symbiosis designs ltd - selected works and projects

Symbiosis and Phenomenology Members of the team at Symbios is subscr ibe to phenomenology in thei r th inking towards archi tecture and equate the name Symbios is wi th phenomenology. Edmund Husser l explains“ the phenomenological reduct ion reveals that there is a category which is more profound and more pr imi t ive than the not ions of “ being”…., namely, the category of object of consciousness (or phenomenon)”.

Symbios is , in dic t ionar ies, means “a re lat ionship of mutual benef i t or dependence between di f ferent species.” In archi tecture, and more so in total archi tecture, i t i s the “meaning” of the in terdependence of objects , qual i t ies and not ions in thei r indiv idual and cumulat ive assembl ies. Our consciousness taps in to the conscious-ness or soul of objects and mater ia ls . The col lect ive sum of objects amounts to the spi r i t of a place…. the emot ive res idue that remains t rue and profound, s temming t imeless ly f rom deep unders tanding of “object of consciousness!“.

Contents

Ethic Mission and core valuesOur clients MethodologyAttention to detailsExpertise Discourse Members

Selected projects

Educational projects RSICA / Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts IAA / The International Academy - Amman IAA library

Hotels Wadi Philadelphia Hijar Nawabilisi complexRakeen towers

Restaurants Blue fig cafe’

Office retailAbdoun fashion atrium Kawar Group office building headquartersAbu tawileh plaza II Techno Group office buildingKurdi complex IIOasis 500 incubators

Banks Jordan Invest bank Residential Abu samra residenceAyoubi residenceMuhaisen residence

Health and wellnessVy complex

Masterplans King Hussein Business park Doha corniche master plan

Temporary structures and installations Petra boothSteel booth7th circle public installation

4 6 7 812182022

283646

506064

70

808488929698

104

110116122

128

142146

152154156

158Credits

Contents

Ethic Mission and core valuesOur clients MethodologyAttention to detailsExpertise Discourse Members

Selected projects

Educational projects RSICA / Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts IAA / The International Academy - Amman IAA library

Hotels Wadi Philadelphia Hijar Nawabilisi complexRakeen towers

Restaurants Blue fig cafe’

Office retailAbdoun fashion atrium Kawar Group office building headquartersAbu tawileh plaza II Techno Group office buildingKurdi complex IIOasis 500 incubators

Banks Jordan Invest bank Residential Abu samra residenceAyoubi residenceMuhaisen residence

Health and wellnessVy complex

Masterplans King Hussein Business park Doha corniche master plan

Temporary structures and installations Petra boothSteel booth7th circle public installation

4 6 7 812182022

283646

506064

70

808488929698

104

110116122

128

142146

152154156

158Credits

[To continue to be the architectural firmamongst the most recognizedfor re-inventing theTotal Design Environment]

Ethic

Architecture is a symbiotic juxtaposition of endless sensitivities and sensibilities – an amalgamation of differing natures not unlike the reciprocal intertwining of the suggestive and the captive, the chaotic and the vivid, the mystical and the tangible, the musical and the silent, the rational and the poetic…all merged into a single opulent apparition, yet each retains its integrity – passionately orchestrated with a layman’s mind, heart and soul.

Gives a product utility

Is aestheticMakes a product easy to understand

Is unobtrusiveIs honestIs long-livedIs consistent down to the smallest detail

Protects the environment

Good design is as little design as possible” Dieter Rams

“Good design is innovative

[To continue to be the architectural firmamongst the most recognizedfor re-inventing theTotal Design Environment]

Ethic

Architecture is a symbiotic juxtaposition of endless sensitivities and sensibilities – an amalgamation of differing natures not unlike the reciprocal intertwining of the suggestive and the captive, the chaotic and the vivid, the mystical and the tangible, the musical and the silent, the rational and the poetic…all merged into a single opulent apparition, yet each retains its integrity – passionately orchestrated with a layman’s mind, heart and soul.

Gives a product utility

Is aestheticMakes a product easy to understand

Is unobtrusiveIs honestIs long-livedIs consistent down to the smallest detail

Protects the environment

Good design is as little design as possible” Dieter Rams

“Good design is innovative

5

Our Clients

Clients who seek Symbiosis come forth adamant about dropping the typical. In their lives, they have achieved by embracing the more profound in their path. They are worldly individuals, well exposed, free thinkers who believe in the power of novelty and authenticity. They hold high respect for conceptual depths that often come with valuable and real leverage. They are intrinsically spellbound towards a new progressive reality, one that resonates elegantly in a timeless and individual insignia.

The clients we seek understand and appreciate architecture as a medium to reveal, engage and treasure higher human values; individuals who express awareness of and sensibility towards our living environment and the significant impact of any project on both the physical and metaphysical attributes of its context. We cherish working with clients who seek design experience as an intrinsic investigation that fosters and embraces cultural enrichment; and clients who further believe in teamwork and multilateral efforts as the precondi-tion to a spirit needed towards achieving further success. United in a mutually respectful manner with our clients, together, we thrive within an environment and dialogue that bridge personal values and ambitions to work values and to a final outcome of good fortune.

Core Values

Symbiosis is synonymous with excellence.

Paradigm shifts and hybrid investigations create unlimited potential for Total Architecture development.

Intense creative investigations unravel phenomenology and phenomenology is the driving force behind continuous intense creativity.

Every project must leave an enduring legacy.

[Our mission: To provide customizedprogressive identity solutions through phenomenology and Total Architecture]

6

Our Clients

Clients who seek Symbiosis come forth adamant about dropping the typical. In their lives, they have achieved by embracing the more profound in their path. They are worldly individuals, well exposed, free thinkers who believe in the power of novelty and authenticity. They hold high respect for conceptual depths that often come with valuable and real leverage. They are intrinsically spellbound towards a new progressive reality, one that resonates elegantly in a timeless and individual insignia.

The clients we seek understand and appreciate architecture as a medium to reveal, engage and treasure higher human values; individuals who express awareness of and sensibility towards our living environment and the significant impact of any project on both the physical and metaphysical attributes of its context. We cherish working with clients who seek design experience as an intrinsic investigation that fosters and embraces cultural enrichment; and clients who further believe in teamwork and multilateral efforts as the precondi-tion to a spirit needed towards achieving further success. United in a mutually respectful manner with our clients, together, we thrive within an environment and dialogue that bridge personal values and ambitions to work values and to a final outcome of good fortune.

Core Values

Symbiosis is synonymous with excellence.

Paradigm shifts and hybrid investigations create unlimited potential for Total Architecture development.

Intense creative investigations unravel phenomenology and phenomenology is the driving force behind continuous intense creativity.

Every project must leave an enduring legacy.

[Our mission: To provide customizedprogressive identity solutions through phenomenology and Total Architecture]

7

Methodology

At Symbiosis, architecture, at its most fundamental threshold, is an approach that utilizes holistic philosophy stemming from the field of phenom-enology and the higher ideologies of transcendentalism applied to mean-ingful living in the built environment. It is an endless methodical interdisci-plinary investigation, more like a madness or obsessive compulsive curiosity, towards challenging and shifting paradigms into a new landscape of built environments. Symbio-sis is not about buildings alone, it is more inclusive as we tackle a compre-hensive array of subjects that in- fluence habitual living. Symbiosis borrows from the arts, literature and poetry, film, music, psychology and sociology, culture, economy, science and many other disciplines. We also draw from our intuitions, dreams, emotions, fantasies and sensibilities to evolve and fine-tune conceptual con- structs balancing the rational with the emotional.

20

Up right: Ground floor planBelow right: Wall digramUp left: Initial sketch

Up right: Ground floor planBelow right: Wall digram

Up left: Initial sketch

20

Methodology

At Symbiosis, architecture, at its most fundamental threshold, is an approach that utilizes holistic philosophy stemming from the field of phenom-enology and the higher ideologies of transcendentalism applied to mean-ingful living in the built environment. It is an endless methodical interdisci-plinary investigation, more like a madness or obsessive compulsive curiosity, towards challenging and shifting paradigms into a new landscape of built environments. Symbio-sis is not about buildings alone, it is more inclusive as we tackle a compre-hensive array of subjects that in- fluence habitual living. Symbiosis borrows from the arts, literature and poetry, film, music, psychology and sociology, culture, economy, science and many other disciplines. We also draw from our intuitions, dreams, emotions, fantasies and sensibilities to evolve and fine-tune conceptual con- structs balancing the rational with the emotional.

20

Up right: Ground floor planBelow right: Wall digramUp left: Initial sketch

Up right: Ground floor planBelow right: Wall digram

Up left: Initial sketch

20 9

With each project we investigate the multitudes of daily narratives relative to many personalities [different users’ profiles] in their perceptual diversity and complexities. Our investigation is also about the exchanging narratives of the site, the neighborhood and the city beyond. Often, when the oppor- tunity lends itself, we try to tackle difficult and intangible landscapes that aim to converse with the poetics of the human soul, the exuberance of his emotions and the ponderings of his mind. The process, many at times, is about engaging and possessing, yet with some, more about disengaging, retracting steps and doing nothing. The methodology is devised only to constantly challenge us in our aim towards better results with every project we undertake.

In its design methodology; symbiosis explores both the built tangible environment and the un-built intan-gible in an effort aiming towards a more complete cohesion and harmony. We often propose visions for projects through hybrid-ing while, through experimentation in concep-tual fusions or multi-layering, con- struct new living brands with entire functional models that result in creating fortunate equity. At Symbiosis every one, wholeheartedly, immerses himself into the project vision constantly trying to evolve, balance and refine in hope of realizing a meaning-ful architecture.

[“Form is the extension of content”]Robert Creeley

10



[“Form is the extension of content”]Robert Creeley

11

Above: glass box detail, meeting room, IAA Right: wood / stone detail, IAA

Attention to details

At Symbiosis, external and internal detailing is tackled with passion and rigor. Details are considered early on during conceptualizing phase where the larger concept and the smallest detail feeds one another and ultimately become aligned in expression and meaning. Subscribing to phenomenology in design, the meaning of materials and their assembly plays a key role in our approach. Each mate-rial carries a quality and a spirit.

The selection of appropriate materials and the method of assembly dictate a resultant quality to spatial resonance. Often we select raw and rough mate-rials and express primitive assemblies to appeal to primal grounding quali-ties. In other projects, where the build-ing typology concept calls for it, we resort to modern use of steel, reveal-ing assemblies and tectonics. Yet in some projects we take special care to conceal structure and assemblies to project seamlessness.

[Details are seen as the imprint of the intellectual culture of

a building]

12

Above: glass box detail, meeting room, IAA Right: wood / stone detail, IAA

Attention to details

At Symbiosis, external and internal detailing is tackled with passion and rigor. Details are considered early on during conceptualizing phase where the larger concept and the smallest detail feeds one another and ultimately become aligned in expression and meaning. Subscribing to phenomenology in design, the meaning of materials and their assembly plays a key role in our approach. Each mate-rial carries a quality and a spirit.

The selection of appropriate materials and the method of assembly dictate a resultant quality to spatial resonance. Often we select raw and rough mate-rials and express primitive assemblies to appeal to primal grounding quali-ties. In other projects, where the build-ing typology concept calls for it, we resort to modern use of steel, reveal-ing assemblies and tectonics. Yet in some projects we take special care to conceal structure and assemblies to project seamlessness.

[Details are seen as the imprint of the intellectual culture of

a building]

[External and internal detailing is tackled with passion and rigor ]

Above left: Noodasia restaurant entranceCenter: canopy details

Above right: canopy detail at Canyon hotelBelow right: sign detail at Blue fig cafe’

The subject is profoundly spirited in the same manner as approaching the larger initial concept. At Symbiosis there are more customized details than typical details. Details are seen as the imprint of the intellectual culture of a building. We are always seeking new materials and new assemblies more for the sake of individual expression and progress but without compromising the appro-priateness of their spirit to the concep-tual intent.

14

[External and internal detailing is tackled with passion and rigor ]

Above left: Noodasia restaurant entranceCenter: canopy details

Above right: canopy detail at Canyon hotelBelow right: sign detail at Blue fig cafe’

The subject is profoundly spirited in the same manner as approaching the larger initial concept. At Symbiosis there are more customized details than typical details. Details are seen as the imprint of the intellectual culture of a building. We are always seeking new materials and new assemblies more for the sake of individual expression and progress but without compromising the appro-priateness of their spirit to the concep-tual intent.

