Brownfield Regeneration as a Strategy for Sustainable Development: Amman Case Study
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Abstract : Brownfield regeneration has a positive impact on the quality of life in several dimensions, which enhances the livability and vitality of a city. On the contrary, Amman suffered from intensification of abandoned, derelict sites in the city center, along with severe deficiencies in terms of database and regeneration policy. Therefore, this research study aims to develop a flexible strategy for brownfield regeneration to encourage efforts toward implementation. This initially started by exploring all the brownfield sites in Amman in general and then those located in dynamic, vibrant locations in specific. Four case studies were selected, which included abandoned buildings within an urban setting. Spatial analysis was performed on case studies, including basic descriptive analysis, contextual analysis, and strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats analysis, which helped recognize the opportunities and challenges associated with different sites. The strategies were discussed further by several experts through the Delphi technique, where data were collected from relevant stakeholders to highlight the brownfield regeneration terminology in terms of definition, familiarity, opportunities and risks, governmental role, and policy availability, along with recommendations to improve the practice. Finally, several strategies were developed on the basis of collaboration between stakeholders. These strategies are hard to be generalized to all sites in different regions, as each one has specific issues that need to be considered. Therefore, further studies need to be conducted to validate the results of this study, foster the implementation of brownfield regeneration, and promote sustainable development by reducing urban sprawl and encouraging compactness.
Keywords : Brownfield regeneration; Delphi technique; Spatial analysis; Sustainable strategies
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Identification of Brownfield Sites, Classification and Typologies Case Study of Amman, Jordan
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Abstract : Brownfields regeneration in the recent years become an important issue globally for local and regional development, due to its impact on improving the vitality, livability and the quality of life in a city. Jordan is no exception, since, the country have witnessed many economic and demographic changes in the past few decades. Brownfields in Jordan have no clear classification system, strategy, typology and parameters in that regard. Since, terminology of brownfield varies from one country to another this research aims to create a comprehensive brownfield classification by designing a categorization systematic method that is appropriate specifically to the city of Amman context and generally to the whole country. This was conducted by analyzing several variables, original use are size, occupancy level of use and physical condition of facility. Additionally, questionnaire interviews which was carried out with different official authority personal, armed forces, local community and NGO’s, wind shield survey. To evaluate the spatial distribution of brownfields in Amman Geographic Information System (GIS) was used. Research findings shows that 154 brownfields sites dispersed over the 20 district of the city. Forming an area about 800,000 m , most are concentrated in the old districts of 2 the city from small to a medium area size, majority of those sits are abandoned which will make it easier to renovate or regenerate as pockets for different functions from neighborhood shopping center to open spaces parks.
Keywords : Brownfield, abandoned facility, brownfield classification, vacant property, Geographic Information System (GIS)
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Examining the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Architecture Distance E-Learning during the Covid Pandemic
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Abstract : Architecture pedagogy is evolving, reflecting on teaching, learning experiences for students and teachers, and the teaching environment. The recent pandemic has brought many perspectives and opportunities to investigate the distance e-learning education model. The objective of this study is to assess the current discourse on architectural pedagogy by exploring various aspects of this experience concerning challenges and opportunities encountered during the pandemic in a university architecture department in Jordan. Initially started with several experts' e-interviews, the collected data were analyzed, and a questionnaire survey was prepared. The survey sample included 12 faculty members and ninety-eight willingly participated in the selected courses: design four, basic design, urban planning, architecture drawing, and history of architecture. The results show that teachers, junior, and senior students are satisfied with the outcomes of the virtual design studio. While freshmen, sophomores, and instructors of introduction to basic design and architectural drawing courses, stated the inefficiency of e-learning, Instructors’, and students' results for theoretical courses show that it is effective and reliable. The results manifest issues such as technical difficulties, quality of students' work, lack of socializing, and psychological problems. Therefore, several recommendations have been made to address this dilemma. Thus, further studies are needed to validate the results of this study, foster implementation, and establish guidelines to institutionalize the e-learning method as a permanent part of architectural pedagogy.
Keywords : Architecture; Pedagogy; E-learning; COVID-19; Students
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Exploring a Sustainable Strategy for Brownfield Regeneration. The Case of Halawah Farm, Amman City, Jordan
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Abstract : Brownfield sites can be considered both a challenge and a lost opportunity, since they impact negatively the surroundings and regeneration potential. Yet, brownfield regeneration can have a major role in improving city's vitality and liveability due to its multiple positive impacts on cities in general and Amman city in particular. In the last few years, Amman has grown spontaneously and quickly with no sophisticated plan to consider city dynamics that produce brownfield land. Therefore, this research aims to explore the opportunities of a comprehensive regeneration approach by understanding the complexity of a brownfield site. The work particularly addressed Halawah Farm brownfield area (in Amman municipality, which includes architectural and urban settings and currently it is an abandoned facility within a vibrant zone of the city. Contextual analysis for the research setting along with SWOT analysis helped us explore the potentials and challenges of this site. As a result, the development of a conceptual plan and application guidelines were elaborated to be employed in transforming a problematic space into a liveable one. This would be achieved by cleaning-up of site, reusing abandoned area, stimulating development opportunities, and involving locals. That is, sustainable vision considered as a tool for site rehabilitation, it especially has environmental, social, and economic focus. As a matter of fact, this study could be a good tool to simplify the paradox and complexity of this issue under study. Consequently, this will be translated into strategic plans and design guidelines for regeneration brownfield sites to enhance urban competitiveness and reduce urban sprawl.
Keywords : brownfield site, brownfield sustainable regeneration, urban renewal, contextual analysis sustainable guidelines, Jordan
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Strategic Framework for Construction-Waste Management: Facilitating Sustainable Development in Jordan
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Abstract : Sustainable development is the need of the hour that needs to be incorporated by every industry in every country around the globe. The construction industry is one of the most contributing industry to the major economies around the world. Moreover, the waste it generates needs to be strategically taken care of. In most countries including Jordan, the management of waste generated by the construction industry does not have a proper disposal system. National sustainable development requires a strategic framework that needs to be designed to engage all stakeholders in the construction-waste management process. The impacts of this process must also be thoroughly understood in regard to various environmental issues. Indeed, the construction industry is a major waste generator; such a framework thus provides guidance during the construction life cycle to reinforce waste-management quality. Here, the most fundamental principle is that of the “Three R’s” (i.e., reduce, reuse and recycle). The construction-waste disposal process must employ these elements as pillars to reinforce other principles of sustainable construction, thus, forming appropriate strategic guidelines. This study investigates construction waste issues in Jordan through the identification of four main components (i.e., guidelines, technology, policy and regulation), in line with project life cycle and Three R’s principle, for ensuring the sustainable handling of construction waste. This study discusses a related conceptual framework designed to facilitate a sustainable construction-waste management process. The study will help in improving the existing condition of Jordan due to the haphazard caused by the construction industry. It will also be useful to other countries that are facing the same issues and are in a similar economic framework
Keywords : Construction waste, three R principle, life cycle design, sustainable development, Jordan
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Toward Developing Energy Star Rating Development in Jordan
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Abstract : The objective of this article is to provide an efficient means of enforcing green building in Jordan, the Middle East. The paper is proposing assessment tool of Energy Star Rating Scheme and also explaining its role for achieving sustainable development during buildings lifecycle and hence reducing energy and water usage. The scheme development will remove considerable environmental, social and economic issues as Jordan is a country that renowned for its poor energy and water resources. The article provides technical aspects, means, technologies and processes for proposing and implementation green star ratings for buildings. The star ratings are based on integrating renewable energy technologies, water recourses and its consumption management and waste recycling and its management throughout the buildings’ life cycle including its design, installation and operation
Keywords : Energy Star Ratings, Energy and Water, Sustainable Energy, Environment JEL Classifications: K32, O13
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