Employing Heritage Elements in Contemporary Architecture. Openings and Windows: The Case of Housing Buildings in Amman - Jordan

Abstract

This paper reviews different proportional systems created in different architectural styles to assist architects inordering building and providing an aesthetic rational for design forms. Proportions can visually unify themultiplicity of elements in architecture design by giving all parts of building the same proportion whileproviding the feeling of ordered facades and forms. In the „Sham Region‟, a system of proportion hasdeveloped during different eras, through applying architecture with unique characteristics and distinctproportions. This system of proportions has been neglected after the 1970‟s and random relations wereintroduced, leaving the final appearance of the buildings with no special character. This can be noticedthrough analysing several new buildings in Amman City. Findings reveal a mix of proportion and styles. Theresearch recommends using proportions from the local architectural heritage and evolving that style tomaintain the unique style and special features in this part of the world.