Winning team: URBAN PURIFIERS 

Team members: Sama Abdelghany, Merna Amin, Clara Ishak, Sara Osman, Jolie Olwy, Mariam Ezzat, Donia Mostafa, Merna Gamal, Catrin Ishak | Helwan University

The URBAN PURIFIERS team developed a proposal for Amman to address real urban challenges through their skills as emerging architects and urban designers. Their project develops a dynamic eco-pedestrian network that reshapes urban mobility while integrating green infrastructure such as bioswales, rain gardens, wetlands, and urban forests. These interventions aim to reduce heat, improve air quality, manage stormwater, and create healthier public spaces.

Through community engagement and surveys, the team ensured their design responds to local needs while balancing cultural heritage with innovation. Their comprehensive approach demonstrates how thoughtful urban design can make Amman more walkable, inclusive, and resilient, highlighting the impact that youth-led, socially-responsive solutions can have in shaping sustainable, thriving cities.

"We wanted to create solutions that improve people's lives"

Congratulations to all teams that participated! Check out the documentation tab to view the winning team's proposal. 

Special mention, Second Place | Future Builders, University of Petra

Team members: Haneen Hamdonah, Zeina Al Maaytah, Dana Salo, Rawan Alahmad

Special mention, Second Place | Atelier 19, Sapienza University of Rome

Team members: Vyara Mihaylova, Aleksandra Filipova

Special mention, Second Place | University, Sapienza University of Rome

Team members: Muna Naccache, Sergej Poposki, Sun Yi

Special mention, Third Place | Visionary Grid Team, Jordan University of Science and Technology

Team members: Shahed Aljarrah, Maha Beiruti, Mays Qudah, Yazan Jarrar, Ahmad Abdulghani

Special mention, Third Place | Sustainable Vision, Applied Science Private University

Team members: Noorsan Abujafar, Sadeen Alquran, Ammar Manasra

Special mention, Third Place | Urbanists, Jordan University of Science and Technology

Team members: Sara Alzamili, Sadeen Al Madi, Jood Omar, Hamzah Alomari

Special mention, Third Place | NextGen Amman Pioneers, Applied Science Private University

Team members: AlaEddin Alkiswani, Doaa Salameh, Mohannad Ali, Dana Dababseh, Sadan Alsamamreh, Bisher Al-Barqawi

Special mention, Third Place | HARU, University of Petra

Leen Qasem, Yaqeen Qatamin, Massa Ashmar, Eman Obeid, Zain Ibrahim

Presentation of the site

Located in the south of the city, Amman Southern Gate is part of the new urban planning strategy currently developed by the Greater Amman Municipality and the Jameel C40 Urban Planning Climate Lab. The site is strategically located at the intersection of two major roads, Madaba Street and Airport Street, just north of the Madaba Bridge intersection, with the majority of land parcels within the site currently uninhabited and undeveloped. 

The Jameel C40 Students Reinventing Cities Challenge is seeking innovative ideas to inform the development of a new masterplan for Amman’s Southern Gate, transforming this area into a vibrant, green neighbourhood that prioritises a high-quality of life for all by creating a sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable urban space. As part of the 10-page project proposal, students will develop a comprehensive plan for the designated area that includes visuals such as maps, diagrams, and sketches.  Each element of the plan must be clearly explained and justified, ensuring alignment with climate-responsive urban planning, innovation, and feasibility. 

The challenge is open to youth both locally and globally, with proposals required to be submitted in English. An Awards Ceremony, open to the press and hosted under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency, the Mayor of Amman, will announce the winner. The deadline for teams to register to enter the challenge is Tuesday 1 April 2025.

Approx. Site Area: 

The study area is 1994.50 Dunam/ 200 hectares.

Key Information:

Amman Southern Gate is located in the Khreibet Al-Souq, Jawa, and Al-Yadouda districts, which have a total population of 224,571 residents, according to the 2023 census. 

Priority Areas & Main Expectations:

• Create a clear and compelling vision for the neighbourhood that reflects sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. The vision should promote environmental, social, and economic well-being.

• Promote a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to stimulate local businesses, create jobs, and improve the local economy.

• Create an efficient transportation network that prioritises walkability and reduces car dependency. E.g. wide sidewalks, pedestrian plazas,  safe crossings, eco-friendly public transport and dedicated cycling lanes. 

• Build a sustainable energy ecosystem by incorporating green building practices, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly landscaping.

• Design accessible public spaces that foster community engagement, shared ownership and responsibility.

• Prioritise green spaces that are connected by tree-lined walkways, bicycle paths, and eco-friendly streetscapes. 

• Integrate climate adaptation strategies to make the neighbourhood more resilient to extreme weather events and other climate-related challenges.

• Incorporate sustainable drainage systems (SUDS), such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements, and implement Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to mitigate flood risks and improve water management.

• Develop a participatory planning approach to ensure that the design incorporates the community’s needs. 

I’m interested! What next?

• Review the Site Form and access the Dataroom to learn more about the site.

• Form your team. Looking for teammates? Fill out the Team-Up Form to connect with fellow participants.

• Register your team by Tuesday 1 April 2025. Click the ‘Register your team' button on the top-right-hand corner of this page, and fill out the Team Form, which can be downloaded from the Application Guidelines page.