherita, Soprema, +1
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Professionals: Buro Happold, NACO, ADPi, Zuhair Fayez Partnership, Rahe Kraft, +1
Dutch Embassy in Amman / rudy uytenhaak + partners architecten
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Architects: rudy uytenhaak + partners architecten
- Area: 1000 m²
- Year: 2010
IAA / Symbiosis Designs LTD
Vy Gym / Symbiosis Designs LTD
Abu Samra House / Symbiosis Designs LTD
Jordan Housing Bank For Trade and Finance Headquarters / NBBJ
The Columbus, Ohio office of international design firm NBBJ is designing the new headquarters for the Housing Bank For Trade and Finance (HBTF), the largest bank branch network in Jordan. Located in the Schmeisani section of Amman, the new HBTF headquarters will feature a modern, iconic design helping to re-shape the city’s evolving skyline. It will also be among a handful of buildings in Amman created under the current sustainable design guidelines. Once completed, the new facility will provide employees with a state-of-the-art work environment to deliver even better service to customers.
Project description and drawings after the break.
Architect: NBBJ Location: Amman, Jordan Project team: Adam Shriver, Aleksandr Daskalov, Brian Sell, Chandra Wilcox, Dean Stump, Don Kruckeburg, Earl Lee, Ed Mickelson, Ivan Amy, Jim Lehnert, John Woods, Karen Miller Eskandari, Kent Usher, Mark Gammon, Mark Perry, Matt Manda, Mike Suriano, Nick Forbess, Scot Walls, Tony Murry, Tyler Bohm, Katie Hueblein, Michael Denison, Laura Elswick, Jeff Heffner, Jonathan Novak, Teri Umbarger, Brian Rezentes, Budiman Wiharja, Nursah Balcilar Design Engineer: Arup Local A/E: Arabtech Jardaneh Lighting Designer: Quentin Thomas Associates Food Service Designer: Hammer Design Associates Wind Testing: CPP Water Architecture: Dan Euser Construction Manager: Projacs Client: Housing Bank for Trade and Finance Project area: 76,000 sqm Project year: Estimated Completion 2014 Renderings: Li Fang / Illustration on Demand
King Abdullah II House of Culture & Art / Zaha Hadid Architects
The new King Abdullah II House of Culture & Art in Jordan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects has been announced this week.
The project comes after a competition awarded in June 2008, which included Snøhetta (Norway), Atelier Christian de Portzamparc (France), Delugan Meissl (Austria), Henning Larsens Tegnestue (Denmark) and Kerry Hill Architects (Singapore).
The project consists in a performing arts and cultural centre that includes a 1600-seat concert theatre, 400-seat theatre, educational centre, rehearsal rooms, and galleries.
As you can see on the renderings, the building is mainly a carved volume, with voids crossing it creating several visual relations.
On the outside, the volume looks very simple, contrasting with the carved spaces that express themselves on the facade.
More info about the project after the break: