This policy brief explores the integration of civic engagement and culture into urban planning in Jordan, using Jabal Amman as a case study to examine how art and cultural initiatives can reshape public spaces and foster inclusive urban development. It highlights the unique potential of youth as agents of change, advocating for participatory urban planning processes that prioritize cultural preservation, equitable access, and sustainable development. By leveraging cultural expression and community involvement, urban planning can transcend its traditional boundaries, addressing systemic issues such as privatization and the commodification of public spaces.
The brief draws on insights from ARDD’s project, Hope is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words, supported by the Swiss Embassy, and implemented through the initiative Amman: Past, Present, and Future. As part of the project’s methodology, youth participants visually captured Jabal Amman’s past, present, and envisioned future through photography.
Five dialogue sessions further enriched this initiative, each focusing on a key theme—urban planning, environment, tourism, social and cultural dimensions, and economic development. Experts in these fields facilitated discussions, offering critical insights into Jabal Amman’s distinctive heritage, its challenges, and sustainable development pathways. These sessions provided a structured platform for participants to engage with pressing urban issues, linking their creative expression to informed policy discussions. The project culminated in a photography contest, reinforcing the role of art and culture in reclaiming civic spaces, preserving heritage, and shaping a collective vision for urban resilience and inclusivity. This brief builds on these informed dialogues to offer practical recommendations for safeguarding Jabal Amman’s heritage while promoting sustainable development.
