Curriculum Vitae: Michel Banna, B.S. Arch Eng, M. Urban Design
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Banna, Michel Bandali Date & Place of Birth: 27th Nov 1985, Amman, Jordan. Nationality: Jordanian Tel.: 00-971-52-295-2197 (Abu Dhabi, UAE) E-mail: m.banna@live.com Online Portfolio: http://issuu.com/m.banna/docs/portfolio
Summary Master Planner and Urban Designer with diverse experience ranging from affordable housing, commercial master planning, heritage sites and waterfront developments, to national planning and development strategies. With strong coordination skills between all planning disciplines, design teams and client interface. Well versed in GCC planning and zoning regulations and policies, land use strategies, and master plan requirements. Education 2011
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. Master of Urban Design (May 2011) Pursued as a Fulbright Scholarship Award (2010). GPA 3.646 (Graduated with Distinction)
2007
Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. B. Sc. in Architectural Engineering (June 2007) Graduation Project: Comprehensive Development Plan for 'The Baptism Site of Jordan'. GPA 79.3 (Ranked Third on Class of 2007)
2002
Edexcel International, London, U.K. London Examinations General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A-Level) Two Subjects, Advanced Subsidiary (AS A-Level) Three Subjects
2001
Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel International, London, U.K. International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and (GCE) Ordinary Level (O-Level) Seven Subjects
Scholarships and Awards 2011
1st Prize ULI/Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition, U.S.A. Won the top prize in the 2011 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition for the design of a Seattle neighborhood emphasizing sustainability through neighborhood diversity, affordability, walkability and environmental conservation. Online link: www.uli.org/hines-competition/2011-hines-competition-winner-university-of-michigan/
2010
Fulbright Scholarship Award for a Graduate Master Degree in Urban Design at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, U.S.A. Ranked third among thirteen awarded applicants for the year 2010 in Jordan.
Professional Experience February 2017 to Present – Abu Dhabi, UAE Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities – Abu Dhabi Government: Senior Urban Designer Field of work: Master Planning, Urban Design, Research and Analysis, participation in visionary masterplan proposals for the city and region of Abu Dhabi, preparation of multi-disciplinary detailed design master plans, and authorities’ liaison, review of consultant’s design/bids/development proposals. Key Projects: 2018
Al-Sader/Shelielah/Al-Khatim/Ba-AlGhaiylam National Housing Detailed Master Plans, Abu Dhabi, UAE Role: Lead Urban Designer Multiple Detailed master plan for Emirati National Housing developments throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
2017
Abu Dhabi Corniche Vision Plan & Qasr Al-Hosn (QAH) Rehabilitation District, Abu Dhabi, UAE Role: Lead Urban Designer Concept master plan and vision for QAH District, as a key zone in the holistic A.D. Corniche Vision Plan. QAH is the oldest standing structure in the city of Abu Dhabi, and is considered a pillar of cultural identity and memory of the place for the city. The plan proposes a view corridor rehabilitation along with development opportunities to a few city blocks surrounding QAH block, offering a combination of a
Curriculum Vitae: Michel Banna, B.S. Arch Eng, M. Urban Design
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traditional Souq, mixed use neighborhood with emphasis on public realm and visual and pedestrian connectivity to the Fort (QAH).
2017
Hai Al Humairah Revitalization Master Plan, Al Ain, UAE Role: Lead Urban Designer, Project Team Leader Detailed revitalization master plan for a key city block in downtown Al Ain. The plan proposes an active mixed-use urban neighborhood with a rich mix of residential units, offices, and retail. The urban design focused highly on walkability and provision of attractive open spaces and gathering plazas that will foster urban vitality in the city of Al Ain.
April 2016 to February 2017 – Abu Dhabi, UAE Broadway Malyan: Urban Designer Field of work: Master Planning, Urban Design, Research and Analysis, preparation of CMP/DMP Review documents, multi-disciplinary and authorities’ liaison. Key Projects: 2017
Al Gurm Concept Master Plan, Abu Dhabi, UAE Client: Al Dar, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Role: Lead Urban Designer Concept design exercise for alternative options of development on the existing Al Gurm islands, an extension to the existing Al Gurm Resort. The design dealt with existing conditions of reclaimed islands surrounded by natural preserve mangrove areas, and offered solutions for subdivision into private villa plots while exploring an option of a holistic resort extending over the entire islands group.
2016
Jubail Island Phase 1 Concept Master Plan, Abu Dhabi, UAE Client: Jubail Island Investment Company, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Role: Supporting Team Urban Designer Jubail Island is a group of islands surrounded by Mangrove areas, natural beaches, and occupied by wildlife. The concept master plan targeted a development that allows for the investment of the island’s expansive area while preserving and enhancing its natural assets laying the ground for creating a local and regional natural preserve.