15



Left: detail of stair and railing at Noodasia restaurantAbove left: detail for the steel staircase, Abu Samra houseAbove right: main stairs, Abu Samra houseBelow: Staircase, Invest Bank

Left: detail of stair and railing at Noodasia restaurantAbove left: detail for the steel staircase, Abu Samra houseAbove right: main stairs, Abu Samra houseBelow: Staircase, Invest Bank 17

Above: detailed drawings for some furniture pieces, Noodasia restaurant

Expertise

Symbiosis offers the following services on build-ing typologies ranging from Mixed-use Project Master Plans, Resorts, Multiple Residential, Mixed Commercial, Retail, Hospitality, Educa-tional and Health, to Interior, Furniture and other Products:

Research and Project Case Study AnalysisSite and Zoning AnalysisProject Facilities ProgrammingProject Feasibility and Budget AnalysisConcept Design SubmittalsDesign Development SubmittalsConstruction Documents SubmittalsQuantity Surveying SubmittalsTender Documents SubmittalsTender Negotiations and AwardingConstruction Supervision3D ModelingBranding and Graphic Design

[“Architecture, … more than any form of art, should be considered as three-dimensional philosophy.”] Berthold Imbetkin

18

Expertise

Symbiosis offers the following services on build-ing typologies ranging from Mixed-use Project Master Plans, Resorts, Multiple Residential, Mixed Commercial, Retail, Hospitality, Educa-tional and Health, to Interior, Furniture and other Products:

Research and Project Case Study AnalysisSite and Zoning AnalysisProject Facilities ProgrammingProject Feasibility and Budget AnalysisConcept Design SubmittalsDesign Development SubmittalsConstruction Documents SubmittalsQuantity Surveying SubmittalsTender Documents SubmittalsTender Negotiations and AwardingConstruction Supervision3D ModelingBranding and Graphic Design

Above: physical model, Kawar tower proposal, Abdali districtBelow: physical model, Theater Square, Abdali district

[“Architecture, … more than any form of art, should be considered as three-dimensional philosophy.”] Berthold Imbetkin

19

[“Architecture is fantasy madeof precision”]Gio Ponti

Master plan study model

Discourse

While locking each project within familiar realms as a necessary grounding methodology, flights towards the emotionally and intellectually profound necessitate continuous departures from the familiar. At Symbiosis, projects are tackled through conscious and deliberate balancing of dualities, often absolute opposites. While timeless authentic paradigms are preserved, others transcend towards alternative shifts. While some complexities are smoothed, others are often intensified. Staging environments through dualities holds evocation suspended. Symbiosis is a passionate and tenacious investiga-tion in phenomenology and place making - often silent places with hidden evocations.

Symbiosis office culture preserves a unique “think out of the box” studio/workshop approach in the initial design stages of all projects, protecting and maintaining progressive design output. Professional staff follows a set, rigorous technical methodology that allows each design to morph from concept to 3D dynamically and in a competitive time-frame; and from design development to building documents in highest standards often unveiling new assemblies. Schedules and resources are planned for all projects to ultimately stay on target while offering clients buildings that genuinely balance functional, financial, intellectual, emotional and aesthetical values. Symbiosis’s integrity is entrenched with a continuous dialogue with the vanguard. As one foot is often standing in the enchanted, familiar and real, the other is always negotiating dynamism and the unreal only trying to push our own envelopes.

20

[“Architecture is fantasy madeof precision”]Gio Ponti

Master plan study model

Discourse

While locking each project within familiar realms as a necessary grounding methodology, flights towards the emotionally and intellectually profound necessitate continuous departures from the familiar. At Symbiosis, projects are tackled through conscious and deliberate balancing of dualities, often absolute opposites. While timeless authentic paradigms are preserved, others transcend towards alternative shifts. While some complexities are smoothed, others are often intensified. Staging environments through dualities holds evocation suspended. Symbiosis is a passionate and tenacious investiga-tion in phenomenology and place making - often silent places with hidden evocations.

Symbiosis office culture preserves a unique “think out of the box” studio/workshop approach in the initial design stages of all projects, protecting and maintaining progressive design output. Professional staff follows a set, rigorous technical methodology that allows each design to morph from concept to 3D dynamically and in a competitive time-frame; and from design development to building documents in highest standards often unveiling new assemblies. Schedules and resources are planned for all projects to ultimately stay on target while offering clients buildings that genuinely balance functional, financial, intellectual, emotional and aesthetical values. Symbiosis’s integrity is entrenched with a continuous dialogue with the vanguard. As one foot is often standing in the enchanted, familiar and real, the other is always negotiating dynamism and the unreal only trying to push our own envelopes.

Members Symbiosis is a reflection of the ethics and passion of its members, a lifelong pledge of labor of love towards an exceptional career in real and worthwhile architecture. The firm prides itself in its passionate team and the culture that roams in the office environment. A balance between liberal endeavors and methodical processes with exten-sive quality checks is entrenched in the ideology of every symbiosis member.

Symbiosis is empowered with a team whose expertise covers different disciplines. Built-in into the organizational structure both spirited young talent and senior expertise covering all technical special- ties including technical detailing, material specifi-cation, façade and skin design, structural model-ing, technical monitoring, value engineering and quality assurance for supervision.

Committed to expanding the envelope in the profession, Symbiosis continues to grow through the credibility of its culture and members as one intertwined entity.

Above: recieving the first Dubai Cityscape Award 2002

[A balance between liberal endeavors andmethodical processes is entrenched in the ideology of every symbiosis member]

Members Symbiosis is a reflection of the ethics and passion of its members, a lifelong pledge of labor of love towards an exceptional career in real and worthwhile architecture. The firm prides itself in its passionate team and the culture that roams in the office environment. A balance between liberal endeavors and methodical processes with exten-sive quality checks is entrenched in the ideology of every symbiosis member.

Symbiosis is empowered with a team whose expertise covers different disciplines. Built-in into the organizational structure both spirited young talent and senior expertise covering all technical special- ties including technical detailing, material specifi-cation, façade and skin design, structural model-ing, technical monitoring, value engineering and quality assurance for supervision.

Committed to expanding the envelope in the profession, Symbiosis continues to grow through the credibility of its culture and members as one intertwined entity.

Above: recieving the first Dubai Cityscape Award 2002

[A balance between liberal endeavors andmethodical processes is entrenched in the ideology of every symbiosis member]

23

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Faiha Khazna KatbiSenior project architect

Dima BilbaisiProject architect

Katrina NajjarProject architect

Firas RhaibehProject architect

Rami Naffa’Architect

Amira QattawiProject architect

Wafa’a Al ZubidiDraftsperson

Mohammad Al KalbaniDraftsperson

Onur lambazArchitect - lead designer

Zeid KakishArchitect

Mariam Al LalaArchitect

Abdel-Qader Tarabieh Architect - lead designer

Rasem Kamal Architect

Dina HaddadinArchitect - lead designer

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Firas Al RawiSite architect

As’ad AbdallaSite supervisor

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Tawfiq ShahedSupervision unit manager

Noura Al Am’ariHuman resources

Fadia MahmoudOffice adminstrator

Mahmoud MonwerIT administrator

Sami SafforyResident engineer

Hasan Al HawamdehSite supervisor

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Faiha Khazna KatbiSenior project architect

Dima BilbaisiProject architect

Katrina NajjarProject architect

Firas RhaibehProject architect

Rami Naffa’Architect

Amira QattawiProject architect

Wafa’a Al ZubidiDraftsperson

Mohammad Al KalbaniDraftsperson

Onur lambazArchitect - lead designer

Zeid KakishArchitect

Mariam Al LalaArchitect

Abdel-Qader Tarabieh Architect - lead designer

Rasem Kamal Architect

Dina HaddadinArchitect - lead designer

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Firas Al RawiSite architect

As’ad AbdallaSite supervisor

khalid DabbasLiaison officer

Mohammad MitwalliOffice boy

Tamer RashadOffice Boy

Ram

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Tawfiq ShahedSupervision unit manager

Noura Al Am’ariHuman resources

Fadia MahmoudOffice adminstrator

Mahmoud MonwerIT administrator

Sami SafforyResident engineer

Hasan Al HawamdehSite supervisor

URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY SPACES EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTER PLAN RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES

ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY SPACES EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTER PLAN RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES

ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

A collaboration with USC - University of Sothern California School of Cinematic Arts

and The Royal Film Commission

RSICA Red Sea Institute of Cinematic ArtsAqaba, Jordan30,000 sq.m2006

Perception and creativity;

Above: longitudinal section Below: ground floor plan

The RSICA Film Park Complex is an answer to a Film Culture Initiative within the overall creative economies that would specifically promote film education and host film production & film festivals. The School buildings’ “formative gesture” that comprises stage sets, editing suites, sound stage, classrooms, theaters, library, faculty studios, faculty residence and a café are positioned on site mostly as syner-getic forms that descend into and ascend from the earth.

28

A collaboration with USC - University of Sothern California School of Cinematic Arts

and The Royal Film Commission

RSICA Red Sea Institute of Cinematic ArtsAqaba, Jordan30,000 sq.m2006

Perception and creativity;

Above: longitudinal section Below: ground floor plan

The RSICA Film Park Complex is an answer to a Film Culture Initiative within the overall creative economies that would specifically promote film education and host film production & film festivals. The School buildings’ “formative gesture” that comprises stage sets, editing suites, sound stage, classrooms, theaters, library, faculty studios, faculty residence and a café are positioned on site mostly as syner-getic forms that descend into and ascend from the earth.

29

[Working with and expanding“emotional intuitive space”]

The negative space maintains integrity by claiming the larger share of the site as expansive arid landscape inter- rupted by two subterranean oases. The school buildings fuse unto one another and further connect through links to the other two functions; The Film/Spa Resort Hotel that includes a Film Museum and The Public Cinemas which, together, compound the capa- city for film viewing during events.

30

[Working with and expanding“emotional intuitive space”]

The negative space maintains integrity by claiming the larger share of the site as expansive arid landscape inter- rupted by two subterranean oases. The school buildings fuse unto one another and further connect through links to the other two functions; The Film/Spa Resort Hotel that includes a Film Museum and The Public Cinemas which, together, compound the capa- city for film viewing during events.

RSICA is designed as a didactic build-ing environment that intuitively tea- ches students much about spatial movement, different light conditions, shadows, traveling sound, visual layering and several related film making compositional considerations.

The building is mostly built, indoor and outdoor, with pigmented concrete that is left natural and raw with the imprints of the wooden formwork. Some internal spaces are articulated with wooden planks as a softening strategy that also resolves acoustical challenges.

The café, which is the primary social hot spot where students and faculty spend many hours brainstorming, hovers freely above the campus cap- turing panoramic views of Aqaba as well as visually emulating the equiva-lence of a film camera panning arm in its dynamic swing over scenes.

Above: study sketches for hovering cafe massBelow: elevations / section of hovering mass

Above: physical model showing the roaming spacesBelow: study physical model, hovering mass

33

Above: main approachCenter: view from school entanceBelow: hotel pool

Above: the cafe; roaming roofBelow: perforated skin details in the administration building

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Above: main approachCenter: view from school entanceBelow: hotel pool

Above: the cafe; roaming roofBelow: perforated skin details in the administration building

35

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IAA The International Academy - AmmanAmman, Jordan35,000 sq. m2006

The IAA is a new fresh perspective on the educational built environment. It is a leap forward from a utilitarian building type to an intrinsically didactic environment which holds emotional equity, identity and intuitive purpose beyond the text books and the internal classrooms.

[Intrinsically didactic environment that holds identity and intuitive purpose]

emotional equity,

37

IAA The International Academy - AmmanAmman, Jordan35,000 sq. m2006

The IAA is a new fresh perspective on the educational built environment. It is a leap forward from a utilitarian building type to an intrinsically didactic environment which holds emotional equity, identity and intuitive purpose beyond the text books and the internal classrooms.

[Intrinsically didactic environment that holds identity and intuitive purpose]

emotional equity,

38

Above: site planBelow: secondary school building, moon garden

Above: view for the school main gateBelow: the administration drop-off

Age related themes that complement education are integrated in the gardens of this community-village configu-ration of buildings. Themes begin with laughter and kinder-ship gardens and end with introspective moon watching and the profundity of legacy gardens.

At the gates, four giant sculptures stand within a designed garden repre-senting the core values of the school. Deep red cherry trees are planted sporadically to offer shading for the stone benches beneath as well as visually demark the start of the “garden village”. The administrative building, at the school gate, offers a colorful art gallery in its initial entrance zone appeasing the typical overwhelming institutional feel most schools project.

