IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

The refugee crisis has led to significant urban challenges globally, with Jordan hosting one of the highest refugee populations per capita. Over 80% of refugees in Jordan live in urban areas, with Amman experiencing rapid growth due to waves of Palestinian, Iraqi, and Syrian refugees. This growth has strained infrastructure, particularly in the eastern regions of the city, where access to services (soft infrastructure) remains limited. This paper uses GIS mapping to analyse the distribution of soft infrastructure—cultural, commercial, and business services—in Amman. The analysis reveals that investment and services are concentrated in western Amman, exacerbating socio-economic disparities. The main failings of Amman’s urban planning have been mass development strategies, investment-driven planning, and the absence of strategies for upgrading existing areas. These shortcomings have encouraged investments and formal businesses to prioritise new urban developments, further deepening the gap in infrastructure access. The study argues for a shift towards adaptation-driven planning, where upgrading existing areas and redistributing soft infrastructure becomes a priority. This approach can help address the growing socio-economic polarisation in Amman. The paper offers policy recommendations for more equitable urban planning, with implications for cities facing similar investment-driven urban transformations.