An Urban Planning Problem in Amman

A few weeks ago I was writing a paper for my Urban and Environmental Economics class about planning in Amman and the sustainable economy. The research I've done opened my eyes to all the different problems of planning in the city... Urban Planning in Amman isn't that big, and it was not up until recently that it was included in the Jordanian Agenda. However, it is improving but it faces many many challenges that need to be overcome. One very major issue is the contrast between East Amman and West Amman; two areas of total different living standards and appearances. East Amman is the poorer area with crowded dwellings and very basic housing and lifestyle. West Amman, on the other hand, is characterised by elaborate villas and boulevards. Come to think of it, Amman seems more like two different cities! This is where the lack of Urban Planning is apparent. But with new initiatives and plans such as the Amman Plan and the Amman Institute organisation, planning is becoming more and more important with new plans that seem very promising and should be a solution to all these issues facing the city.

Personally, I like the originality and the culture behind East Amman. I really enjoy walks around these areas, and I love the old architecture; it adds authenticity to the buildings. I also appreciate how many businesses are now investing in the area by RENOVATING rather than DESTROYING buildings and finding new exciting purposes for them such as turning them into art galleries or restaurants and cafes. When it comes to West Amman, however, I like the clean streets and organised neighbourhoods. Each area has its cons and pros. That is why a big challenge to the planning system in Amman will be combining both areas into one united city with common standards of living throughout while also preserving the culture and heritage. Of course this is a rather difficult aim that the Urban Planning system tries to achieve and a perfect city is never guaranteed. However, having a plan and working upon it does considerably decrease the issue at hand and helps form a more coherent city.


Here are some pictures for you to judge and see the difference yourselves:

East Amman

West Amman

Did you notice the difference? Doesn't it seem like two different cities? What do you think?

Let's see what all these new plans have in store for Amman and how the city will progress and handle the immense urban growth it's been experiencing in the past decade. For details on all the plans and planning in Amman check out the Amman Institute's website here.


P.S: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope 2011 is a great year for everyone :) enjoy your nights and make sure to add 'becoming green/greener' to your New Year's resolutions. xx


Love,

Anoud

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Love,

Green Eve

Green Eve Appreciates

Feynan Ecolodge 

I am so so so proud of Jordan for this! My cousin Basma recently told me about this and sent me the website and I was very shocked for not hearing about it before... I'm talking about the Feynan Ecolodge.

Located in the heart of Dana Biosphere Reserve, resting in Wadi Feynan, is the Feynan Ecolodge. With beautiful yet simple 26-rooms and a candle-lit complex with courtyards and terraces, the solar powered Feynan Ecolodge offers a socially and environmentally conscious atmosphere. Rather than 'beautifying' the desert with artificial infrastructure, this unique Ecolodge promotes the beauty in the simplicity of nature and serenity of the desert through its untouched outdoor views. You can guarantee that only here will you get the best eco-experience you can in Jordan with adventures that include exploring the local archaeological sites, sitting down for tea with native Bedouins, hiking through the mountains and beautiful outdoors, canyoning and biking, and even unwinding under the starlit night.

The Feynan Ecolodge is made possible through the unique partnership between EcoHotels and The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (a Jordanian NGO devoted to the protection of the Kingdom's natural landscape), and it has been widely recognised for its eco-friendly efforts. It has been hailed as one of the top fifty ecolodges in the world by the National Geographic Adventure Magazine and has also been chosen for the Guardian's 2010 Green Travel List. Well deserved!!

Check out how the lodge maintains minimal damage to the environment:

• solar power: Feynan exclusively generates its own electicity through
  solar/photovoltaic (PV) panels and is not connected to the electricity grid. In order to
  efficiently utilize stored energy, only essential electrical appliances are used, and
  those employed are certified to use very low amounts of energy. The kitchen,
  washrooms and office are the only areas electrically lighted with CFL 8 watt bulbs.
  Appliances such as the refrigerators in the kitchen are Energy Star (US rating) or
  A/A+ (EU rating) certified. Laundry is air dried, reducing the need for energy
  consuming driers. Batteries store 54kWh, enabling the lodge to store 3 days worth of
  electricity to account for cloudy days.

• solar heating: To hear water, an extensive solar heating system is in place that
  provides all necessary hot water for the kitchen, guests, and washing machines (the
  washing machines do not heat water electrically).

• limited water consumption: The lodge is kept hydrated by local spring water
  from one of the nearby Wadi Dana springs. Kitchen water use is strictly controlled
  while aerators limit water flow from room faucets and showers.

• heating: Due to warm climate at Feynan, heating is only required for a short part of
  the year. For 60-90 evenings each winter, waste from olive pressing known as jift in
  Arabic or olive pit charcoal is burned in the two fireplaces at the lodge to provide
  heat. This preserves Jordan's trees and utilizes a renewable source of energy that is a
  natural by-product of Jordan's annual olive harvest.

• composting: To minimise waste and utilise resources, the lodge has composting
  facilities where all food excess and waste is transformed into fertilizer.

• recycling waste: Although only minimal amounts of paper and plastic are used on
  site, most waste is recycled and recycling bins are placed in convenient locations
  around the lodge for guests to take part in this important initiative.

• reusable material: Locally produced clay jars for water are placed in guest rooms to
  avoid disposable plastic water bottles. Feynan Ecolodge is currently in the steps of
  introducing reusable water bottles for hikes in an effort to further eliminate disposable
  water bottles.

 

A Nubian Ibex, one of the endangered species that guests can spot in the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Definitely a place I will be visting very soon! Feynan Ecolodge is perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway or an exciting touristic journey around Jordan especially that it's en-route to Petra! I love that you can relax and enjoy yourself without feeling the least bit guilty. Go ahead and treat yourself to an environmentally responsible & unique experience :)

For more info and details check out their Facebook page here and their website here.

xoxo,

Anoud


Sources and images from feynan.com

Yet Another Eco-Bag!

Yes, another eco-bag post! Haha what can I do, so many ones to share with you all! This one is my cousin's bag and she never leaves the house without it. It's always in her handbag and what helps is that it can be easily packed into a small little square and can be used anytime for anything :) she got it from h&m...

 

Special thanks to Rama Abu-Hammour for modelling ;)

xoxo,

Anoud

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