[“Architecture is to masonry what poetry is to literature.”] Anon

39

Above: site planBelow: secondary school building, moon garden

Above: view for the school main gateBelow: the administration drop-off

Age related themes that complement education are integrated in the gardens of this community-village configu-ration of buildings. Themes begin with laughter and kinder-ship gardens and end with introspective moon watching and the profundity of legacy gardens.

At the gates, four giant sculptures stand within a designed garden repre-senting the core values of the school. Deep red cherry trees are planted sporadically to offer shading for the stone benches beneath as well as visually demark the start of the “garden village”. The administrative building, at the school gate, offers a colorful art gallery in its initial entrance zone appeasing the typical overwhelming institutional feel most schools project.

[“Architecture is to masonry what poetry is to literature.”] Anon

40

Center: theatre building longitudinal section Below: view for the theatre

The cafeteria and theatre building, like the gymnasium building, are mostly pushed below grade to ensure the scale of all buildings respect one another and the homogeneous quality of the larger complex. The building offers external large steps and land- ings that can be used as practice outdoor theatre, while the indoor theatre is designed to seat over 450 person and is a simple, warm and elegant environment with high acous-tical integrity. All walls and ceilings are cladded with the same wooden panels to reduce visual distraction leaving the stage as the primary visual calling.

Above: main meeting roomCenter: administration first floor planBelow: administration front elevation

[”Architecture is made of precisions”] Gio Ponti

fantasy

41

Center: theatre building longitudinal section Below: view for the theatre

The cafeteria and theatre building, like the gymnasium building, are mostly pushed below grade to ensure the scale of all buildings respect one another and the homogeneous quality of the larger complex. The building offers external large steps and land- ings that can be used as practice outdoor theatre, while the indoor theatre is designed to seat over 450 person and is a simple, warm and elegant environment with high acous-tical integrity. All walls and ceilings are cladded with the same wooden panels to reduce visual distraction leaving the stage as the primary visual calling.

Above: main meeting roomCenter: administration first floor planBelow: administration front elevation

[”Architecture is made of precisions”] Gio Ponti

fantasy

42

View inside the cafeteria

[All buildings through their forms, materials, and natural light

project ]dual expressions

Above: hovering garden - classroomCenter: primary first floor plan

Below: primary school court

All buildings through their forms, materials, and natural light project dual expressions; old heritage vernacular at one end and modern progressive at the other extreme. The stone, as a primary material, is used in two different languages, cut roughly and assembled densely to reflect the vernacular expression; while on the other reciprocal opposite, stone is cut sharply and laid out seamlessly to reflect modernity in unison with the more current steel shading louvers installed at the furthest edge of the same façades.

43

View inside the cafeteria

[All buildings through their forms, materials, and natural light

project ]dual expressions

Above: hovering garden - classroomCenter: primary first floor plan

Below: primary school court

All buildings through their forms, materials, and natural light project dual expressions; old heritage vernacular at one end and modern progressive at the other extreme. The stone, as a primary material, is used in two different languages, cut roughly and assembled densely to reflect the vernacular expression; while on the other reciprocal opposite, stone is cut sharply and laid out seamlessly to reflect modernity in unison with the more current steel shading louvers installed at the furthest edge of the same façades.

44

Above: view for the wind catchers from the roofBelow: wind catcher prototype

All buildings’ skylines unite in expression through their wind catching towers. The towers, not only ground the buildings with their visual weight, but they also contribute to the rigor of rhythmic play needed in such expansive internal spaces and environment.

The wind towers are the insignia of the IAA. While they pay respect to the environment by utilizing passive energy, they are also a new architectural reinter-pretation of the traditional tower expressed in a solemn manner unique to the school. The stone projects a sense of longevity and timelessness, while the wooden louvers give warmth and subtle articulation needed to express sophisti-cation and attention to detail as spirits the school stands for. Internally, the wind towers present interruptions with offerings of natural light, natural breeze and water fountains – pleasant demarca-tions which are along the expansive internal circulation.

Above: wind tower detailed plansBelow: wind tower detailed section

45

Above: view for the wind catchers from the roofBelow: wind catcher prototype

All buildings’ skylines unite in expression through their wind catching towers. The towers, not only ground the buildings with their visual weight, but they also contribute to the rigor of rhythmic play needed in such expansive internal spaces and environment.

The wind towers are the insignia of the IAA. While they pay respect to the environment by utilizing passive energy, they are also a new architectural reinter-pretation of the traditional tower expressed in a solemn manner unique to the school. The stone projects a sense of longevity and timelessness, while the wooden louvers give warmth and subtle articulation needed to express sophisti-cation and attention to detail as spirits the school stands for. Internally, the wind towers present interruptions with offerings of natural light, natural breeze and water fountains – pleasant demarca-tions which are along the expansive internal circulation.

Above: wind tower detailed plansBelow: wind tower detailed section

46

[hovering glass structure held influx with a gesture towards the magicaland imaginative]

IAA libraryAmman, Jordan4,200 sq. m2004

The library building emerged out of a necessary garden meant to provide students with a fundamental epiphany shedding enabling foresight and inviting them to contribute to human-ity. “Legacy Garden” is a vast reflective pool with a river stone bed flooded with water only on the special occasion of graduation day. Sculp-tural representations of men and women of great accomplishment, such as Ibin Rushd, Einstein, Gandhi, ... dwell in the pool as a solid human legacy forest. Graduates obtain the privilege of walking amongst the sculptures and unto a floating platform in the water to gather, as a class and to cherish the moment of their own accomplishment in an extremely dramatic setting.

The pool, is designed to capture the shadows and reflection of the sculp-tures, often perceived as souls, as well as to capture the mirror image of the flying glass library above, with its brightness representing enlighten-ment, an image appropriate for the occasion. The library is also designed with two extreme dualities, a grounded stone building that houses the book stacks; and a hovering glass structure held in flux with a gesture towards the magical and imaginative.

47

[hovering glass structure held influx with a gesture towards the magicaland imaginative]

IAA libraryAmman, Jordan4,200 sq. m2004

The library building emerged out of a necessary garden meant to provide students with a fundamental epiphany shedding enabling foresight and inviting them to contribute to human-ity. “Legacy Garden” is a vast reflective pool with a river stone bed flooded with water only on the special occasion of graduation day. Sculp-tural representations of men and women of great accomplishment, such as Ibin Rushd, Einstein, Gandhi, ... dwell in the pool as a solid human legacy forest. Graduates obtain the privilege of walking amongst the sculptures and unto a floating platform in the water to gather, as a class and to cherish the moment of their own accomplishment in an extremely dramatic setting.

The pool, is designed to capture the shadows and reflection of the sculp-tures, often perceived as souls, as well as to capture the mirror image of the flying glass library above, with its brightness representing enlighten-ment, an image appropriate for the occasion. The library is also designed with two extreme dualities, a grounded stone building that houses the book stacks; and a hovering glass structure held in flux with a gesture towards the magical and imaginative.

48

URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY SPACES EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTER PLAN RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY

HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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50

Wadi Philadelphia Amman, Jordan69,000 sq.m2010

The first two issues of Exploring the Edge presented a search for a genius loci within the context of Jordan. In neither case was this search expressed through the too-common emphasis of connecting to conceptions of a past heritage, which often ends up carica-turing and de-contextualizing the architectural heritage of a previous era. Instead, architects Sahel al-Hiyari and Hani Imam Hussaini examined current construction materials and practices predominant in Jordan. They worked with what may be identified as a ‘contemporary conventional semi-industrial vernacular,’ but redefined and developed it into a higher level of architectural expression.

The site for Wadi Philadelphia is perhaps historically, the most valuable location within the center of the city of Amman. The city has historically emerged from this very spot. The design plan is not only a direct solution to the client’s facilities program, but is also intended to balance and rejuvenate the existing city center bringing eastern and western city dwellers together to revive the area. At the core of the architectural concept is a blending of the old,

and existing profound elements at site, with the new as a resonating continuum. Beyond orienting the project components towards high- lights of stunning archaeological icons and engaging the city center as a humming urbanity filled with events, the concept is a proposition that celebrates profound phenomenologi-cal weave.

[... the concept is a proposition that celebrates profound phenomenological weave...]

51

Wadi Philadelphia Amman, Jordan69,000 sq.m2010


The site for Wadi Philadelphia is perhaps historically, the most valuable location within the center of the city of Amman. The city has historically emerged from this very spot. The design plan is not only a direct solution to the client’s facilities program, but is also intended to balance and rejuvenate the existing city center bringing eastern and western city dwellers together to revive the area. At the core of the architectural concept is a blending of the old,

and existing profound elements at site, with the new as a resonating continuum. Beyond orienting the project components towards high- lights of stunning archaeological icons and engaging the city center as a humming urbanity filled with events, the concept is a proposition that celebrates profound phenomenologi-cal weave.

[... the concept is a proposition that celebrates profound phenomenological weave...]

52

Above: isometric viewBelow: theater plaza

The concept is a juxtaposition of a larger park, an open museum, a public market and a hotel. The park celebrates nature, whereas the open plazas in the form of subterranean carvings for open events solidify culture. The heritage public market celebrates the tactile and rituals of Jordon, while the sensual hotel offers warmth and memory.

The sunken market and the plazas are scaled as large openings to qualify as a continuation of the scale of the overall descending valley. Wide steps offer effective inviting functional and visual access to the sunken market. By submerging the market and parking into the ground the roofs become a green offering for both urban users as well as an environmen-tal “fifth” façade to the overlooking hillside neighborhoods.

Above: the souq promenadeBelow: sunken market

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Above: isometric viewBelow: theater plaza

The concept is a juxtaposition of a larger park, an open museum, a public market and a hotel. The park celebrates nature, whereas the open plazas in the form of subterranean carvings for open events solidify culture. The heritage public market celebrates the tactile and rituals of Jordon, while the sensual hotel offers warmth and memory.

The sunken market and the plazas are scaled as large openings to qualify as a continuation of the scale of the overall descending valley. Wide steps offer effective inviting functional and visual access to the sunken market. By submerging the market and parking into the ground the roofs become a green offering for both urban users as well as an environmen-tal “fifth” façade to the overlooking hillside neighborhoods.

Above: the souq promenadeBelow: sunken market

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Wadi Philadelphia The Hotel41,000 sq.m

55

The hotel towers are expressed through simple orthogonal geometry so not to overpower the historical site. Their vertical randomly scaled screen-ing skin is meant to emulate the intrigue semi-transparent veil projects.

It is designed as a sequence of experi-ences integrating uncluttered expan-sive spaces; natural light and views; monolithic scale next to intimate ones; and the use of two primary materials, one perceived as heavy and ground-ing while the other as light and floating. The hotel is spirited in the same manner as a national gallery- museum, celebrating exhibits and artifacts as part and parcel of its very theme.

Left: hotel view from the theater plazaBelow left: spa floor and rooms floor planBelow right: roof top restaurant floor plan

Wadi Philadelphia The Hotel41,000 sq.m

56

Above: treatment rooms hovering on top of the treatment poolsBelow: turkish bath/ treatment pool cave

The hotel lobby is a series of double and triple volumes over an expansive hori- zontal plan designed as an island floating on a reflecting pool. Lit glass crystal elements orient the visitor to the above key functions while large openings reveal the primary functions on the below floors. The walls are designed in the same spirit as ones often finds in ruins, free standing remnants with deep accents of intriguing shadows.

On the higher floors there are many offerings, the most dramatic is the spa and health facilities on the top floors of the lower tower, where treatment rooms are within a larger glass crystal floating over treatment pools.

Above: reception crystal vs museum wallsBelow: lounge cafe crystal hovering

over the seating lounge

57

Above: treatment rooms hovering on top of the treatment poolsBelow: turkish bath/ treatment pool cave

The hotel lobby is a series of double and triple volumes over an expansive hori- zontal plan designed as an island floating on a reflecting pool. Lit glass crystal elements orient the visitor to the above key functions while large openings reveal the primary functions on the below floors. The walls are designed in the same spirit as ones often finds in ruins, free standing remnants with deep accents of intriguing shadows.

On the higher floors there are many offerings, the most dramatic is the spa and health facilities on the top floors of the lower tower, where treatment rooms are within a larger glass crystal floating over treatment pools.

Above: reception crystal vs museum wallsBelow: lounge cafe crystal hovering

over the seating lounge

58

Above: typical room viewCenter left: typical room planCenter right: suite room planBelow: typical room view with curtains open

Above: skin studyBelow: detail for skin treatment

The internal environment of the rooms stands as a true representation of how the architecture and the interior design of a building can live in harmony as one qualitative entity.

