Advisor: Prof. Salim Al-Faqih

Abstract:
The research raises the issue of identity in architecture as a multidisciplinary concept, through the discussion of a number of controversial issues in the subject, and through proposing, theoretical and practical stands towards these issues the first chapter concentrates 'upon identity as a humanitarian social concept and figures out the effects of this nature upon identity from an architectural point of view. The second chapter deals with the issue of (identity in architecture) in the Arabic Islamic dimension along three time-based axes: the past axis for deducting of lessons, present axis for comprehending the changing conditions in the Arab world, and future axis in order to lay grounds for a built-environment of better quality and distinctive identity. The third chapter deals with identity in architecture in Jordan as an Arab Islamic country with well-defined historical and environmental specialties. The forth chapter analyzes the identity in architecture in Jordan through a field study conducted by the researcher the fifth final chapter concludes the study with recommendations and results.

The study figured out a number of issues that deters the identity in architecture in Jordan from being in harmony with the local historic reality, such as the problem of increasing rates of population and the negative consequences on the urban built-environment and adoption of imported ideas which contradicts with our original local Arabic Islamic culture.

The study concludes with a number of recommendations, such as raising the level of architectural awareness within Jordanian society improving the architectural education in Jordanian universities, amending building codes and legislations, controlling the quality of new design projects, protecting the traditional buildings from demolition or neglecting and encouraging research in the subject.