HEALING AN URBAN BLOCK

Adaptation And Resilience To Climate Change

Study Area

The pleasant summer weather of Irbid city—characterized by cool breezes—and the moderate winters, have made it a favored destination for both local and international tourists in Jordan. Unfortunately, many of the city’s places are not made to serve the tightly-knit community and its visitors with livable spaces for their daily use. Although the city center is very active and live, it is suffering deterioration and abandonment at its periphery leaving some frail businesses and crafts. Additionally, it is suffering from the lack of urban green spaces (UGS), the lack of outdoor living spaces, and entertainment (Figure 1). With climate change, all impacts are exacerbated with a greater need for mitigation measures.

With the increased global focus on combatting climate change, this project aims to meet some of the challenging measures of climate change. Although there is no singular solution to the multitude of issues caused by climate challenges, many measures can work together to reduce the impacts. The design of this proposal responds to many climate concerns (Figures 1 & 2). It proposes utilizing eco-friendly materials for the external building and pavement surfaces, improvising various types of shading elements, implementing water harvesting, minimizing heat absorption using various mitigation measures, reducing bare and abandoned urban spaces, and using spaces with reservation to increase green areas and decrease built up areas.

Site characteristics.

The unpleasant conditions are viewed as illnesses that must bew treated; hence, the healing design process was carried out to renew the blocks close to Ali-Khulki Sharairy Roundabout (Sal Circle) towards the east of Irbid city center. Our design team discovered the following concerns when diagnosing the ailments: For starters, the location is being used as a parking lot for shoppers rather than attracting people to the site itself; the roundabout is a large, unshaded area that lacks greenery and adequate shading elements; and, despite being designated as an Urban Green Space (UGS), the circle is not being used as a recreational area for children or as a green space. Furthermore, the area’s infill spaces are not being used to their full potential as recreational or green spaces. Finally, while crafts are still there, they are not as prominent as they once were and are no longer closely linked with the location.

Following an examination of the site and discussions with locals of all ages, we concluded that the site is a diseased neighborhood that lacks green spaces and a sense of place. We felt the need to design a Healing Urban Block that focuses on both the body and the mind, from macro to micro healing. We propose that closing the roundabout against drivers and turning it to a pedestrian block will promote a sense of community and a more sustainable environment.

Sustainable techniques are utilized throughout the project, such as the use of native plants and materials, ground rainwater harvesting, shading with water harvesting structures and trees, establishing roof gardens in new buildings, and employing energyefficient lighting (Figure 2). Other mitigations include the use of heatresistant construction materials, green roofs, greenways, and building louvers for shading and air movement. This not only decreases the environmental impact but also improves the space’s overall appearance and functionality. The fundamental driver of change in this project is the increased importance of the upholstery and other crafts that were previously performed on this site. It is the theme we are using to restore this place’s character while also improving and strengthening its impact on the neighborhood by providing jobs (Figure 2). This would encourage those many families who still reside there to stay and preserve their ancestral crafts.

Concept

The notion is based on the question, “How can we heal this neighborhood?”

To accomplish this, we are developing a self-sufficient project that will allow people to participate in a variety of activities without being disrupted by traffic. Our goal is to build a resilient community using two methods: physical and psychological. Physically, we are concerned with preserving the community’s uniqueness. Psychologically, we want to provide people with one-of-a-kind experiences through various leisure activities to help them heal their neighborhood (Figure 3).

Our responses to the effects of climate change are centered on environmental healing and human well-being. To achieve these goals, we created two crucial elements: the craft “Spine” and the “Plaza” (Figures 3-14).

The goal is to preserve the area’s current character while also altering the existing infill areas to improve the overall context and well-being of the residents. This will be accomplished through constructing new buildings as well as revitalizing some existing structures. This renewal will improve the working environment and develop people’s bonds with their trades. It will preserve, strengthen, and expand work opportunities. Furthermore, the project will consider the effects of climate change, such as minimizing sun exposure and extending space use throughout the day and year. To that end, the initiative will expand green cover (the heavy green cover is not shown in the figures to better clarify the design) and employ materials that are resistant to the effects of climate change and collect rainwater runoff (Figures 4-14).

The “Spine” is a street that combines craft workshops and galleries, providing tourists with a one-of-a-kind and immersive experience (Figures 4 & 6). The site’s identity is created through the utilization of local materials and traditional design. The “Spine” takes guests on an exciting journey of learning, working, crafting, and establishing connections with others.

The Plaza

The “Plaza” is a multi-functional, mixed-use space that acts as the project’s heart, contributing to the site’s energy and future (Figures 5 & 1014). The plaza—which is accessible from all sides and has many bus stations—encourages active mobility by providing pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout. The area includes a viewing ramp, an outdoor exhibition space for paintings and sculptures, playgrounds, a sports court, a secret garden, a sub-plaza, and an indoor exhibition space. The plaza is made more active by proposing an art school on one of its ends. The use of ramps in the plaza and the art school facilitates accessibility for all people and strengthens visitors’ healing journey. Plaza facilities include a big dancing fountain and climbing walls as well. To accommodate more cars, an underground parking facility has been built beneath the Plaza. This was done with the intention of meeting the needs of users while also freeing up space for pedestrians and bicyclists to move around more freely. The plaza’s mission is to soothe, calm, and heal the souls and bodies of its users.