Al Hussein Technical
University
In collaboration with Al Hussein Technical University (HTU), AJi has established a strong academic–industry partnership that ensures the competition is both intellectually rigorous and professionally relevant. As the official organizer, HTU plays a central role in shaping each edition of the competition, from defining the theme and structuring the framework to overseeing the academic integrity of the process, while AJi brings industry perspective, technical expertise, and strategic direction. This collaboration creates a dynamic platform that bridges education and practice, giving students the opportunity to engage with real-world design challenges within a structured and credible academic environment.
Visit Website
Competition Theme & Timeline AJi Innovation Awards in partnership with HTU
The theme reflects AJi group and HTUs vision of architectural experimentation that merges digital innovation with place-based identity. Each component of the theme contributes to shaping the design intent:
Parametric
Participants are encouraged to utilize computational and parametric design tools to generate architectural forms that respond intelligently to:
- Site constraints
- Environmental conditions
- Structural logic
- Material behavior
- Cultural and urban context
The use of digital analysis and algorithmic processes should meaningfully inform the design outcome rather than act as a purely formal exercise.
Folly
A folly is understood as a light, expressive, and potentially temporary architectural intervention. It may take the form of:
- A pavilion
- A sculptural landmark
- A shaded gathering space
- A transitional passage or urban installation
The folly should be capable of hosting temporary outdoor cultural activities, including but not limited to:
- Open-air lectures and discussions
- Art exhibitions and galleries
- Book fairs
- Music performances and festivals
- Cultural and community events
- Informal seating and social interaction
Amman
Amman serves as the cultural, historical, and urban reference for the project. Participants are expected to abstract and reinterpret the city’s essence through:
- A contemporary, minimalist architectural language
- Sustainable and climate-responsive strategies
- Cultural symbolism rooted in Amman’s heritage, traditions, and urban memory
- A forward-looking vision reflecting the city’s evolving identity
- First general orientation - 09.07.2026
- End of registration and receiving questions - 26.07.2026
- Second orientation (Answering the questions and a lecture presented by Arch. Batool Ghanem related to parametric architecture) - 01.08.2026
- First submission - 18.10.2026
- Short list announcement - 16.11.2026
- Orientation session for the short listed - 21.11.2026
- Short listed jury and results announcement (Final Ceremony) - 05.12.2026
Site Location & Design Guidelines AJi Innovation Awards in partnership with HTU
Participants must work on the proposed site:
- Al-Hashemite Plaza, Downtown Amman (Raghadan)
- Maximum plot size: 10 m × 10 m.
- Maximum total height: 30 m above ground level.
- The design must accommodate outdoor, temporary cultural functions.
- Designs should prioritize sustainability, durability, and feasibility.
- The use of recycled, reusable, or low-impact materials is strongly encouraged
A. First Round Submission
Each participant must submit the following:
1. Digital Poster
- Format: JPG (high resolution)
- Orientation: Portrait
- Size: 1 m × 2 m
The poster must include:
- Concept statement and design narrative
- Site analysis diagrams
- Site plan (Scale 1:50)
- Floor plans (Scale 1:50)
- Two elevations (Scale 1:50)
- Two sections (Scale 1:50)
- Two rendered isometric views
- Two rendered perspective images
2. Digital 3D Model
A complete digital model in any of the following formats:
- Rhino / Grasshopper
- SketchUp
- Revit
- Or any equivalent architectural modeling software
B. Second Round Submission
Short-listed participants will be invited to proceed to the second round.
They will be required to:
- Revise and develop their proposals based on jury feedback
- Resubmit the project using the same format and content as the first round
- Provide one printed copy of the final 1 m × 2 m portrait poster
Competition Future Prospects AJi Innovation Awards in partnership with HTU
The selected theme of Parametric Folly is intended to continue in future editions, with proposed sites located in major cities across Jordan. AJi Group may take the initiative to collaborate with the winning participant of each edition to further develop the first-prize proposal into a complete construction documentation package. This package may then be presented to the relevant municipalities and authorities to seek sponsorship and implementation.
1st Place — 2,000 JOD
2nd Place — 1,000 JOD
3rd Place — 750 JOD
Submit Entry
Jury Members AJi Innovation Awards in partnership with HTU
Maisa Batayneh is the Founder and Principal Architect of Maisam Architects, with nearly four decades of experience leading award-winning regional and international projects that merge sustainability, innovation, and cultural identity. Recognized internationally for her contributions to architecture and design leadership, she has played influential roles in global architectural organizations, juries, and sustainability initiatives.
Maisa Bataineh
Farouk Yaghmour is the founder of Yaghmour Architects and a distinguished architect and academic with over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban planning, and large-scale developments across the region. Renowned for his innovative and context-driven approach, he has led diverse public, commercial, residential, and institutional projects while contributing significantly to architectural education and urban discourse in Jordan and internationally.
Farouk Yaghmour
Ismail Tahhan is a partner and lead architect at Tahhan and Bushnaq, with more than 30 years of experience across commercial, healthcare, residential, institutional, and hospitality projects. His expertise spans concept development, architectural design management, tender documentation, and construction supervision, with a strong focus on delivering integrated and high-quality architectural solutions.
Ismail Al Tahhan
Faris Bagaeen is a registered architect and consultant with over 40 years of experience in architectural design and consultancy. Founder of Faris J. Bagaeen Architects, Engineers & Consultants, he has delivered a wide range of distinguished projects and received several awards for design excellence, while also contributing to architectural education and professional development in Jordan.
Faris Bagaeen
Bisher Zureikat is the Managing Partner of OMB Architects and a leading architect, educator, and innovator with over four decades of experience in architectural practice and academia. Known for his contributions to building technology, architectural competitions, and international expos, he has played a significant role in advancing architecture and architectural education in Jordan and beyond.
Bisher Zureikat
Ahmad Fares is an architect with over 18 years of experience in architectural concept design, design development, and project supervision. His portfolio spans commercial, educational, residential, hospitality, retail, and mixed-use developments, with a design approach focused on creating innovative, contemporary, and functional architectural solutions.
Ahmad Fares
Ali Al Najjar is an architect with over 12 years of international experience in master planning, architectural design, and concept development across the Middle East. His work includes large-scale cultural, recreational, and mixed-use developments, where he is recognized for his creative, context-responsive approach and multidisciplinary design expertise.
Ali Najjar
Organizing Committee AJi Innovation Awards in partnership with HTU
Dean of School of Built Environment Engineering
Dr. Nemeh Rihani
Dean’s Assistant, Professor of Practice School of Built Environment Engineering, HTU
Ala Gammoh
HTU Fellow
Architect Rami Arnaout
Instructor
Architect Khaled AlQudah
HTU Instructor
Architect Asmaa Al Sayyed Ahmad
Assistant Instructor