Architectural Monuments in the Urban Structure as A Factor in the City Humanization: The Case of Jordan

Abstract

The study interprets the concept of “humanization” as a set of certain actions and tools aiming at creating an environment comfortable for residents and tourists to stay in it. One of the most important factors shaping the comfort of the environment is the factor of physical and visual accessibility for both city residents and tourists. Jordan’s architectural heritage sites are either integrated into the structure of modern cities or are closely intertwined. Therefore, it is important to understand the meaning of architectural heritage sites integrated into the structure of our cities in addressing the humanization of the city. The theoretical approach is based on the concept of Universal Design where the criteria of the analysis of architectural heritage sites were formulated. It aims to explore how architectural monuments, which are an integral part of the historical heritage sites, affect the humanization of Jordanian cities, and are adapted for disabled people. The methodological basis of the article was a full-scale observation of the architectural heritage sites of Amman and Madaba. The study concluded that architectural monuments are an important factor to stimulate the process of humanization of the city. The need to ensure free physical and visual access to the monument necessitates the adoption of measures by the city authorities, which at the same time improve the environment of the city which are close to the architectural monuments. These measures increase the level of humanization of the city as a whole and promote equal rights and opportunities for disabled people with different ages and social groups.