The unconventional square shaped bedroom with spa-like bathrooms and soaking tubs, created a unique and expansive sense of comfort and mimicked the sensuality of a sanctuary. Also, the light beige and white color, made all elements; including finishing materials and furnishing, blend as one neutral homogeneous scheme.

While the outer skin veils and softens the incoming natural light and adds a sense of mystique to the views of the surround-ing heritage market and ancient sites.

59

Above: typical room viewCenter left: typical room planCenter right: suite room planBelow: typical room view with curtains open

Above: skin studyBelow: detail for skin treatment

The internal environment of the rooms stands as a true representation of how the architecture and the interior design of a building can live in harmony as one qualitative entity.

The unconventional square shaped bedroom with spa-like bathrooms and soaking tubs, created a unique and expansive sense of comfort and mimicked the sensuality of a sanctuary. Also, the light beige and white color, made all elements; including finishing materials and furnishing, blend as one neutral homogeneous scheme.

While the outer skin veils and softens the incoming natural light and adds a sense of mystique to the views of the surround-ing heritage market and ancient sites.

60


Hijar Al-Nawabilsi ComplexAmman, Jordan50,000 sq.m2007

The project has two main components bridging two sites; a retail strip on one lot and a hotel on the other lot both bridged by a roof sky entertainment spine.The retail wing is designed as a simple linear and vertical double loaded strip of retail shops on several levels.

The upper levels scoop shoppers off the street through several street entries with an animated escalator. The sky entertainment spine also meets the upper street level with large open facades framing the colorful social environment within while overlooking the street life; hovering at the other end over the hotel sky pool and the city view beyond.

Left: sky retail Above: sky retail floor planBelow: lobby floor plan

61


Hijar Al-Nawabilsi ComplexAmman, Jordan50,000 sq.m2007

The project has two main components bridging two sites; a retail strip on one lot and a hotel on the other lot both bridged by a roof sky entertainment spine.The retail wing is designed as a simple linear and vertical double loaded strip of retail shops on several levels.

The upper levels scoop shoppers off the street through several street entries with an animated escalator. The sky entertainment spine also meets the upper street level with large open facades framing the colorful social environment within while overlooking the street life; hovering at the other end over the hotel sky pool and the city view beyond.

Left: sky retail Above: sky retail floor planBelow: lobby floor plan

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Above: hotel lobbyBelow: sectional elevations

The hotel is designed to attract young urban business executives and stylistic individuals who appreciate a designed boutique experience. The lobby building literally hovers over a reflec-tive pool within a void below a lifted mass, horizontally framing a dramatic panoramic view of the city. The plans are simple and rational, developed with minimal lines and a spirit of minimalism. A vast modern art garden is designed as center focal stage to all three masses riding the overall site adding to the visual theme of the stylistic project.

Above: pedestrian promenade next to retail shopsCenter: retail canyon

Below: sky retail view from upper street

63

Above: hotel lobbyBelow: sectional elevations

The hotel is designed to attract young urban business executives and stylistic individuals who appreciate a designed boutique experience. The lobby building literally hovers over a reflec-tive pool within a void below a lifted mass, horizontally framing a dramatic panoramic view of the city. The plans are simple and rational, developed with minimal lines and a spirit of minimalism. A vast modern art garden is designed as center focal stage to all three masses riding the overall site adding to the visual theme of the stylistic project.

Above: pedestrian promenade next to retail shopsCenter: retail canyon

Below: sky retail view from upper street

64

Rakeen Towers Amman, Jordan90,000 sq.m2008

[ ;With a distant soft callingIts lit heart hovers in the skyThe site of which healslike the moon]

An urban haven

65

Above: tower massingCenter: site planBelow: study physical models

The Rakeen project is a thorough investigation and facilities program-ming development towards a modern urban lifestyle complex that revolves around wellness and healthy living. It incorporates a hybrid of mixed-uses all reinvented with wellness in mind. It includes a natural and organic food center, elaborate wellness facilities such as a spa and sports center, a wellness hotel and wellness restaurant outlets, Zen spirited gardens, spac- ious luxury residential units designed as spas and an office block rich with natural light, views and optimal venti- lation. It is designed with a perimeter threshold as a protected urban island that unravels a natural heaven paradigm at its heart. It is meant to offer a rural resort experience within the heart of urbanity. A building designed with enchantment as a primary quality.

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Above: the entrance experienceBelow: spa interior

The Sanctum

An urban havenWith a distant soft callingIts lit heart hovers in the skyThe site of which heals like the moon

A far place yet only a step acrossHumble unpretentious like a monkWhose lines and complexion only barely turn and swayAnd from within his sole gentle silences stem

An enchanted placeWith offerings belonging to essence itselfWhere water of life floats high above like shimmering spiritsAnd the high sky touches its very ground with blessings

An urban havenWhere distracted souls are easedWhere raging eagles become butterfliesWhere wild fire transcend to a candle lightSalient, sailing andAt ease

[An enchanted placeWith offerings belonging toessence itself ]

Left: façade detail studyRight: elevations

67

Above: the entrance experienceBelow: spa interior

The Sanctum

An urban havenWith a distant soft callingIts lit heart hovers in the skyThe site of which heals like the moon

A far place yet only a step acrossHumble unpretentious like a monkWhose lines and complexion only barely turn and swayAnd from within his sole gentle silences stem

An enchanted placeWith offerings belonging to essence itselfWhere water of life floats high above like shimmering spiritsAnd the high sky touches its very ground with blessings

An urban havenWhere distracted souls are easedWhere raging eagles become butterfliesWhere wild fire transcend to a candle lightSalient, sailing andAt ease

[An enchanted placeWith offerings belonging toessence itself ]

Left: façade detail studyRight: elevations

68


HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART LIVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

69


HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART LIVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

70

The Blue Fig design holds the honorary privilege of being the only recipient of the very first Dubai Cityscape Architectural Award for Sxcellence in 2002

Blue FigAmman, Jordan2,400 sq.m1997

The Blue Fig is a social theatre of a building staging internal scenes/ social theatrics while being panned during approach. The building is expressed with both extreme evocative materials and forms. At one extreme heavy, thick, grounded walls and on the other end light, transparent, in-flux steel and glass forms. Blue Fig is in- herently a soulful place exchanging a flow of authenticities, be it light, shadows or rustic and natural materials.

Left: street elevationRight: side elevation

[Out beyond the idea of right thinkingand wrong thinking is a field...

i will meet you there ...]Rumi

71

The Blue Fig design holds the honorary privilege of being the only recipient of the very first Dubai Cityscape Architectural Award for Sxcellence in 2002

Blue FigAmman, Jordan2,400 sq.m1997

The Blue Fig is a social theatre of a building staging internal scenes/ social theatrics while being panned during approach. The building is expressed with both extreme evocative materials and forms. At one extreme heavy, thick, grounded walls and on the other end light, transparent, in-flux steel and glass forms. Blue Fig is in- herently a soulful place exchanging a flow of authenticities, be it light, shadows or rustic and natural materials.

Left: street elevationRight: side elevation

[Out beyond the idea of right thinkingand wrong thinking is a field...

i will meet you there ...]Rumi

72

[We shape our buildings;thereafter they shape us]Winston Churchill

The Blue Fig design holds the honor-ary privilege of being the only recipi-ent of the very first Dubai Cityscape architectural award for excellence in 2002. The building was recognized for its total architecture and for its positive social and cultural impact on the city of Amman.

Above: physical modelBelow: site plan

Above: west elevationCenter: south elevation

Below: physical study model

73

[We shape our buildings;thereafter they shape us]Winston Churchill

The Blue Fig design holds the honor-ary privilege of being the only recipi-ent of the very first Dubai Cityscape architectural award for excellence in 2002. The building was recognized for its total architecture and for its positive social and cultural impact on the city of Amman.

Above: physical modelBelow: site plan

Above: west elevationCenter: south elevation

Below: physical study model

74

The building primary material use opted away from the typical white stone with its glare and utilized the warmer terracotta earth tone concrete and plaster on both indoor and outdoor surfaces to primarily ground and compress areas to create intimate spaces. The steel and glass is utilized to express expanded space, whether in opening up horizontally towards views or thrusting vertically to create double and triple volumes.

All guard rails utilized the remains of steel re-enforcement bars as part of its assembly and in an effort to both reduce cost and waste as well as maintain a sense of rawness and authenticity of material expression. In the same effort, most other materials such as floor tiling, wooden floors, light fixtures and duct works were hand custom made locally through utilizing small scale cottage industry fabricators.

Above: steel roof assemblyBelow: triple volume entry

75

The building primary material use opted away from the typical white stone with its glare and utilized the warmer terracotta earth tone concrete and plaster on both indoor and outdoor surfaces to primarily ground and compress areas to create intimate spaces. The steel and glass is utilized to express expanded space, whether in opening up horizontally towards views or thrusting vertically to create double and triple volumes.

All guard rails utilized the remains of steel re-enforcement bars as part of its assembly and in an effort to both reduce cost and waste as well as maintain a sense of rawness and authenticity of material expression. In the same effort, most other materials such as floor tiling, wooden floors, light fixtures and duct works were hand custom made locally through utilizing small scale cottage industry fabricators.

Above: steel roof assemblyBelow: triple volume entry

76

The building places many human rituals in focal point culminating in a rich array of visual theatrics. The service kitchen is placed centre stage and remains open. The coffee bar is placed by the entrance and is almost pulled out of the building to be seen from the street. The beverage bar is a focal point to the upper floor. Nooks and deep openings in walls were articulated to feature art work and artifacts as inherent objects of the building and its meaning.

Above: main entrance and coffee barBelow: walls as canvas at night

77

The building places many human rituals in focal point culminating in a rich array of visual theatrics. The service kitchen is placed centre stage and remains open. The coffee bar is placed by the entrance and is almost pulled out of the building to be seen from the street. The beverage bar is a focal point to the upper floor. Nooks and deep openings in walls were articulated to feature art work and artifacts as inherent objects of the building and its meaning.

Above: main entrance and coffee barBelow: walls as canvas at night

78



79



80

[the Plinth vs. the Flamboyant; static grounded vs. dynamic eccentric]

Abdoun fashion atrium Amman, Jordan10,000 sq.m2008

Above left: plansAbove right: physical modelBelow right: physical model

Besides creating a negative urban space that provides a quality commu-nal venue, the design carves physical permeability and fluidity to the site context as well as frames the best surrounding views. Abdoun Shopping Atrium is an Avant-garde product that holds fashion retail at its highest end.

81

[the Plinth vs. the Flamboyant; static grounded vs. dynamic eccentric]

Abdoun fashion atrium Amman, Jordan10,000 sq.m2008

Above left: plansAbove right: physical modelBelow right: physical model

Besides creating a negative urban space that provides a quality commu-nal venue, the design carves physical permeability and fluidity to the site context as well as frames the best surrounding views. Abdoun Shopping Atrium is an Avant-garde product that holds fashion retail at its highest end.

82

83

Above: collapsed zinc skin envelopeLeft: building under constructionRight: mock-up skin sample

The relationship between fashion and architecture was the main paradigm through which the project was cut-out.The dualities in fashion and in archi-tecture inspired the dialogue between two well-crafted components that form this project; the Plinth vs. the Flamboyant Component: the static, grounded confident whispering indivi- duality vs. the high energy dynamic, flamboyant and fluid common one. Both forms were generated as an experimentation of the form, material, and a façade narrative.

[to give a rational functional plan, a captivating intrigue and a unique expression]

Kawar office building headquarters Amman, Jordan18,700 sq.m2010

Left: main approach view Above left: collapsed componentsBelow left: cross sectionBelow right: atrium view

The Kawar office building is a cons- truct of a new innovative material assembled to give a very rational functional plan a captivating intrigue and a unique expression to the Kawar family brand.

The plan of the building emanates from a very solid central core to an outer perimeter translucent concrete edge articulated with modulated openings that appear random yet in a very simplistic manner ground the building. Further out another belt of light steel and clear glass perimeter offices projects outwards beyond the heavy mass.

84

[to give a rational functional plan, a captivating intrigue and a unique expression]

Kawar office building headquarters Amman, Jordan18,700 sq.m2010

Left: main approach view Above left: collapsed componentsBelow left: cross sectionBelow right: atrium view

The Kawar office building is a cons- truct of a new innovative material assembled to give a very rational functional plan a captivating intrigue and a unique expression to the Kawar family brand.

