Amman Southern Gate, Amman
Madaba Bridge Intersection
In collaboration with the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), the Jameel C40
Urban Planning Climate Labs are launching the 2025 Jameel C40 Students
Reinventing Cities Challenge.
In collaboration with GAM, the Jameel C40 major roads, Madaba Street and Airport Street,
Students Reinventing Cities Challenge is just north of the Madaba Bridge intersection.
seeking innovative ideas to inform the The majority of the land parcels within the site
development of a new masterplan for Amman’s are currently uninhabited and undeveloped.
Southern Gate, transforming this area into a
vibrant, green neighbourhood that prioritises a As part of the 10-page project proposal,
high-quality of life for all by creating a students will develop a comprehensive plan for
sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable the designated area that includes visuals such
urban space. as maps, diagrams, and sketches. Each element
of the plan must be clearly explained and
Located in the south of the city, Amman justified, ensuring alignment with
Southern Gate is part of the new urban climate-responsive urban planning, innovation,
planning strategy currently developed by the and feasibility. The best projects will be
Greater Amman Municipality and the Jameel celebrated in a dedicated closing celebration,
C40 Urban Planning Climate Lab. The site is under the esteemed patronage of His
strategically located at the intersection of two Excellency, the Mayor of Amman.
Figure 1) Site Aerial Photography | Greater Amman Municipality
Approx. Site area: inclusive neighbourhood that addresses key
The study area is 1994.50 Dunam/ 200 challenges while preserving its identity.
hectares.
The design should promote environmental,
Key Information: social, and economic sustainability, ensuring
Amman Southern Gate is located in the accessibility for all, with diverse housing
Khreibet Al-Souq, Jawa, and Al-Yadouda typology, public spaces, and amenities. It
districts, which have a total population of should also address climate change, urban
224,571 residents, according to the 2023 sprawl, and transportation inefficiencies,
census. ensuring resilience to environmental and
social pressures.
Priority areas & main expectations:
This competition's primary objective is to
transform the site into a sustainable,
Presentation of the Site & Development Expectations
In collaboration with the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), the Jameel C40 Urban
Planning Climate Lab will transpose the objectives and actions identified in the Amman
Climate Action Plan into the city’s urban planning policies and legislation. To
demonstrate how urban spaces can become sustainable, liveable and low-carbon
neighbourhoods, the Greater Amman Municipality has selected Amman Southern Gate
as a pilot for transformation. The Lab will support the development of a detailed master
plan for the Southern Gate. The Students Reinventing Cities competition, therefore,
presents an exciting opportunity for students to inform the development of the Amman
Southern Gate masterplan, which will be developed as part of the Lab programme.
Amman Southern Gate is located in the Khreibet Al-Souq, Jawa, and Al-Yadouda districts,
which have a total population of 224,571 residents, according to the 2023 census.
Amman Southern Gate was strategically selected to serve as a gateway to the city,
particularly for those arriving from the Queen Alia International Airport. The site is vital in
Amman’s urban planning framework, as it is positioned at the intersection of two major
arterial roads: Airport Road and Madaba Road. These roads are vital transportation
corridors that connect the site to key areas within the city and the surrounding region.
Furthermore, the Amman Southern Gate has been designated as a Metropolitan Growth
Centre, underscoring its potential to become a hub for economic, social, and
infrastructural development in the southern part of the city. By selecting this location,
the project aims to leverage its strategic position to facilitate sustainable urban
expansion, improve connectivity, and enhance Amman’s role as a vibrant and accessible
metropolitan hub.
The site consists of unzoned land with significant development potential. About 90% of
site lands are open and unzoned, and the remaining 10% are storage houses and
commercial buildings. Notably, one of the main landmarks within the site is the Jordan
Zoo. Originally part of the broader Airport Road corridor initiative, a phase of the project
was postponed. This delay provided an opportunity for a fresh perspective on the site's
potential, enabling the creation of a landmark project that aligns with Amman’s strategic
vision for growth and modernisation.
