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Higher educational systems become increasingly oriented towards the competences-based student-centered learning and outcome approach. Worldwide, these systems are focusing on the students as a whole: focusing on their dimensional, intellectual, professional, psychological, moral, and spiritual. This research was conducted in an attempt to answer the main research question: how can the architectural design courses be designed based on the required competences and how can the teaching, learning activities and assessment methods be structured and aligned in order to allow students to achieve and reach the intended learning outcomes? This research used a case study driven best practice research method to answer the research questions based on the T MEDA pilot architectural program that was implemented at the Hashemite University, Jordan. This research found that it is important for architectural education to adapt the students-centered learning method. Such approach increases the effectiveness of teaching and learning methods, enhances the design studio environment, and focuses on students' engagement to develop their design process and product. Moreover, this research found that using different assessment methods in architectural design courses help students to develop their learning outcomes; and inform teachers about the effectiveness of their teaching process. Furthermore, the involvement of students in assessment produces effective learning and enhances their design motivation. However, applying competences-based students-centered learning and outcome approach needs more time and staff to apply. Another problem is that some instructors resist changing to the new methods or approaches because they prefer to use their old and traditional systems. The application for this method at the first time needs intensive recourses, more time, and good cooperation between different instructors and course coordinator. However, within the time this method will be more useful and interesting for the teacher and more effective and formative for students. Finally, the development of architectural academic staff is needed to increase awareness of learning needs of all architectural students. This requires redesigning and aligning their curriculum and courses syllabus according to the requirements of new methods.

In recent years, the interest grew in research on measuring the "quality of life" (QOL) in cities. This interest comes from the success QOL measurement achieved in understanding communities' needs, tracking changes in different aspects of life and assessing the most desired types of future development among citizens. This research highlights the importance of measuring QOL in Jordan. It examines the opportunity and applicability of carrying out QOL measurement studies in Amman, the capital city. It outlines different scopes, visions and approaches that can be used to study and measure QOL and the most suitable mechanism that can work firmly. A professional top-bottom approach was used for that. Thirty-three experts with different backgrounds were interviewed in order to determine the appropriate scopes and visions for studying QOL, define the most significant aspects affecting QOL in Amman, and define the appropriate domains to be studied. Results were analyzed, limitations were defined and the final set of representative domains was stated. Domains were ranked according to their relevance and the important--underneath--aspects were defined in the form of models, each representing a certain domain. The paper attempts by the end to set the stage for setting up criteria for measuring QOL in Amman and to open the way for future QOL research to take place in Jordan.

This study aims at developing an assessment tool for housing quality in settlements of the displaced, represented by urban refugee camps, in Jordan. The study adopted the Baqa'a refugee camp as a case study. The work involves understanding living conditions and determining applicable measures by which housing can be evaluated. The research employed a consensus-based approach involving various empirical investigations. Three systematic consultation rounds were conducted, appointing 40 panel experts. The first round sought to gather information about housing and living conditions to develop the initial set of measures based upon open-ended solicitation. The second round narrowed down viewpoints from the first round aiming at quantifying the most important aspects affecting housing quality. The last step involved building up a valid weighting system applying the AHP technique. This resulted in formulating a hierarchical model for housing quality comprising three dimensions; residents, context and residential unit, each encompassing certain measures ranked according to level of significance. The study offers a glimpse of the extended future of the settlements of the displaced and provides a base on which improvements can be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People judge housing situations based on their needs and aspirations associated with their social, cultural, and economic conditions. This research explores the influences of such factors on how people experience housing quality attributes, taking Amman city in Jordan as a case study. The research adopted an inductive reasoning approach, applying a self-administered questionnaire among 770 respondents, exploring the influence of seven factors, including age, gender, education, household structure, income, tenure type, and length of residency. The study addressed twelve housing quality attributes, covering aspects related to housing provision, context, and residential unit. Findings indicate a shortcoming in housing supply, indicating a lack of relevance in design and provision. Results revealed apparent yet variant influences of socioeconomic factors on the assessment of housing quality components among respondents. Aspects of housing provision were found more influential than most sociodemographic factors on evaluating housing quality attributes. The impact of household structure and gender seemed to be minimal. On the other hand, the effect of socioeconomic factors was evident to context attributes. The study presents an attempt to develop a sound understanding of the aspects upon which residents experience their housing living and build their satisfaction with their houses. Understanding the reasoning behind such experiences will help in targeting future housing policies toward good housing quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural beliefs and architecture have been recognized as having a strong relationship. However, a gap in knowledge exists regarding the interaction between culture and spatial organization in domestic architecture. This research used case methods to explore the impact of cultural factors in forming and designing detached houses and apartments in Jordan. Specifically, this article aimed to explore the sociocultural impact of privacy on spatial hierarchy and spatial organization in order to ascertain sociospatial designs in Jordanian culture. The data were collected through a comprehensive analysis of plans, images, direct observation, and in-depth interviews with Jordanian household residents. The data were analyzed socially and spatially with regard to circulation, privacy, security, and spatial arrangement of indoor and outdoor spaces. This research found that cultural factors and overall traditions affect detached housing design more than apartment design in Jordan. Also, cultural beliefs and traditions in Jordan are strongly reflected in people's values, practices, activities, and the level of privacy needed in a given home. Therefore, privacy becomes a social, religious, and personal need that Jordanian domestic architecture should accommodate. Because culture shapes humans' worldviews, and then both culture and worldview build social and personal values to define lifestyle, clearly determine specific activities, and set residents' requirements for the design of the components of space requisite for cultural recognition. This research recommends that housing designers should adapt to the cultural practices, beliefs, and privacy needs of a given people when designing homes. Future research is needed to replicate the study for an authentic perspective on a cross-cultural basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]