The Tel Al-Rumman region is a wealthy environment known for its indigenous and rare mega flora, the project’s prospect is to complement and preserve this wealth. The master plan is organised in respect to the topographical slope of the region, the major roadway is limited to service vehicles, and the pedestrian walkways represent the main circulation network of the region by following the contour lines of the topography. The access to the royal botanical garden is positioned at the south-eastern entrance to the region , that’s where it is planned to build the visitors complex ,the research complex is positioned  half a kilometre  to the north-west from the visitor’s complex, the recreational complex is positioned  on the second highest point in the region to the north-west of the site. The gardens and parks are positioned along the same axes following the contour lines of the topography. The planning in general reflects an exhibited pathway throughout the region with different experiences and functions.  The planning also contains an ecological approach to provide sustainable energy from the natural resources of the region , wind turbines on the north-western side of the region , photovoltaic panels on the  southern  side of the  region and the hydroelectric power generating dam that ‘s positioned on the artificial lake on the steepest valley in the region. The site also has an integrated aerial tram network that services all the major points of the region and connects the region with the Dibbin region.

Shift is defined as a change in position that effects different aspects of the project , not only effecting the architectural composition but also triggering the sociological image of the project  like perception,  it must transform the traditional perception into a new refined image , for example in Jordan  the sociological perception  towards the indigenous  mega flora  is either aesthetic or horticultural, the shift in that perception will increase the awareness towards the Jordanian indigenous mega flora. In other aspects like architectural form the shift could be directed by certain powers like the natural composition of the site, the function and the ideology. This kind of systematic growth through different aspects of the project will reflect itself either theoretically or composition wise from planning to the details.

Visitor’s complex

The main composition revolves around the topographical flow of the natural lines at the site; it transforms its mass with ascending elevation as if it was growing from the earth to become a more architectural mass , this transition is controlled by the main datum wall of the composition which in fact is a bridge in the middle of the building.   When the composition becomes functional  it starts triggering the human senses like sight with its charismatic facade by playing with the human perception of the growing lines , the building also provides a wide range of visual recreational facilities like art and light galleries and a  theater , the acoustics like the- passive- which are  represented by the natural reflection of the sound from its surfaces  and –active- which interact through the landscape like the murmur of the water features , smell which are represented by the essence  of the plant presence in the environment and the scent chambers in the scent factory which is one of the recreational sides of the project.

The concept of the project is the hyper-ever-natural shift  ,in which the shift indicates to the change of direction on an eternal nature which keeps adding to itself through time, this change in direction is not only composition but can affect many aspects of the project the main one is the social aspect  in which we would like to shift the ideology of Jordanians  , which meantime recognizes the local mega flora  for its  horticultural and aesthetic  benefits . We want to change  this and raise the awareness about the local mega  flora  and its importance in the national heritage.

Team: Mohammad Musleh, Shamil Daghestani, Suleiman Alhadidi
Year: 2007