The project invites students to envision practical solutions for site development, focusing
on investment opportunities and optimal land use, while the city’s comprehensive plan
primarily addresses already-developed areas. The aim of this challenge is to design an
ideal, integrated neighbourhood that addresses key urban growth challenges, including
population density, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and
climate resilience. GAM seeks innovative ideas to transform this area into a vibrant, green
neighbourhood that prioritises a high quality of life for all by creating a sustainable,
inclusive, and economically viable urban space.
As part of the 10-page project presentation, students will develop a comprehensive
master plan for the designated area that includes visuals such as maps, diagrams, and
sketches. Each element of the plan must be clearly explained and justified, ensuring
alignment with climate-responsive urban planning, innovation, and feasibility. The
master plan must clearly define land use, incorporating residential, commercial,
recreational, and open spaces, while emphasising sustainability measures such as green
infrastructure, energy efficiency, water management, and sustainable transportation
solutions. Projects should align with the following objectives:
● Create a clear and compelling vision for the neighbourhood that reflects
sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. The vision should promote environmental,
social, and economic well-being.
● Promote a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to
stimulate local businesses, create jobs, and improve the local economy.
● Create an efficient transportation network that prioritises walkability and reduces
car dependency. E.g. wide sidewalks, pedestrian plazas, safe crossings,
eco-friendly public transport and dedicated cycling lanes.
● Build a sustainable energy ecosystem by incorporating green building practices,
renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly landscaping.
● Design accessible public spaces that foster community engagement, shared
ownership and responsibility.
● Prioritise green spaces that are connected by tree-lined walkways, bicycle paths,
and eco-friendly streetscapes.
● Integrate climate adaptation strategies to make the neighbourhood more
resilient to extreme weather events and other climate-related challenges.
- Incorporate sustainable drainage systems (SUDS), such as rain gardens,
bioswales, and permeable pavements, and implement Nature-Based
Solutions (NbS) to mitigate flood risks and improve water management.
- Urban heat-island mitigation strategies, e.g. green roofs, reflective
surfaces, and shaded areas in public spaces.
- Water-efficient technologies and rainwater harvesting.
- Sustainable waste management to combat soil pollution.
● Develop a participatory planning approach to ensure that the design incorporates
the community’s needs.
Figure 2) Land Use Map | Greater Amman Municipality
City Climate Priorities & Specific Environmental Challenges
In its comprehensive Climate Action Plan, Greater Amman Municipality has prioritised
environmental sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. This
commitment emphasises the importance of environmentally responsible urban
planning, focusing on reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy efficiency,
enhancing urban mobility, creating green spaces, and fortifying the city's adaptive
capacity.
GAM has consistently prioritised strategic and comprehensive urban planning to shape
the city's future and promote sustainable development. Since 2008, Amman has
implemented a comprehensive master plan that emphasises transit-oriented
development, development corridors, and a high-density mixed-use model to foster
sustainable urban growth and ensure the city's long-term resilience. The plan integrates
smart growth principles to create "Complete Communities," offering essential urban
amenities such as parks, schools, clinics, and cultural centres while ensuring accessibility
to jobs, shopping, and recreational opportunities. It also promotes compact urban
growth to optimise existing services, increase transit use, enhance walkability, and
support affordability. Furthermore, the plan highlights mixed-use development to
balance residential and employment areas, fostering economic diversity and reducing
commuting times.
Specific Planning Rules & Regulations
Students must adhere to the following planning rules, regulations, and constraints while
developing their project for the site redevelopment:
● Ensure that the proposed master plan aligns with the city's zoning and building
regulations, such as land use, building heights, and green building codes.
● Evaluate and mitigate potential environmental impacts to ensure sustainability
and compliance with environmental regulations, considering Amman’s Climate
Action Plan.
● Ensure the master plan is flexible enough to accommodate future population
growth, technological advancements, and evolving community needs.
Language Requirements
Proposals must be submitted in English.
Jameel C40 Students Reinventing Cities Awards
Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency, the Mayor of Amman, a vibrant closing
celebration will unveil the victors of the top three positions in the Jameel C40 Students
Reinventing Cities challenge in Amman. Media outlets will be present to capture the
essence of this momentous event. Relive the electrifying atmosphere of the previous
competition's closing ceremonies.
