AL-OUNS

Applied Science Private University

Prof. Dr. Osama Hassan

Project idea

AL-OUNS is an Active Aging Center designed to support adults aged 50–80 by creating an environment that promotes independence, well-being, and meaningful social participation. The project responds to the growing need for age-friendly community spaces in Jordan, where increasing life expectancy has highlighted the shortage of facilities that address the social, recreational, educational, and wellness needs of older adults.

The design is inspired by the concept of the Memory Courtyard, a central space that encourages interaction, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. Around this core, the project brings together spaces for physical activity, lifelong learning, creative workshops, social gathering, and relaxation, allowing users to remain active and engaged throughout later life.

Guided by the principles of active aging, universal design, intuitive wayfinding, and sustainability, AL-OUNS creates an accessible and inclusive environment that supports people with different abilities while encouraging independence and dignity. The project aims to reduce social isolation, strengthen community connections, and improve quality of life through architecture that is both functional and emotionally meaningful. Rather than serving as a conventional community center, AL-OUNS presents a contemporary model for healthy aging that can inspire future age-friendly developments in Jordan and beyond.

Project description

AL-OUNS is an Active Aging Center designed to serve adults aged 50–80 through a comprehensive range of social, educational, recreational, health, and wellness facilities. The project provides an integrated environment that supports active lifestyles, lifelong learning, and community engagement while addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults.

The design includes educational spaces, creative workshops, a library, IT learning facilities, an exhibition, terrace, indoor and outdoor fitness areas, multipurpose halls, social lounges, a café, administrative offices, healthcare support spaces, and landscaped outdoor areas connected by accessible walking paths. The project also incorporates gathering spaces centered around the Memory Courtyard, which serves as the social heart of the development.

The project scope extends beyond functional planning to include universal design, intuitive wayfinding, accessibility, sustainable design strategies, ADA standards, and biophilic principles. Together, these elements create a flexible, inclusive, and age-friendly environment that encourages independence, social participation, and a high quality of life while providing a model for future active aging developments.

Technical information

Project Type: Active Aging Center (Interior Design)
Location: Al Hussein Youth City, Amman, Jordan
Project Area:Approximately 4,000 m²

The project is designed as a two-level community facility with a clear functional zoning strategy that separates public, semi-public, private, and service areas to ensure efficient circulation, operational efficiency, and user comfort. Interior spaces are organized to provide direct visual connections, short walking distances, and barrier-free access throughout the building.

The material palette combines durable, low-maintenance finishes with warm natural textures, including wood, terrazzo, porcelain tiles, acoustic wall panels, and non-slip flooring to enhance safety, comfort, and long-term performance. Large glazed openings maximize natural daylight, while layered artificial lighting provides visual comfort and supports different functional activities.

The building incorporates accessible vertical circulation, integrated mechanical and electrical systems, fire safety provisions, and flexible interior layouts that can accommodate a variety of educational, recreational, wellness, and social activities. Outdoor terraces, shaded seating areas, landscaped gardens, and accessible walking paths extend the interior experience into the surrounding landscape, creating a continuous relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces while supporting year-round use.

The project also supports Jordan's national vision for creating inclusive and age-friendly communities and aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Social Development by providing an environment that promotes independence, social participation, well-being, and an improved quality of life for older adults.

Documentation

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