The plan of the building emanates from a very solid central core to an outer perimeter translucent concrete edge articulated with modulated openings that appear random yet in a very simplistic manner ground the building. Further out another belt of light steel and clear glass perimeter offices projects outwards beyond the heavy mass.

85

Above: boardroom view at executive floorBelow: typical floor lobby view

During the day, the inner offices gain soft translucent work light while catch-ing glimpses of outer views. At night, the inner lights give a soft humming quality to the translucent earth color concrete making the building a modern lantern that can be seen from a far distance.

The plan is a simple rational one that aligns material of conceptual expres-sion, flexible open work space, structure and electromechanical optimal solutions to a common workable module. Experientially, the light quality which emenates from the translucent concrete transcends as an evocative spirited form for both inside users and external spectators, however with constraint and subtlety of mass break-ing away from the overly muscled geometric forms of the surrounding context.

Above right: executive roof floor planCenter right: typical floor planBelow left: roof terrace viewBelow right: executive office view86

Above: boardroom view at executive floorBelow: typical floor lobby view

During the day, the inner offices gain soft translucent work light while catch-ing glimpses of outer views. At night, the inner lights give a soft humming quality to the translucent earth color concrete making the building a modern lantern that can be seen from a far distance.

The plan is a simple rational one that aligns material of conceptual expres-sion, flexible open work space, structure and electromechanical optimal solutions to a common workable module. Experientially, the light quality which emenates from the translucent concrete transcends as an evocative spirited form for both inside users and external spectators, however with constraint and subtlety of mass break-ing away from the overly muscled geometric forms of the surrounding context.

Above right: executive roof floor planCenter right: typical floor planBelow left: roof terrace viewBelow right: executive office view 87

Abu Tawileh plaza II Amman, Jordan26,500 sq.m2009

[A visual tension between two forms... articulated geometries of balance to

achieve a settling synergy]

Left: facede physical model detail Above right: over all massing, physical modelCenter: skin treatmentBelow right: massing study

The project is distinctly demarked with a crystal sky retail store above a simplistic backdrop office building block and a frontal hovering, dynami-cally skewed, vertical anchor retail store. One form is articulated with modern progressive glass and fiber cement linear panel cladding, the other with internal wooden shutters behind clear glass to further polarize the visual tension between the two forms while articulating geometries of balance to achieve a settling synergy.

88

Left: facede physical model detail Above right: over all massing, physical modelCenter: skin treatmentBelow right: massing study

The project is distinctly demarked with a crystal sky retail store above a simplistic backdrop office building block and a frontal hovering, dynami-cally skewed, vertical anchor retail store. One form is articulated with modern progressive glass and fiber cement linear panel cladding, the other with internal wooden shutters behind clear glass to further polarize the visual tension between the two forms while articulating geometries of balance to achieve a settling synergy.

[a] inner skin composed of fiber cement, example of fenestrations in a chaotic order, achieving a playful yet studied effect.

[b] outer skin, consists of clear glass, same grid concept but slightly tilted, creating a beautiful imagery, day and night.

89

Above: typical floor planCenter: plaza floor planBelow: longitudinal section

Above: view from the urban tray Below: massing concept model

Both forms sit on an urban tray platform activated as a cultural plaza – a tribute to the urban landscape. The building is an innovative attempt at greatly increasing the retail space percentage beyond the typical yields on the same street, while invigorating the additional retail space with experi-ential vantages that will ensure the preserved and further enhanced urban street presence .

90

Above: typical floor planCenter: plaza floor planBelow: longitudinal section

Above: view from the urban tray Below: massing concept model

Both forms sit on an urban tray platform activated as a cultural plaza – a tribute to the urban landscape. The building is an innovative attempt at greatly increasing the retail space percentage beyond the typical yields on the same street, while invigorating the additional retail space with experi-ential vantages that will ensure the preserved and further enhanced urban street presence .

91

92

Techno Group office building Amman, Jordan12,000 sq.m2011

Fisrt prize winner in The Techno Group competition 2011

[The austerity of the exterior is balanced by the softness of the wooden clouds on the inside]

floating and humming

The building massing concept created a negative space that would be a certain interruption to the continuous street frontal façades; hence a specific and differentiated visual field is announced where the void becomes a captive. The negative field is the primary focal point staging majestic trees. Through the building’s homog-enous material expression, the steel structural skin is also a grounding continuum and an assurance of rigor, visual noise reduction and simplicity.

The austerity of the building exterior is quickly balanced by the softness of the floating and humming wooden clouds on the inside. The visitor’s path is treated as a celebratory narrative or scenographic revelation of the contents and values of the client. The building interior is constructed to offer pure and simple working halls that balance light and shade and drive at reducing visual noise, offering pensive spaces and very synergetic working environment.

Above: phase one of the projectBelow: site plan

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Techno Group office building Amman, Jordan12,000 sq.m2011

Fisrt prize winner in The Techno Group competition 2011

[The austerity of the exterior is balanced by the softness of the wooden clouds on the inside]

floating and humming

The building massing concept created a negative space that would be a certain interruption to the continuous street frontal façades; hence a specific and differentiated visual field is announced where the void becomes a captive. The negative field is the primary focal point staging majestic trees. Through the building’s homog-enous material expression, the steel structural skin is also a grounding continuum and an assurance of rigor, visual noise reduction and simplicity.

The austerity of the building exterior is quickly balanced by the softness of the floating and humming wooden clouds on the inside. The visitor’s path is treated as a celebratory narrative or scenographic revelation of the contents and values of the client. The building interior is constructed to offer pure and simple working halls that balance light and shade and drive at reducing visual noise, offering pensive spaces and very synergetic working environment.

Above: phase one of the projectBelow: site plan

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Above: the gardenBelow: approach at entrance

[The negative field is the primary focal point staging majestic trees]

The building concept brings all building elements into a rigorous concealed framework. Redundancies are collapsed into single expression tidy within the structural skin and floor assembly reducing unnecessary articulations. Its seamless assembly stands representative of a sophisti-cated design and fabrication industry, that of the client. A unique resonating form along with a captive void and prevailing balances were the sought after expression.

Above: the executive floorCenter left: conceptual construction details Center right: cross section Below: entrance lobby

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The building concept brings all building elements into a rigorous concealed framework. Redundancies are collapsed into single expression tidy within the structural skin and floor assembly reducing unnecessary articulations. Its seamless assembly stands representative of a sophisti-cated design and fabrication industry, that of the client. A unique resonating form along with a captive void and prevailing balances were the sought after expression.

Above: the executive floorCenter left: conceptual construction details Center right: cross section Below: entrance lobby

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Kurdi complex II Amman, Jordan4,350 sq.m2007

[The physical and visual transparency with the multi-level plaza, create a setting for social staging and interaction]

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The Kurdi project is a mixed-use retail offices and a hospitality cultural node, situated as an "island" surrounded by four streets. The physical and visual transparency of the project, coupled with the multi-level plaza around the project, create a setting for social staging and interaction. The building is simple in form, and articulated through the careful use of contrasting materials, from expansive surfaces of rustic concrete to simple, restrained steel detailing, projecting subtlety and unpretentiousness.

Above: view from the outdoor stair Center: site plan - longitudinal sectionBelow: concept formation - model illustration

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[It is a dialoguebetween two polaritiesin contrasting tension]

Oasis 500 incubators Amman, Jordan4,200 sq.m2010

There are many aspects in our lives, especially in our future creations, that cannot be accessed by basic senses – smell, sight, touch, audio – or even thinking, especially when we are primarily surrounded by the conven-tional and mundane.

Metaphors, triggered by perpetually morphing suggestive space, liberate our intuitive minds and transcend them into an expansive vast mind-space, empowering quantum leaps and creations of new paradigms.

The proposed addition to the existing structure is a liberated open-ended space, reclaiming an intuitive space within rational offices and confer-ence rooms layout, hence impelling distinctive innovation and concep-tion; hence incubating.

Above: the intuitive spaceCenter: ground floor planBelow: plan concept formation

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[It is a dialoguebetween two polaritiesin contrasting tension]

Oasis 500 incubators Amman, Jordan4,200 sq.m2010

There are many aspects in our lives, especially in our future creations, that cannot be accessed by basic senses – smell, sight, touch, audio – or even thinking, especially when we are primarily surrounded by the conven-tional and mundane.

Metaphors, triggered by perpetually morphing suggestive space, liberate our intuitive minds and transcend them into an expansive vast mind-space, empowering quantum leaps and creations of new paradigms.

The proposed addition to the existing structure is a liberated open-ended space, reclaiming an intuitive space within rational offices and confer-ence rooms layout, hence impelling distinctive innovation and concep-tion; hence incubating.

Above: the intuitive spaceCenter: ground floor planBelow: plan concept formation

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Above: the intuitive spaceBelow: cross section

Above: conference room prototypeBelow: the meditation garden

It is a dialogue between two polarities in contrasting tension; an environ-ment necessary for the creative act which involves at one end fluid thinking, and on the other end the methodical and rational state. The design intent was to transform the internal courtyard into a landscape of folds and continuous geometries that articulate the life and the interactive functions embedded between the folding surfaces. All surfaces were designed as a sequence of geometric subdivisions and transformations applied to the grid of equilateral triangles. The emerging space between these surfaces manifests in the increased continuity despite its envelope fragmentation.

The dynamic playful character of the surfaces extends from the floor to the wall to the ceiling, creating an uncon-ventional space. Also, many of the spatial relationships located at the central space were a direct abstract mapping of the folding geometry. As a result, the choreography of surfaces and the functions within became interwoven as one integrated biomor-phic entity.

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Above: the intuitive spaceBelow: cross section

Above: conference room prototypeBelow: the meditation garden

It is a dialogue between two polarities in contrasting tension; an environ-ment necessary for the creative act which involves at one end fluid thinking, and on the other end the methodical and rational state. The design intent was to transform the internal courtyard into a landscape of folds and continuous geometries that articulate the life and the interactive functions embedded between the folding surfaces. All surfaces were designed as a sequence of geometric subdivisions and transformations applied to the grid of equilateral triangles. The emerging space between these surfaces manifests in the increased continuity despite its envelope fragmentation.

The dynamic playful character of the surfaces extends from the floor to the wall to the ceiling, creating an uncon-ventional space. Also, many of the spatial relationships located at the central space were a direct abstract mapping of the folding geometry. As a result, the choreography of surfaces and the functions within became interwoven as one integrated biomor-phic entity.

102

URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY SPACES EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTER PLAN RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES

AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY SPACES EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTER PLAN RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES

AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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Invest BankAmman, Jordan1,000 sq.m2009

[“KNOW, THEN, WHATEVERCHEERFUL AND SERENESUPPORTS THE MINDS ...”] John Armstrong

The intent of the concept design for the Invest Bank projects was to overcome the traditional negative perceptions which associated with institutional, bureaucratic and stuffy environment as well as being a dreaded chore, not a destination for a pleasant experience, and to make a leap forward into a new pleasant culture of banking experience. The new brand environment promotes a young and progressive, clean cut, energetic, efficient, innovative and creative, approachable and socially responsible banking.

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Invest BankAmman, Jordan1,000 sq.m2009

[“KNOW, THEN, WHATEVERCHEERFUL AND SERENESUPPORTS THE MINDS ...”] John Armstrong

The intent of the concept design for the Invest Bank projects was to overcome the traditional negative perceptions which associated with institutional, bureaucratic and stuffy environment as well as being a dreaded chore, not a destination for a pleasant experience, and to make a leap forward into a new pleasant culture of banking experience. The new brand environment promotes a young and progressive, clean cut, energetic, efficient, innovative and creative, approachable and socially responsible banking.

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The concept is a new hybrid borrow-ing experiential tactics from three other typologies. Distinct materials associated with the three typologies carry many meanings by subliminal experiential association. Those very meanings constituted the residual quality intended for the bank.

The space between the bank hall and back of house

[“It can propel people towardsSocial Emancipation”]Salvador Dali

From the art gallery, the minimal, bright and uplifting spatial manifes-tations were brought to play. Intimacy, distinctiveness and inno- vativeness were borrowed from themed boutique hotels; while harmony, serenity, congeniality and sensual ambiguity were borrowed from wellness sanctuaries.

Intertwining all these qualities, the bank became a modern pleasant experience that eliminated clutter and visual noise and also made the bank friendly, approachable and distinctively innovative in its many clean details, simple lines in addi-tion to custom detailed material assemblies.

