The mapping of buildings, particularly those that are unused or in a dilapidated condition, provides a fundamental basis for architectural and urban regeneration and social innovation projects, as it makes it possible to identify existing resources, their location and condition, in order to develop spatial planning strategies and identify opportunities for growth in terms of economic, cultural, inclusion and sustainability.

Among the countries participating in the CARISMED project is Jordan: at the time of the analysis, there were a total of 888,028 buildings in Jordan, 80 per cent of which are residential, while the remaining 20 per cent are used for other activities. Among the materials used, there is a prevalence of brick and concrete, but also a considerable number of stone buildings. Buildings are rarely equipped with lifts and although a large proportion of heating and cooling systems do not use renewable energy sources, in the last decade the country has shown an increasing sensitivity to the use of clean energy, particularly solar energy. This is evidenced by an initiative of the Ministry of Education which, in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, financed the installation of photovoltaic systems in one hundred schools in Irbid, Mafraq and the Jordan Valley. The intervention was aimed at the areas most affected by the Syrian crisis and the exodus of refugees, which has led to a consequent increase in population – including schools – and therefore in energy requirements.

Now nearing completion is the Al-Hasad school in Amman, a private villa that has been converted into a school building in order to expand and modernise the school next door. Al-Hasan will become a futuristic private institute, with solar panels to fully cover its consumption, energy-saving LED lights, water control sensors and a rearrangement of indoor and outdoor spaces that will make it suitable for educational activities.

Fatima Alzahra’ Park in Marka, on the other hand, has been the subject of a redevelopment initiative promoted by Future Pioneers in collaboration with the local community: the original conditions did not allow it to be used by families and children but, thanks to the UN-Habitat programme, it was possible to make it safe and create a public garden with a special focus on the inclusion of people with disabilities. With a view to sustainability, the park also includes an LED lighting system and seating made of recycled materials.