2016-2017
Diyar Al-Muharraq Master Plan, Bahrain Client: Diyar Al-Muharraq (DAM), Bahrain. Role: Lead Planner and Project Manager Complete design of multiple master plans for various assets within the master plan of DAM. DAM is a large scale land reclamation project for a new 1400ha multipurpose district situated to the north of Manama. The project built on a concept masterplan produced by a previous consultant and included the production of a series of detailed masterplans for the priority assets identified by the client. As part of the project a set of development design guidelines and planning controls were produced as well as parcel regulations providing an overarching planning framework for the site.
2016
Dubai wellness District at the Dubai Science Park, Dubai Client: TECOM Group (Part of Dubai Holding), Dubai. Role: Lead Master Planner Concept design of a holistic wellness district covering a site area of 160,000 sqm. The wellness district is intended to accommodate a range of commercial facilities supporting the principles of wellness, designed around three anchor activities. The program included retail outlets, F&B, recreational facilities, and a network of active open spaces.
Oct 2013 to July 2015 – Bahrain Omrania and Associates: Senior Urban Designer and Planner Field of work: Master Planning, Urban Design, Research and Analysis, preparation of Construction Documents, multidisciplinary coordination with Traffic, Civil, MEP, Infrastructure and Utilities, Architecture & Landscape. Key Projects: 2014-2015
Affordable Housing Projects – Various locations, K.S.A. Client: Ministry of Housing, K.S.A. Role: Senior Urban Designer and Planner Complete design of multiple master plans for various sites averaging 2 M. Sqm. area per site, under a grand governmental scheme of affordable housing provision in K.S.A.
2013-2014
Camel Market Village, Riyadh, K.S.A. Client: Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Municipality of Riyadh, K.S.A. Role: Senior Urban Designer and Planner, Landscape Design Team Co-leader Covering an area of 11 M. Sqm. on a site of 47 M. Sqm. the Camel Market is located about 85 Km from the urban core of Riyadh, it offers a pioneer environment for camel trade along with other supportive activities and visitor attractions that emphasize the values of the camel culture in Saudi.
Curriculum Vitae: Michel Banna, B.S. Arch Eng, M. Urban Design
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May 2012 to Oct 2013 - Bahrain W.S. Atkins & Partners Overseas: Urban Designer and Planner Field of work: Master Planning, Urban Design, Research and Analysis, preparation of Construction Documents and Detailing, multi-disciplinary coordination with Traffic and Civil engineers, Infrastructure and Utilities, and Architecture. Key Projects: 2013
Durrat Marina, Bahrain Client: Haj Consultants Role: Lead Master Planner Providing multiple master plan approaches for Durrat Marina site, supplemented by detailed study of parcel and block sizing with a condition of providing water-way access to every residential unit.
2012-2013
Miqat Masterplan, Madinah, K.S.A. Client: Madinah Development Authority, Madinah, K.S.A Role: Urban Designer and Planner Master planning a religious site visited by more than 10,000 pilgrims at its peak day of the year, to facilitate a multi-modal transport hub that eases access to the site through various options of local and regional transport modes including Shuttle Busses, BRT, Light Rail, and High Speed Train; and designing the physical built environment of an open space network formed by public and religious facilities and tourist attraction buildings with the mosque as its core element.
2013
Implementation of the National Planning & Development Strategies of Bahrain (NPDS), Bahrain Client: Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Bahrain Role: Lead Urban Designer Providing a ready-to-be implemented plan for the NPDS study, which was completed in 2007 for the Kingdom of Bahrain, and setting ‘Urban Planning & Design Approaches’ as part of the Development Control Plans (DCP) for two different residential districts in Bahrain.
2012-2013
Salmabad Housing Project, Bahrain Client: Ministry of Housing, Bahrain Role: Lead Urban Designer Urban and landscape design of the public realm within an under-construction affordable housing, and dealing with various aspects of place-making, community facilities provision, and public vandalism issues.
2013
East Hidd Housing Project, Bahrain Client: Ministry of Housing, Bahrain Role: Lead Urban Designer Masterplan development of a conceptually designed plan for an affordable housing project that offers more than 4,500 dwelling units along with a range of community facilities.