Above: detachment of the glass façade from the existing structural systemBelow: costumer service crystals

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The concept is a new hybrid borrow-ing experiential tactics from three other typologies. Distinct materials associated with the three typologies carry many meanings by subliminal experiential association. Those very meanings constituted the residual quality intended for the bank.

The space between the bank hall and back of house

[“It can propel people towardsSocial Emancipation”]Salvador Dali

From the art gallery, the minimal, bright and uplifting spatial manifes-tations were brought to play. Intimacy, distinctiveness and inno- vativeness were borrowed from themed boutique hotels; while harmony, serenity, congeniality and sensual ambiguity were borrowed from wellness sanctuaries.

Intertwining all these qualities, the bank became a modern pleasant experience that eliminated clutter and visual noise and also made the bank friendly, approachable and distinctively innovative in its many clean details, simple lines in addi-tion to custom detailed material assemblies.

Above: detachment of the glass façade from the existing structural systemBelow: costumer service crystals

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URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY SPACES EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTER PLAN RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY

SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL V IRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS


SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL V IRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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Abu Samra residenceDabuq, Amman1,300 sq.m2005

The project was nominated for The Aga Khan Award 2010

Above: ground floor planBelow: view from the back garden

The architectural forms of the house, primarily consist of two sets of cubic masses linked by a corridor (the gallery). The use of forms expresses, on the conceptual level, an element of reductionism, as with the expansive plastered surfaces and simple rectan-gular cutout windows. The southern part of these two compositions of masses extends the axis of the corridor, while the northern one is rotated from it at an angle, partly to break the longitudinal extension of the house, and partly to maximize the views of the surrounding landscapes available to this northern mass.

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Abu Samra residenceDabuq, Amman1,300 sq.m2005

The project was nominated for The Aga Khan Award 2010

Above: ground floor planBelow: view from the back garden

The architectural forms of the house, primarily consist of two sets of cubic masses linked by a corridor (the gallery). The use of forms expresses, on the conceptual level, an element of reductionism, as with the expansive plastered surfaces and simple rectan-gular cutout windows. The southern part of these two compositions of masses extends the axis of the corridor, while the northern one is rotated from it at an angle, partly to break the longitudinal extension of the house, and partly to maximize the views of the surrounding landscapes available to this northern mass.

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Above: physical modelCenter: longitudinal section

Below: side elevation

The design expresses a duality that combines two and three dimensional compositions, with planar arrange-ments competing with three dimen-sional masses. The weight of the masses is especially apparent when the mass of one of the house corners is freed with a recessed window, thus revealing the considerable thickness of the exterior walls of the house

[The use of forms expresses,on the conceptual level, anelement of reductionism]

Above: the guest area Below: the gallery axis

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Above: physical modelCenter: longitudinal section

Below: side elevation

The design expresses a duality that combines two and three dimensional compositions, with planar arrange-ments competing with three dimen-sional masses. The weight of the masses is especially apparent when the mass of one of the house corners is freed with a recessed window, thus revealing the considerable thickness of the exterior walls of the house

[The use of forms expresses,on the conceptual level, anelement of reductionism]

Above: the guest area Below: the gallery axis

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Night view for the large corner window Above left: a window viewing the reflecting poolAbove right: a punch within the house volume Below: steel and wood stair detail

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Night view for the large corner window Above left: a window viewing the reflecting poolAbove right: a punch within the house volume Below: steel and wood stair detail

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Ayoubi residenceMahis, Jordan850 sq.m2010

Above: view from the infinity poolBelow: site plan

The Ayoubi residence is a byproduct of a best fit between an inspiring but difficult steep site, simplified structure, conceptually grouped electrome-chanical services, maximum inward and outward permeability, strict use of minimal materials and also a respect for the power of the orthogonal module. Outer façade materials are assembled to dynamically retract out of way linking inside and outside, as one field. To allow for a completely open plan, all services were tucked inside an internal vertical form, as the plinth that anchors the house to site.

[Outer facade materials are assembled to retract out of way linking inside and outside as one field]

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Ayoubi residenceMahis, Jordan850 sq.m2010

Above: view from the infinity poolBelow: site plan

The Ayoubi residence is a byproduct of a best fit between an inspiring but difficult steep site, simplified structure, conceptually grouped electrome-chanical services, maximum inward and outward permeability, strict use of minimal materials and also a respect for the power of the orthogonal module. Outer façade materials are assembled to dynamically retract out of way linking inside and outside, as one field. To allow for a completely open plan, all services were tucked inside an internal vertical form, as the plinth that anchors the house to site.

[Outer facade materials are assembled to retract out of way linking inside and outside as one field]

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Above: floor plansCenter: longitudinal elevations

Below: longitudinal section

Above left: the concrete envelopeAbove right: guest area double volumeBelow right: the master bedroom

The plan adhered to a strict structural modular system that liberates the facades and aligns functional rooms on both the upper and lower levels. The three primary materials are all natural and proposed as appropriate to the rural setting. Articulated to address transparency, translucency and screening. The galvanized steel cladding covered the internal anchor-ing box, which also thrusts above the larger house form to accommodate a nice roof top home office and a panoramic sun deck. The main outer envelope is a rough, natural concrete, balancing the meticulously detailed galvanized steel.

Qualitatively, the narrative through the villa, from the point of arrival, through the spaces and out again, is one that focuses on minimal visual clutter conducive to a pensive state. This is aided by a calming water reflective pool, a natural garden on both ends of the house and an elongated horizon pool towards the arid countryside.

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Above: floor plansCenter: longitudinal elevations

Below: longitudinal section

Above left: the concrete envelopeAbove right: guest area double volumeBelow right: the master bedroom

The plan adhered to a strict structural modular system that liberates the facades and aligns functional rooms on both the upper and lower levels. The three primary materials are all natural and proposed as appropriate to the rural setting. Articulated to address transparency, translucency and screening. The galvanized steel cladding covered the internal anchor-ing box, which also thrusts above the larger house form to accommodate a nice roof top home office and a panoramic sun deck. The main outer envelope is a rough, natural concrete, balancing the meticulously detailed galvanized steel.

Qualitatively, the narrative through the villa, from the point of arrival, through the spaces and out again, is one that focuses on minimal visual clutter conducive to a pensive state. This is aided by a calming water reflective pool, a natural garden on both ends of the house and an elongated horizon pool towards the arid countryside.

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The project is a minimalistic interven-tion to a natural site next to a forest reservation with a powerful quaint presence. The intent was to reduce the footprint of the residence to a bare minimum while compensating that by going vertically. The outer façades are made of natural dyed concrete to blend with the color of the earth on site. The openings in the façades are articulated to frame specific outer views, as preconceived paintings that include isolated views of the sky.

The plan is a rational module that is repeated on each floor for structural alignment and functional clarity. The top floor houses the main master bedroom within a glass structure, which retreats from the outer concrete walls and their openings, creating an open terrace with a quaint reflective pool that pulls the sky down within the internal space.

Second design proposal for the Ayoubi residence

[Minimalistic intervention toa natural site next to forestreservation with powerfulquaint presence]

Above: roof poolCenter: floor plans - elevationsBelow: office double volume

121

The project is a minimalistic interven-tion to a natural site next to a forest reservation with a powerful quaint presence. The intent was to reduce the footprint of the residence to a bare minimum while compensating that by going vertically. The outer façades are made of natural dyed concrete to blend with the color of the earth on site. The openings in the façades are articulated to frame specific outer views, as preconceived paintings that include isolated views of the sky.

The plan is a rational module that is repeated on each floor for structural alignment and functional clarity. The top floor houses the main master bedroom within a glass structure, which retreats from the outer concrete walls and their openings, creating an open terrace with a quaint reflective pool that pulls the sky down within the internal space.

Second design proposal for the Ayoubi residence

[Minimalistic intervention toa natural site next to forestreservation with powerfulquaint presence]

Above: roof poolCenter: floor plans - elevationsBelow: office double volume

Muhaisen residence Dabuq, Amman821 sq.m2008

[Casualness and sophistication are evidently intertwined in

a symphony]

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The entire house is a processional narrative directed through a casual geometric disposition of forms, walls and spaces amounting, in their total and single perceptual expression, as a recluse that unpeels its own self.

Departing from the orthogonal plan, this house offers incidental discoveries of the in-between spaces, housing unconventional shadows, landscape elements and art installations. The structure is further spirited away from the polished urban to dwell with a primarily rural and rustic rough stone in addition to imprinted raw concrete surfaces. Both casualness and sophis-tication are evidently intertwined in a symphony.

Physical study model for the project

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Above: ground floor planCenter: south elevation

Below: section124

Above: main approachBelow : house enclosure

Above: ground floor planCenter: south elevation

Below: section125

Above: main approachBelow : house enclosure

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SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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[Externally, the building expresses its typology and is read as a gym

complex, with an Insignia of Vigor]

Vy complexAmman, Jordan8,500 sq.m 2004

129

Vy Complex is the largest, most comprehensive and most progressive sport facility in the Middle East. Conceptually the spaces and their configuration build up on the notion of energy and well-being, enforced through several internal dynamics such as exchange of the natural light and scenographic visual connec-tions, many of which reveal kinetic movements.

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[The overriding sensory perception within Vy is that of invigoration]

Physical model for the project

The building includes the main gym halls, workout studios (five group studios), semi Olympic pool, semi Olympics flying running track, climb-ing wall, squash courts, bath and changing rooms, spa, beauty center, Juice bar, Restaurant (250 seats), different retail shops and all support functions including an administrative, laundry, maintenance, security and parking facilities.

The overriding sensory perception within Vy complex is that of invigora-tion. The halls at Vy were intially designed as social spaces that were developed to accommodate sport events and not the other way around. The visual conversation within and between the halls took great consider-ation to ensure inspiring vantage points while visually panning during exercise.

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Above: first floor planCenter: longitudinal sectionBelow: front elevation

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Left: main entranceRight: reception counter

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Left: main entranceRight: reception counter

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Above: looking over squash courtsBelow: main gym halls

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Above: looking over squash courtsBelow: main gym halls

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Above: running track steel structureBelow: running track flying over external spaces

Externally, the building expresses its typology and is unmistakably read as a gym complex. The upper level 200 meters steel structure running track roams through many of the halls that overlooks many activities and continues outdoor flying over external spaces and views. Many of the internal activities and motion are also framed as clear visual perspectives inward towards the heart of the build-ing on each façade, while kept bright through the utilization of large areas of skylights.

Above: semi olympics flying running trackCenter left: running track roof planCenter right: running track section

Below: running track structural study

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Above: running track steel structureBelow: running track flying over external spaces

Externally, the building expresses its typology and is unmistakably read as a gym complex. The upper level 200 meters steel structure running track roams through many of the halls that overlooks many activities and continues outdoor flying over external spaces and views. Many of the internal activities and motion are also framed as clear visual perspectives inward towards the heart of the build-ing on each façade, while kept bright through the utilization of large areas of skylights.

Above: semi olympics flying running trackCenter left: running track roof planCenter right: running track section

Below: running track structural study

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Above left: Vy restaurant; juice barAbove right: Vy ice; icecream shop

Below: Vy chi; beauty center, spa20

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Above left: Vy restaurant; juice barAbove right: Vy ice; icecream shop

Below: Vy chi; beauty center, spa20

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URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY SPACES EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL

TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTERPLANS RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

141

URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY SPACES EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL

TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTERPLANS RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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King Hussein Business Park Amman, Jordan3,570,000 sq.m2010

[The Business Park District is intended to stimulate the imagination and to

promote healthy creative living and working atmosphere]

Left: general masterplanAbove: park weaveBelow: conventional center

The project was dreamt of as a com-prehensive living lifecycle program that combines residential, wellness, entertainment, cultural, tourism, recreational and educational beyond the requested business theme park. The design intent was to transform the district into a neighborhood where a user finds all his living needs as if he is living in a larger cosmopolitan city with many offerings.

The Project was further developed to include districts within the overall master plan, each with an anchor project standing as an iconic stem cell for further growth. Each project took on a dynamic architectural expres-sion, honestly representing the core of its use. Building typologies were challenged to become new hybrids with combinations of uses, promoting a new lifestyle living.

143

King Hussein Business Park Amman, Jordan3,570,000 sq.m2010

[The Business Park District is intended to stimulate the imagination and to

promote healthy creative living and working atmosphere]

Left: general masterplanAbove: park weaveBelow: conventional center

The project was dreamt of as a com-prehensive living lifecycle program that combines residential, wellness, entertainment, cultural, tourism, recreational and educational beyond the requested business theme park. The design intent was to transform the district into a neighborhood where a user finds all his living needs as if he is living in a larger cosmopolitan city with many offerings.

