The Structures of Arabic Writing
Inscriptions: Insights from the
Tombstones of the Fatimid Dynasty,
Aswan - Egypt
Authors : Safaa S. Jahameh
, Al Fahmawee Emad Al Dein
, Nashat I. Al Khawaldeh
, & Asma A. Sayed
Abstract : In the past, plenty of materials and tools such as pens, ink, parchments,
and rulers have been used for Arabic writing in Islamic manuscripts. Arabic
writing became standardized, described based more on geometry during the
Islamic civilization. This indicates the qualitative development and the
importance of Arabic writing in the Islamic-Arabic book craft industry. Many
suggest that different types of grid rulers have been used to structure the Arabic
writings in Islamic manuscripts. In this context, this paper explores the
structure of Arabic writing on stones. It is based on the hypothesis that Arabic
writing structures in stones are similar to Arabic writing structures in the
manuscripts.
This paper applies a geometrical analytical process to identify a
structural tool used to structure the Arabic writing in a stone, similar to the
geometrical analysis method that was used before in the Islamic manuscripts.
It explores and discusses the outcomes of the analysis using an objective
observation method.
It concludes that a grid ruler used to structure the Arabic writings in
stone is analogous to the grid ruler used in the Islamic manuscripts. This paper
is the first to discuss the structure of Arabic writing found on a stone in the
Fatimid dynasty
Keywords : Arabic writing, structure, geometry, inscriptions, grid, ruler,
Fatimid dynasty.
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SEMIOTICS AS APPROACH FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SYMBOLISM IN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURAL ARTS
Authors : Emad Al Dein Hasan Al Fahmawee
Abstract : There is a large gap in the studies and literature that deals with the concept of denotations and the connotations of Islamic architecture, whether from a purely geometric or artistic and aesthetic aspect. However, studies dealing with these works from the ideological point of view and inferring values are scarce. This gap is a direct result of the problematic method of reading the Islamic artistic surface and its visual reading tools. Purpose: of this study is to reduce the gap between many European or Muslim researchers in understanding the symbolic connotations of its elements, and the aesthetic of abstract visual vision in the apparent form focusing in “spiritual component”, and relate to the conscience of the Muslim, his mind, and his interior without the need for a stereotyped photographic image in the visual representation. Methodology: by adopting semiotics as a tool for modern criticism in reading and implicit analysis of the Islamic architectural text, linked it with the fixed ideological component in every place and time, the content or “spirit. Approach: According to the studies, analytical and implicit reading of some Islamic architectural elements and its symbolic connotations were interpreted. Finding: The results show three design trends appeared in the Islamic world, the direct transcription of traditional element, the contemporary trend, and creating new design elements from traditional symbolic connotations. Originality: Today buildings have lost their identity and value without art and have turned into soulless creatures. Therefore, it was necessary to highlight the need of returning to the cultural and architectural artistic heritage and benefiting from it in finding new and contemporary design solutions using modern digital technical means.
Keywords : Semiology, Islamic architecture arts, Denotations, Connotations, Implicit critique, Symbolization, Abstraction, Visual text.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: THE CASE OF THE BAPTISM SITE IN JORDAN
Authors : Omar A. A. Jawabreh / Emad Al Dein Al Fahmawee /Ehab Alshatnawi Omar Alananzeh
Abstract : The study aims to investigate and find the importance of religious tourism for the development of sustainable tourism: the case of the baptism site in Jordan. Materials and Methods: We used the SPSS version 20 to analyze 19 items of the Likert scale for the outcome in factor analysis. Before conducting the axial variable analysis, the suitability of the data for factor analysis was evaluated. Results and discussions: traditional industries have been phased out and replaced by tourism activities at the Baptism Site, which have a high tourist potential, resulting in increased economic growth in these areas. Conclusions: On the eastern bank of the Jordan River separating Jordan and Palestine, at the Baptism site, a world archaeological and heritage site, sustainable tourism has become a tool on which many foreign tourism institutions are focused. The result shows that environmental impacts were positively associated with sustainability issues
Keywords : Sustainability, Spiritual functions, Socio-cultural impact, Economic impact, Position in the environment, Baptism Site.