June 2011 to May 2012 - Jordan Turath - Architecture and Urban Design Consultants: Free Lance Urban Designer Key Projects: 2011
Research and Study of the Baptism Site of Jordan, The Jordan River, Jordan. Client: The Baptism Site Royal Commission Researching and studying the current conditions of the Baptism Site of Jordan as part of a plan to apply the site for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
July 2007 to May 2010 - Jordan Turath - Architecture and Urban Design Consultants: Architect Field of work: Architectural Design, Urban Design, Interior Design, Research, Documentation of Historical Buildings, Adaptive Re-use and Rehabilitation Projects, 3Ds Max Modeling and Rendering, preparation of Construction Documents, multi-disciplinary coordination with Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, and Traffic Engineers. Key Projects: 2010
Abu-Alanda Affordable Housing Competition, Amman, Jordan. Agent: The Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE) and the Jordan Engineers Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Housing and Urban Development Corporation. Design of a Model Water- and Energy-Efficient Low-Income apartment buildings complex.
2009 – 2010
Urban Development Analysis for the Amman Heritage Conservation Studies, Jordan. Client: French Development Agency & Greater Amman Municipality. Studying the urban development and analyzing the architectural heritage of the city, and preparing a Register for Historic Places in the city, and legal and legislative framework for heritage protection.
2008 – 2009
Zahran Heritage Corridor Urban Conservation & Development, Amman, Jordan. Client: Greater Amman Municipality. An urban design and urban regeneration vision that works as a vehicle for future development of a very significant road corridor in Amman. The project aimed to first reinterpret existing urban character and
Curriculum Vitae: Michel Banna, M. Urban Design, B.Sc. Arch
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conditions to arrive at public realm improvements in terms of quality of urban life; thus enhancing the existing urban spaces and proposing new solutions for a public realm design.
2008
Competition Design of "House of Arts and Culture", Beirut, Lebanon. Sponsor: The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lebanon.
2008
Adaptive Reuse of the Old Electrical Company Hanger, Amman, Jordan. Client: Jabal Amman Residents Association (JARA). Adaptive reuse of an old industrial heritage landmark into a multi-use tourism facility. The project included documentation, analysis, design, and preparation of construction documents.
2007-2008
Faisal Street Urban Regeneration & Revitalization Project, Amman, Jordan. Client: Greater Amman Municipality. Urban regeneration and economic revitalization of Faisal Street at the heart of the city’s downtown. Designing the public urban space, urban furniture, lighting scheme, traffic scenario, signage scheme, amendments to the building facades, setting guidelines for storefront and commercial signage, and designation of heritage buildings/landmarks.
2007-2008
Remodeling and Rehabilitation of Rainbow Cinema House, Amman, Jordan. Client: Mohammad Yousef Al-Taher, owner of Rainbow Cinema. Researching & documenting an old cinema house and its history, followed by a comprehensive design for its rehabilitation and adaptation into a landmark cinema house. The Project included documentation, architectural and interior design, and research a n d graphic design of an exhibition space in the facility.
Other Work and Consultancies 2008
Al-Qanater Historic Site Development Project, Al-Fuheis City, Jordan. Client: Arch. Madian Al-Jazera as a consultant for Jedar Firm. Site documentation, site analysis and proposal of primary zoning followed by conceptual design.
2007
Urban Planning of Residential Compounds, Angola. Client: Arch. Ahmad Zoubi, as a consultant for Consolidated Consultants (C.C.), Amman, Jordan. Master planning and preparation of renderings for different building typologies for two residential compounds labeled Nova Vida and Ex-Petro.
Publications 2008
Photography Publication / Jordan Property Magazine (Dec 2007/Jan 2008) Title of Article: "Cover Story: Celebrating the City", Pp. 39(up middle), 46 (bottom left and middle), Cover Page (Up Right).
2007
Article Publication (Article and Photography) / Interruptions: Power Issue (October 2007, Issue 01). Section: Edge Talk, Title of article: Urban Spaces endorsing un-spoken Behaviors and Taboo Activities in the City, Pp. 18-21
Attended Conferences and Workshops 2008
UIA World Congress Of Architecture, “Transmitting Architecture”, Torino, Italy (29th June – 3rd July) Organizing an Architectural trip to Italy to participate as a non-formal group of Jordanian architects, with participants ranging from practicing architects t o academics and architecture students. The event is an international congress held by the UIA (Union Internationelle de Architecture).
2007
Workshop on Public Space, Amman (12th – 13th Nov, 2007) Organized by CSBE (Center for the Study of Built Environment) and GOTHE – Institute Jordanien.
Professional Skills Excellent skills in AutoCAD, Adobe-suite, Microsoft Office. Intermediate skills in Sketchup, and GIS.
Other Information Languages
Mother Language: Secondary Language: Other Languages:
Arabic English French
Excellent Excellent Fair
Interests and Activities Performance flow arts, electronic music production, candle molding and crafting / Co-founder of 'Light, Hand-made Candles' (2004 to 2010 Amman, Jordan - a personal endeavor workshop for crafting and manufacturing hand-made candles and wax arts).
Referees provided upon request