The Project was further developed to include districts within the overall master plan, each with an anchor project standing as an iconic stem cell for further growth. Each project took on a dynamic architectural expres-sion, honestly representing the core of its use. Building typologies were challenged to become new hybrids with combinations of uses, promoting a new lifestyle living.

144

Above : urban design treatment Below: view for a public square

Above: multiple residential area Below: single family house area

The entire plan is conceived within a vision for a park that balances its urbanity. The park became the stage unto which the building projects overlooked. In some sub-districts the park-scape was stretched deeply into areas where buildings lift up to yield for it at the base. A central retail entertainment spine edges the park and becomes an extension of it as its green roofs meanders and weaves into the park offering a new urban landscape expression.

The entire plan is interconnected and designed mostly around the pedes-trian and his needs while resolving traffic flow throughout. Linear parks link all districts and connect the central park to the outer perimeter green belt. Residing in the Business Park District is intended to stimulate the imagination and to promote healthy creative living and working atmosphere.

145

Above : urban design treatment Below: view for a public square

Above: multiple residential area Below: single family house area

The entire plan is conceived within a vision for a park that balances its urbanity. The park became the stage unto which the building projects overlooked. In some sub-districts the park-scape was stretched deeply into areas where buildings lift up to yield for it at the base. A central retail entertainment spine edges the park and becomes an extension of it as its green roofs meanders and weaves into the park offering a new urban landscape expression.

The entire plan is interconnected and designed mostly around the pedes-trian and his needs while resolving traffic flow throughout. Linear parks link all districts and connect the central park to the outer perimeter green belt. Residing in the Business Park District is intended to stimulate the imagination and to promote healthy creative living and working atmosphere.

146

Above : overall masterplanBelow: duty free village masterplan

[The buildings reverse theirtraditional selves and become nodal green parks reminiscent of oases ]

A joint venture with Jean Micheal Wilmotte & Associés S.A. - Paris, France

Doha Corniche Development Doha, QatarN/A2009

Doha North Shore Zone, envisioned as a primarily natural sandy beach, is an extension of the desert coming into the city from the North. It is literally an “Open Ecological Museum” whose quaintness balances the bustle of the immediate urbanity of the tower area. In this zone, the buildings reverse their traditional selves and become nodal green parks reminiscent of oases and a humanly sustainable functionality unique to Doha and Qatar – celebrat-ing the environmental and human ecology.

Above right: duty free village - south shoreBelow right: sky strip over looking the desert hotel to the right

Some buildings are positioned close to the road and hover on pylons to offer a clear view out to the sea beneath them as well as shaded public space. Other buildings sit on edge stitching both land and sea as an experience similar to the case in the aquarium building. Others split apart horizontally framing the sooth-ing horizon line, while yet others sit as islands in the sea offering unique visual experience. Functions vary from a Recycling Museum, Birds Life Museum, Desert Ecology Museum, and an Aquarium to buildings that celebrate human cultural ecology such as an International Calligraphy Museum, Children Museum and Natural Fabrics Museum.

All buildings will be designed as public garden follies where visitors can interact in shaded areas, water features, art-scape and localized themed landscape. The green folly experiment should creatively evolve into many unique building typologies merging imperative parking space with socially, culturally, financially and environmentally sustainable aesthetic urban fabric.

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Above : overall masterplanBelow: duty free village masterplan

[The buildings reverse theirtraditional selves and become nodal green parks reminiscent of oases ]

A joint venture with Jean Micheal Wilmotte & Associés S.A. - Paris, France

Doha Corniche Development Doha, QatarN/A2009

Doha North Shore Zone, envisioned as a primarily natural sandy beach, is an extension of the desert coming into the city from the North. It is literally an “Open Ecological Museum” whose quaintness balances the bustle of the immediate urbanity of the tower area. In this zone, the buildings reverse their traditional selves and become nodal green parks reminiscent of oases and a humanly sustainable functionality unique to Doha and Qatar – celebrat-ing the environmental and human ecology.

Above right: duty free village - south shoreBelow right: sky strip over looking the desert hotel to the right

Some buildings are positioned close to the road and hover on pylons to offer a clear view out to the sea beneath them as well as shaded public space. Other buildings sit on edge stitching both land and sea as an experience similar to the case in the aquarium building. Others split apart horizontally framing the sooth-ing horizon line, while yet others sit as islands in the sea offering unique visual experience. Functions vary from a Recycling Museum, Birds Life Museum, Desert Ecology Museum, and an Aquarium to buildings that celebrate human cultural ecology such as an International Calligraphy Museum, Children Museum and Natural Fabrics Museum.

All buildings will be designed as public garden follies where visitors can interact in shaded areas, water features, art-scape and localized themed landscape. The green folly experiment should creatively evolve into many unique building typologies merging imperative parking space with socially, culturally, financially and environmentally sustainable aesthetic urban fabric.

wel

lnes

s ho

tel

sky

strip co

rnic

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Above right: wellness hotelCenter: environment museum

Below: corniche view

The South Shore Zone 9, stands as an airport gate area to the city. The profound event building with rich memorable experiences and dramatic visual gesture that capture the senses of visitors in the first and final hours of their visit to the city.It is proposed that Doha’s airport district will be the site for the largest and most enterprising duty free shop in the world – a lucra-tive and rewarding one kilometer stretch green building that redefines what is traditionally a strict indoor commercial exchange.

The main building is an elevated green linear form that yields to the quaint continuity of the relationship of majestic desert to the soothing sea. The elevated structure is both a parking building on one level and a shopping strip on the upper most level, both engulfed within an inter active steel and green screen skin with permeable quality that offers outward views.

Aquarium space

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Above right: wellness hotelCenter: environment museum

Below: corniche view

The South Shore Zone 9, stands as an airport gate area to the city. The profound event building with rich memorable experiences and dramatic visual gesture that capture the senses of visitors in the first and final hours of their visit to the city.It is proposed that Doha’s airport district will be the site for the largest and most enterprising duty free shop in the world – a lucra-tive and rewarding one kilometer stretch green building that redefines what is traditionally a strict indoor commercial exchange.

The main building is an elevated green linear form that yields to the quaint continuity of the relationship of majestic desert to the soothing sea. The elevated structure is both a parking building on one level and a shopping strip on the upper most level, both engulfed within an inter active steel and green screen skin with permeable quality that offers outward views.

Aquarium space

150

URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND INSTALLATIONS EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTER PLAN RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY

SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

151

URBAN CARPET CONTINUITY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND INSTALLATIONS EXPOSITIONS PAVIL IONS MOLDING EARTH STRETCHING LANDSCAPE STAGE FOR EVENTS AFFORDABLE COMMUNAL TANGIBIL ITY URBAN LINK MASTER PLAN RESPECTING CONTEX ENVIRONMENT WARMNESS PUBLIC THEME FUTURE EXPANSION ZERO STRATEGY REDEFINITION SOCIALITY HUMANITY LANDMARKS COMFORTABLE AMBIENCE COEXISTENCE EDGES ACCESSIBIL ITY EMERGENCE SENSITIVITY SUSTAINABIL ITY EDUCATIONAL OPEN SPACES AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL OR SOCIETY BANKS CULTURE HERITAGE TRENDY HOTELS ATTRACTIVE INTERACTIVE RECREATIONAL RESTAURANTS WORK L IVE OFFICE RETAIL CREATIVITY

SMART L IVING RESIDENTIAL VIRTUALITY SMART CIT CONTEPRARY REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

152

Above: site planBelow: side elevation

Petra Exhibition boothDubai, UAE65 sq.m2004

The Petra exhibition booth is a design that can be assembled and dissembled for use in several exhibits. The client wanted to dramatically express what one can do with steel as a structure and in particular the extent of its strength in cantilever projection.

Steel at Symbiosis is viewed, in essence, as a malleable liquid that can be sculpted into free form. The structure, following organic rational, can be visually traced from base all the way to lighter projecting elements. The remaining cladding materials are products promoted by the company as finishing and were used in assem-blies demonstrating their nature, including the extremities of their performance capacities.

The entire booth is a folly that one can experience ascending and descend-ing while exploring different progres-sive assemblies including standing at the tip of the six meter cantilever loft.

153

Above: site planBelow: side elevation

Petra Exhibition boothDubai, UAE65 sq.m2004

The Petra exhibition booth is a design that can be assembled and dissembled for use in several exhibits. The client wanted to dramatically express what one can do with steel as a structure and in particular the extent of its strength in cantilever projection.

Steel at Symbiosis is viewed, in essence, as a malleable liquid that can be sculpted into free form. The structure, following organic rational, can be visually traced from base all the way to lighter projecting elements. The remaining cladding materials are products promoted by the company as finishing and were used in assem-blies demonstrating their nature, including the extremities of their performance capacities.

The entire booth is a folly that one can experience ascending and descend-ing while exploring different progres-sive assemblies including standing at the tip of the six meter cantilever loft.

154

Steel BoothAmman, Jordan80 sq.m2009

The booth is a representation of the fabrication capabilities of a prominent steel manufacturer. The structure was designed to stand vertically visible within exhibitions to lure visitors in its direction. The lower level is cleared of all clutter to allow a staircase to impose its invitational presence unto the second floor. All samples and creative draw-ings were exhibited within the floor plane. On the upper level a silo is constructed, however turned horizon-tally to become a digital gallery with rhythmic screens further telling the story of the host. A meeting room is also constructed as an extension of the assembly of the overall structural frame tectonic hierarchy.

The booth’s primary gesture is to express materials and assemblies true and honest to their behavioral assem-bly process.

[...materials and assemblies true and honest to their be-havioral assembly process]

155

Above left : LCD screens’ view inside the siloBelow left : stairs view towards upper levelAbove : detailed viewsCenter: conceptual layers, elevations and sections Below: general view

156

7th Circle public installation Amman, Jordan2009

[a soulful resonance that is artistically profound and neither imposing nor invisible]

Above left: detail photo of elevationAbove right: installation planCenter: calligraphy composition on faces Below: 3D site

The 7th circle, being the first round-about gateway encounter once reach-ing the city arriving from the airport highway road, can perhaps be argued as the most important circle in Amman. Symbiosis was commis-sioned to reinvent the entire intersec-tion to elevate its quality to a highly dignified state and erect a monument that would stand as an icon for Jordan’s ten inspirational and funda-mental living values declared by His Majesty the King. The structure stands 16 meters high and is layered with the Arabic Kofi calligraphy words in differ-ent scales and through a composition that balances artistic, ambiguous composition with rational legibility and structural build-ability. The crux of the gesture was to achieve a soulful resonance that is also artistically profound and neither imposing nor invisible.

157

7th Circle public installation Amman, Jordan2009

[a soulful resonance that is artistically profound and neither imposing nor invisible]

Above left: detail photo of elevationAbove right: installation planCenter: calligraphy composition on faces Below: 3D site

The 7th circle, being the first round-about gateway encounter once reach-ing the city arriving from the airport highway road, can perhaps be argued as the most important circle in Amman. Symbiosis was commis-sioned to reinvent the entire intersec-tion to elevate its quality to a highly dignified state and erect a monument that would stand as an icon for Jordan’s ten inspirational and funda-mental living values declared by His Majesty the King. The structure stands 16 meters high and is layered with the Arabic Kofi calligraphy words in differ-ent scales and through a composition that balances artistic, ambiguous composition with rational legibility and structural build-ability. The crux of the gesture was to achieve a soulful resonance that is also artistically profound and neither imposing nor invisible.

158

RSICA / Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts

Location: Aqaba, JordanClient: The Red Sea Institute of Cinematic ArtsLand Area: 26,500 sq.m Built-up Area: 30,000 sq.mProject year: 2006Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Lina Asad, Faiha Khazna Katbi, Dina Haddadin,Onur Lambaz.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Omega Consulting EngineersElectrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep.