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A STUDY ARCHITECTURAL AND INTANGIBLE ENVIRONMENT AFFECTING OCCUPANCY RATE OF FIVE STARS BUSINESS HOTEL IN AMMAN
Authors : Emad Al Dein Al Fahmawee / Omar A. A. Jawabreh
Abstract : The main objective of the research is to justify the large discrepancy in the occupancy rate among the five-star business hotels in Amman. The study was based on analysing two aspects, namely the service quality and the architectural characteristic as basic determinants for a single category. Descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used using SPSS to Analyse the impact of service quality on hotel occupancy rates. The analysis of variance for the 18 hotels showed that there is not any significant difference in service quality among five stars hotels in Amman. Three hotel buildings representing the 18 hotels were selected to analyse the impact of architectural characteristics on hotel occupancy rates, interviews and surveys were conducted with the managers and staff, to collect data about the hotel's architectural characteristic Data was distributed and divided into four dimensions to facilitate the process of architectural analysis, then projected through architectural drawings for comparisons between them; they are narrative design, zoning and privacy in guest rooms, functional hotel components and the architectural composition planning, which has been proven in this research to have a significant impact on occupancy rate, customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Keywords : Occupancy rate; Physical environment; Intangible environment; Business Hotel; Functional spaces.
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GIS METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO DEVELOPING AND FORMING A VISUAL IMAGE OF DOWNTOWN AMMAN
Authors : Emad Al Dein Hasan Al Fahmawee
Abstract : Amman’s growth expansion was shaped by its topography (valleys and hills), which generated a special character and patterns of the urban form. The city was built on seven hills, which are connected by steep stairs that serve as pathways to the downtown core. The rapid urbanization caused by uncontrolled population growth, as well as random and unplanned formations that were far from following any kind of aesthetic, resulted in the expansion of the center towards the surrounding seven hills. The continuous intersection of these hills caused their boundaries to blur and melt. As a result of the intense transformation, which is causing the hills’ appearance to become more uniform, their continuing overlap may completely destroy the unique character and imageability of downtown Amman. Methods: This research made use of topographical context analysis and the Geographical Information System (GIS) as well as its 3D modeling function to identify the optimal visibility and viewing angle when looking from the valley towards the hills and between the hills. Results and discussion: We identified the main vistas, i.e., highly significant views, which could subsequently be adopted as the locations for proposing landmark scenarios via 3D model GIS analysis. The projection process helped determine the significant views from the valley towards the hills and between the hills. Overall, three scenarios were proposed for the landmarks, out of which, the best one was chosen. It corresponds to the topographical analysis and the community needs, depends upon the local context and urban fabric, and is optimal for decision-making.
Keywords : Downtown, hills, visual image, topographical features, landmarks, line of sight analysis.
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Architectural visions in Rehabilitation of Quarries and Brick Factories in Amman: A Case study rehabilitation of Al-Muqabalain industrial zone
Authors : Emad Al Dein Hasan Al Fahmawee
Abstract : The mining and quarrying sector represented by stone sawing and bricks factories are considered as the vital industrial sector in Jordan, due to the fast economic growth, urbanization and forced migration. However, Bricks and stone sawing resulted in environmental degradations, due to the emission of significant quantities of gaseous and particulate pollutants, besides visual pollution caused by the random distribution of these factories. Hence the importance of this paper that examines quarries and brick factories rehabilitation issue within Amman Metropolitan Area. The study is based on comprehensive survey for nine industrial zones and strengthening it via statistical data acquired from Greater Amman Municipality, using as a case study of Al Muqabalain industrial zone. According to survey results, the proposed solutions for the random distribution of stone saw and brick factories in Al Muqabalain area are summarized by either rehabilitation of brick factories and old quarries that are inevitable to transfer through proposed legislative policies or relocation for the factories that cannot be rehabilitated to appropriate alternative site through organized procedures then decision-making. In this study, Wadi Al-Ish is the proposed alternative site where most of appropriate criteria were achieved. Finally, further environmental recovery studies will be needed to help in the use of solid and liquid factories waste, and this is not to be without formation of a committee of stakeholders to develop an applied plan for these proposed solutions.
