High-rise Design

A course for fourth-and-fifth-year-level students.

Major Project: Complex Buildings
High-rise Architectural Design at Abdali, Amman, Jordan
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

This course explores the design, engineering, and urban impact of high-rise architecture. Students examine the historical development of tall buildings, structural systems, materials, sustainability strategies, and the social and environmental challenges of building vertically. Through case studies and design analysis, then implement their own projects within a local context suitable for high-rise development, the course highlights how high-rise architecture shapes skylines, cities, and contemporary life.

A REAL-WORLD SCENARIO

A major real-estate development company has won a tender proposed by the New Al-Abdali to erect a high-rise building within phases 1 or 2 of the Al-Abdali project. The architecture team at the company represented by the student is tasked with designing a high-rise building that responds to the complexities of vertical living and urban density in the 21st century. The project challenges the architect to think beyond the tower as a standalone object and instead approach it as a dynamic part of the city, socially, environmentally, and architecturally.

The design should propose a Residential / Hospitality / Mixed Used / Commercial (30-45-60 stories) that responds to the proposed masterplan and includes a series of unique programs. The student is expected to explore form, structure, circulation, and environmental performance while considering the building's impact at both street level and skyline. Throughout the duration of the project, the student is also expected to engage in research, conceptual and technical development, resulting in a comprehensive design proposal that reflects innovation, contextual awareness, and integrated thinking.

Click Here for the Full Course Brief

The Abdali Regeneration Project Master Plan (Phases 1+2)

Throughout this process, students have received constructive feedback on various aspects of their design development, including drawings, floor plan distribution, vertical and horizontal circulation, core design, overall form and structure, architectural language, morphology, fenestration strategies, and sustainability considerations. They have also worked on refining their skills in model-making, overall production, and presentation techniques, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience in the realm of skyscraper design.

THE CLUSTER: An Office Building - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plots 911+912)

Student: Majduleen Daas
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Majduleen's project

SAMA AL ABDALI: Mixed Use Twin Towers- Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plots 901A+B+C)

Students: Mohammad Al-Jaafreh + Wadea Twal
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Mohammad and Wadea's project

THE STACK: Arab Bank HQ - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plots 908+907)

Student: Leen Abu Elnadi
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Leen's project

FERRARI TOWER: Ultra Luxury Residences - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plot 910)

Student: Nour Najim
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Nour's project

NOVARÉ: Five Star Luxury Hotel - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plot 9A)

Student: Hussein Khader
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Hussein's project

THE ADDRESS: Five Star Luxury Hotel - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plots 912+913+914)

Student: Madinah Al-Yasiri
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Madinah's project

CAPITAL TOWER: Amman WTC - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 1 / Plot 1A)

Student: Hind Al-Amawi
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Hind's project

THE GARDEN TOWER: Mixed Use - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 1 / Plot 1B)

Student: Ala Al-Mahameed
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Ala's project

THE ASCENT: Mixed Use - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 1 / Plot 5E)

Student: Asma Al-Hawamleh
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Asma's project

THE NEXUS: Governmental Complex - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plot 909)

Student: Ibrahim Hussni
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Ibrahim's project

THE MATRIX: Office Building - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plot 7B)

Student: Tamara AboAboud
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Tamara's project

MONARA: Five Star Luxury Hotel - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 1 / Plot 5D)

Student: Amal Hamdan
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Amal's project

THE ABDALI LOFTS: Multi-Type-Apartments - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plots 6A+7A)

Student: Israa Alamoush
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Israa's porejct

THE EXPOSURE: Youth Multi-Hostels - Amman, Jordan.
(Abdali Phase 2 / Plot 9C)

Student: Rand Abu Ghazaleh
(AL-Hussein Technical University 2025/2026)

Click here to learn more about Rnad's project

______________________________________________________________________________

Students embarked on an exciting journey to design a skyscraper with diverse functions, set within an international context. Each student is tasked with designing a high-rise building within iconic global cities, including Chicago, Toronto, New York, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo. Their designs feature impressive heights ranging from 120 to 220 metres, reflecting the unique architectural landscapes of these metropolitan areas.

To ensure their designs are contextually relevant, students have conducted extensive research into city-specific codes, regulations, standards, and laws. They have been provided with supplementary materials covering critical topics such as core structure design, vertical urbanism, and the integration of vibrant social spaces within tall buildings. Additional focus areas include sustainability practices, envelope design, environmental performance, fenestration strategies, and shading techniques, along with an exploration of the socio-economic and political factors influencing high-rise architecture.

High-rise Studio Concept Jury Day (2023).

High-rise Studio Final Jury Day (2024).

YUTORI TOWER: A Vertical Cemetery - Tokyo, Japan

Student: MARIA AL-MDANAT
(American University of Madaba 2023/2024)

Click here to see more of Maria's project

RAZAN YAMIN

RASHIL AL-JADAA'

LARA SHEHADEH

By GHENA's

3D model in-section by MARIA AL-MDANAT

3D Printed Context Model by RAZAN

RASHIL's Research and Concept Review

MARIA's Research and Concept Review

Arch. Hanna S Qubti, his students and their high-rise models.

List of Jurors that have contributed to this course:

H.E. Prof. Kamel O. Mahadin
Prof. Amer Rgheie
Dr. Zayed F Zeadat
Dr. Ohoud Kamal
Arch. Shadi Abdulsalam
Arch. Faris Bagaeen
Arch. Fawzi Barjous
Arch. Ihab Ammarin
Arch. Bisher Zureikat
Arch. Hadeel Ayed
Arch. Rani Kaylani
Arch. Arda Aslanian
Arch. Ossaid Aleitan

Major Project