Field Visit for Architecture Students at Amman Arab University (AAU) to Enhance Sustainable Design Concepts in Salt
In fulfillment of the Faculty of Engineering's vision and mission at Amman Arab University, under the directives of Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Widyan, University President, and with the follow-up of Dr. Anwar Al-Assaf, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, students from the Department of Architectural Engineering conducted an academic field visit to the proposed site for a multi-use building project in the city of Salt. This visit was part of the Architectural Design (3) course.
The visit aimed to bridge academic knowledge with practical application and enhance students' capabilities in analyzing urban sites and discovering their environmental, social, and economic potential. This contributes to instilling the concepts of sustainable design. During the visit, the students studied and analyzed the environmental characteristics of the site and explored ways to leverage them to improve the user experience and support local communities, in addition to promoting energy efficiency, which positively impacts local development in Salt. The students also discussed the key strengths and weaknesses of the site to ensure a comprehensive understanding of its design potential. They focused on the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting the vegetation and wildlife in the area by observing and analyzing the components of the natural environment, including plants, insects, and birds.
The visit also included a field study of water harvesting systems developed by local farmers for plant irrigation, serving as a practical model reflecting the spirit of innovation and sustainability within the local community in addressing water scarcity challenges and achieving sustainable development goals. The students also conducted direct interviews with several members of the local community, including farmers, merchants, municipal workers, and passersby, to understand their opinions and needs related to the proposed community and cultural center project. This aligns with the Faculty's efforts to solidify the relationship between architecture, people, and place.
This visit is part of a series of activities organized by the Department of Architectural Engineering at Amman Arab University to qualify and empower students to analyze architectural projects practically and enhance their ability to provide innovative design solutions based on a realistic understanding of user needs and functional standards.