IAA The International Academy - Amman Location: Amman, JordanClient: IAALand Area: 105,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 35,000 sq.mProject year: 2006Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Randa Abu Rayyan, Khaled Shannak, Nisreen Al-Far, Nidaa Tayyem, Jawad Hamdan, Lina Asad, Faiha Khazna Katbi, Onur Lambaz, Amira Qattawi, Ramiz Abu Mahfouz, Katrina Najjar, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Widyan Al- Khaldi.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Dimco Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: The Arab SurveyorsLandscape: Asma Allawi

IAA Library

Location: Amman, JordanClient: IAABuilt-up Area: 4,200 sq.mProject year: 2006Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Hussam Aldibes,Jawad Hamdan.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Dimco Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: The Arab Surveyors

Wadi Philadelphia

Location: Amman, JordanClient: wadi philadelphiaLand Area: 22,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 70,500 sq.mProject year: 2010Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nisreen AL-Far, Dina Haddadin, Firas Rhaibeh, Rawan Kakish, Mariam Ellala.

Kawar office building headquarters

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Kawar Group Land Area: 1,560 sq.m Built-up Area: 18,700 sq.mProject year: 2010Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub,Nidaa Tayyem, Lina Asad, Ala’ Zreikat.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: International Designers Engineers, Consultant & Projects Managers Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: Universal Survey Office.

Hejar Al Nawabilsi Complex

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Mr. Ala' HalwehLand Area: 25,200 sq.m Built-up Area: 50,000 sq.mProject year: 2007Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Rami Naffa, Nadin Al Jarrah, Emad salameh, Rawan Kakish.

Rakeen Towers

,Location: Amman, JordanClient: Mr. Khaled Urabi/Rakeen Land Area: 6,700 sq.m Built-up Area: 90,000 sq.mProject year: 2008Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub,Faiha Khazna Katbi, Dima Bilbaisi, Rawan Kakish, Zeid Kakish

Abdoun fashion atrium

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Al - Izdihar Investment companyLand Area: 2,200 sq.m Built-up Area: 9,250 sq.mProject year: 2008Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nidaa Tayyem, Firas Rhaibeh, Amira Qattawi, Nadin Othman, Ala’ Zreikat, Rami Naffa, Mona Jabaji

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: International Designers Engineers,Consultant & Projects Managers Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: Union Office G. Surveying

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RSICA / Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts

Location: Aqaba, JordanClient: The Red Sea Institute of Cinematic ArtsLand Area: 26,500 sq.m Built-up Area: 30,000 sq.mProject year: 2006Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Lina Asad, Faiha Khazna Katbi, Dina Haddadin,Onur Lambaz.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Omega Consulting EngineersElectrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep.

IAA The International Academy - Amman Location: Amman, JordanClient: IAALand Area: 105,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 35,000 sq.mProject year: 2006Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Randa Abu Rayyan, Khaled Shannak, Nisreen Al-Far, Nidaa Tayyem, Jawad Hamdan, Lina Asad, Faiha Khazna Katbi, Onur Lambaz, Amira Qattawi, Ramiz Abu Mahfouz, Katrina Najjar, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Widyan Al- Khaldi.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Dimco Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: The Arab SurveyorsLandscape: Asma Allawi

IAA Library

Location: Amman, JordanClient: IAABuilt-up Area: 4,200 sq.mProject year: 2006Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Hussam Aldibes,Jawad Hamdan.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Dimco Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: The Arab Surveyors

Wadi Philadelphia

Location: Amman, JordanClient: wadi philadelphiaLand Area: 22,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 70,500 sq.mProject year: 2010Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nisreen AL-Far, Dina Haddadin, Firas Rhaibeh, Rawan Kakish, Mariam Ellala.

Kawar office building headquarters

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Kawar Group Land Area: 1,560 sq.m Built-up Area: 18,700 sq.mProject year: 2010Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub,Nidaa Tayyem, Lina Asad, Ala’ Zreikat.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: International Designers Engineers, Consultant & Projects Managers Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: Universal Survey Office.

Hejar Al Nawabilsi Complex

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Mr. Ala' HalwehLand Area: 25,200 sq.m Built-up Area: 50,000 sq.mProject year: 2007Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Rami Naffa, Nadin Al Jarrah, Emad salameh, Rawan Kakish.

Rakeen Towers

,Location: Amman, JordanClient: Mr. Khaled Urabi/Rakeen Land Area: 6,700 sq.m Built-up Area: 90,000 sq.mProject year: 2008Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub,Faiha Khazna Katbi, Dima Bilbaisi, Rawan Kakish, Zeid Kakish

Abdoun fashion atrium

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Al - Izdihar Investment companyLand Area: 2,200 sq.m Built-up Area: 9,250 sq.mProject year: 2008Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nidaa Tayyem, Firas Rhaibeh, Amira Qattawi, Nadin Othman, Ala’ Zreikat, Rami Naffa, Mona Jabaji

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: International Designers Engineers,Consultant & Projects Managers Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: Union Office G. Surveying

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Kurdi complex II

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Mr. Deeb Al-KurdiLand Area: 1,650 sq.m Built-up Area: 4,350 sq.mProject year: 2007Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nidaa Tayyem, Amira Qattawi, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Katrina Najjar, Rami Naffa, Ala’ Zreikat.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: International Designers Engineers,Electrical Eng: Al-Ahli office Mechanical Eng: Al-Ahli office Surveyors: Ibrahim Elyan Office for Surveying

Abu Tawileh plaza II

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Mr. Qais Abu TawilehLand Area: 3,700 sq.m Built-up Area: 26,500 sq.mProject year: 2007Project Team: Kalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nidaa Tayyem, Lina Asad, Ala’ Zreikat.

Techno Group office building

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Techno Group Land Area: 2,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 12,000 sq.mProject year: 2011Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Abed Al-Qader Tarabieh, Rasem Kamal, Rami Naffa.

Oasis 500 incubators

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Oasis 500Built-up Area: 4,200 sq.mProject year: 2010Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Dima Bilbaisi, Rasem Kamal.

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Jordan Invest bank

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Jordan Investment Finance BankBuilt-up Area: 1,000 sq.mProject year: 2008Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub,Nisreen Al-Far, Faiha Khazna Katbi, Firas Rhaibeh, Rawan Kakish, Widyan Al- Khaldi, Mariam Ellala,Zaid Kakish.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: International Designers Engineers, Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep.

Abu Samra residence

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Mr. Ma’rouf Abu SamraLand Area: 4,500 sq.mBuilt-up Area: 1,300 sq.mProject year: 2005Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Nisreen AL-Far, Ra’ed Sawalha, Daed Musa.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Marwan Ghanem Electrical Eng: Issa HamdanMechanical Eng: Khalid SarahnehInterior designer: Fadi Faragallah Landscape: Lara Zureikat

Ayoubi residence

Location: Mahis, JordanClient: Mr. Basil Al-AyoubiLand Area: 5,400 sq.m Built-up Area: 850 sq.mProject year: 2010Project team:Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nidaa Tayyem, Faiha Khazna Katbi, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Rasem kamal.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: International Designers EngineersConsultant & Projects Managers Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: Union Office G. Surveying

Muhaisen residence

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Al-Shareefa Rajeha Land Area: 1,260 sq.m Built-up Area: 820 sq.mProject year: 2008Project team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub,Nidaa Tayyem, Dina Haddadin, Ala’ Zreikat.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: International Designers Engineers Consultant & Projects Managers Electrical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Mechanical Eng: Spectrum Mep. Surveyors: Engineering Survey studies Quantities

Petra booth

Location: Dubai, UAEClient: Petra Aluminum Built-up Area: 50 sq.m.Project year: 2005 Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Lina Asad

Steel booth

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Steel Building Company ltd. Built-up Area: 80 sq. mProject year: 2009 Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Lina Asad, Mona Jabaji.

7th circle public installation

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Amman municipality Built-up Area: N/AProject year: 2009 Project Team:Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nidaa Tayyem, Lina Asad, Dina Haddadin, Onur Lambaz

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King Hussein Business Park

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Amman Municipality Land Area: 587,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 3,560,000 sq.mProject year: 2010Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Dina Haddadin, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Dima Bilbaisi, Rami Naffa, Mariam Ellala, Rasem Kamal, Zeid Kakish, Khaled Sedki.

Blue fig cafe’

Location: Amman, JordanClient: International Coffee Gardens Co.Land Area: 940 sq.m Built-up Area: 2,400 sq.mProject year: 1997Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Randa Abu Rayyan.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Modern Consultant Electrical Eng: Abbas & KaffafMechanical Eng: Abbas & Kaffaf

Vy Complex

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Gravity Athletic Investment Company – VyLand Area: 6,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 8,000 sq.mProject year: 2004Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Jawad Hamdan, Ra’ed Sawalha, Lina Asa’d, Amira Qattawi.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Marwan Ghanem, Khobaib jallad Electrical Eng: Ma’en Al-KarmiMechanical Eng: Issam Abu Farha, Wael NasrallahLandscape: Lara Zureikat

Doha Corniche Development

Location: Doha, QatarClient: Government of Qatar, National Council for Culture, Arts, and HeritageLand Area: 7.5 Km Long Built-up Area: N/AProject year: 2009 Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Lina Asad, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Onur Lambaz, Ala’ Zreikat, Mona Jabaji. (joint venture with Wilmotte & Associés S.A., Paris)

Petra booth

Location: Dubai, UAEClient: Petra Aluminum Built-up Area: 50 sq.m.Project year: 2005 Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Lina Asad

Steel booth

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Steel Building Company ltd. Built-up Area: 80 sq. mProject year: 2009 Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Lina Asad, Mona Jabaji.

7th circle public installation

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Amman municipality Built-up Area: N/AProject year: 2009 Project Team:Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Nidaa Tayyem, Lina Asad, Dina Haddadin, Onur Lambaz

163

King Hussein Business Park

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Amman Municipality Land Area: 587,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 3,560,000 sq.mProject year: 2010Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Dina Haddadin, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Dima Bilbaisi, Rami Naffa, Mariam Ellala, Rasem Kamal, Zeid Kakish, Khaled Sedki.

Blue fig cafe’

Location: Amman, JordanClient: International Coffee Gardens Co.Land Area: 940 sq.m Built-up Area: 2,400 sq.mProject year: 1997Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Randa Abu Rayyan.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Modern Consultant Electrical Eng: Abbas & KaffafMechanical Eng: Abbas & Kaffaf

Vy Complex

Location: Amman, JordanClient: Gravity Athletic Investment Company – VyLand Area: 6,000 sq.m Built-up Area: 8,000 sq.mProject year: 2004Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Jawad Hamdan, Ra’ed Sawalha, Lina Asa’d, Amira Qattawi.

Associate Consultants: Structural Eng: Marwan Ghanem, Khobaib jallad Electrical Eng: Ma’en Al-KarmiMechanical Eng: Issam Abu Farha, Wael NasrallahLandscape: Lara Zureikat

Doha Corniche Development

Location: Doha, QatarClient: Government of Qatar, National Council for Culture, Arts, and HeritageLand Area: 7.5 Km Long Built-up Area: N/AProject year: 2009 Project Team: Khalid Nahhas, Ramiz Ayoub, Lina Asad, Abdel-Qader Tarabieh, Onur Lambaz, Ala’ Zreikat, Mona Jabaji. (joint venture with Wilmotte & Associés S.A., Paris)

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All works by Symbiosis designs ltd., Amman, Jordan. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Unless otherwise, noted all photos: Courtesy of Symbiosis designs ltd

Book designed by Symbiosis designsPrinted by National Press 2011, Jordan

p.o.box 143292 amman 11814 jordan67 abdel raheem alhaj moh’d st. sweifiehtel 962 6 5820347 fax 962 6 5813592

email [email protected]

Photographers

Arnaldo GenitriniZooey BraunOsman Akuz Ghassan AqelRasem Kamal

C e r t i f i c a t e J O 1 1 / 2 1 7 2

www.symbiosisdesign.com

Symbios is Designs l td. i s an award winning consul tancy f i rm known for i t s des ign excel lence and al ternat ive innovat ive bui ld ings. I t was founded by the senior archi-tect Khal id Nahhas in 1991.Nahhas received a bachelor ’s degree in Geographic and Economic P lanning f rom the Univers i ty of V ic tor ia in 1985, and a graduate degree in Archi tecture f rom the Univers i ty of Br i t i sh Columbia in 1989. He has been pract ic ing archi tecture s ince 1989, beginning his profess ional career in Van-couver, at Spaceworks archi tects . In 2002, Nahhas received the f i rs t Dubai-based Ci tyscape Young Archi tect Award. Symbios is Designs l td. has bui l t a reputat ion for imaginat ive and appropr iate archi tectural solut ions. The f i rm’s innovat ive des ign approach, methodology and of f ice cul ture preserve a unique “ th ink out of the box” s tudio/workshop approach throughout al l des ign s tages of a l l projects , protect ing and maintain ing progres-s ive creat iv i ty in the des ign output .