Keywords : Quarries, Brick factories, Industrial zone, Environmental pollution, rehabilitation
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Architectural functional design for hotels extension in Amman: A Days Inn Hotel case study
Authors : Emad Al Dein Hasan Al Fahmawee
Abstract : Recently, the extension for the existing hotel buildings in Amman has markedly increased, as a result of the lack of experience in the design of hotel buildings, which consequently led to chaos in the design process, especially in the lack of many complementary functions for the main functional operation of the building, which weakened the operational effectiveness of this type of buildings. This study is based on studying and analyzing four existing hotel buildings in Amman, using Days Inn Hotel as a case study. The study identified Amman hotels character, the space allotments, and their functional components, in addition to the area of each of functional spaces. Statistical analysis for the functional spaces was presented as a guide in designing the extension of businessmen hotels for Amman city. Based on the results of accurate study analysis of the hotels extension project, together with interviews and questionnaires with the hotel's guests and administration team, the Days Inn Hotel's extension building has been designed based on its architectural characteristics taking into account the hotel's character as a businessmen hotel. The area in the extension building is either increased or reduced (such as twin rooms, king rooms, and other units), and new functional spaces were created like meeting rooms, lounge, health club, and others, to make a balance between functional groups. The interior design of the extended building was also carried out, characterized by the unity and integration of all its elements in terms of the harmony of materials, colors, and furniture.
Keywords : Businessmen's Hotel; Functional spaces; Hotel extension; Space allotment
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INTEGRATION OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS IN ARCHITECTURAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Authors : Emad Al Dein Hasan Al Fahmawee
Abstract : The importance of this study is to create an ideal indoor landscaping design in atrium buildings, by investigating environmental conditions, both the thermal and daylighting performances in glazed roof atria of Taj Mall in Amman. For these, environmental measurements, as well as site and people need analysis have been conducted. This study is based on the results of a previous research (Al-Fahmawee, 2013), the results provide evidence of strong co-relation between floor height and daylight performance inside atria. Based on the information gathered from the site analysis, and indoor environmental evaluation mentioned in (Al-Fahmawee,2013) , a final applied design were created for the three mall atria, taking into account client like and dislike according to the results of both interviews and questionnaire. This research could be useful for designer to estimate client preferences, to compute accurately the interior available daylight and to determine the ideal atria indoor landscaping design.
Keywords : Atrium building, Indoor landscaping, Environmental analysis, People need analysis, Landscape design.
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Analyzing the impact of floor height and building orientation on atria daylighting levels
Authors : Emad Al Fahmawee
Abstract : This study investigated the impacts of different floor heights and building orientation on atrium daylighting levels. For these, parametric measurements of daylight level in three existing large atria of Taj Mall complex in Amman have been conducted. The three atria have a circular shape of different sizes, heights, and orientation. The results showed that, the higher floors indicate higher lighting levels. Adequate lighting level can be achieved when as getting toward top floor. These results provide evidence of strong relationship between floor height and daylight performance inside atria. On the other hand, it can be observed that the south side has the highest daylighting performance compared to the other sides in the three atria. It is recommended during design processing; that the interior balconies heights should be variable depends to the amount of lighting received inside atrium spaces. Furthermore, sufficient quantity of light is the strongest determinant of success in atrium landscaping. It is important to match plants with locations that satisfy their basic light requirements
Keywords : Daylighting, Atrium Building, Floor Height, Building orientation
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