Al-Tameen Building
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| Al-Tameen Building | |
|---|---|
 Al-Tameen Building in Amman, Jordan | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Status | Completed |
| Location | Amman, Jordan |
| Coordinates | 31°57′01″N 35°55′13″E / 31.9502°N 35.9203°E |
| Groundbreaking | Early 1960s |
| Construction started | 1962 |
| Completed | 1964 |
| Opening | 1964 |
| Owner | Various private owners |
| Height | |
| Height | ~40 meters |
| Roof | ~40 meters |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 11 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Khalil Khoury |
| Located at the First Circle on Rainbow Street, one of the earliest high-rise buildings in Amman. | |
Al-Tameen Building or Amaret al–Ta'meen (Arabic: عمارة التأمين, romanized: Imārat at-Taʾmīn, lit. 'Insurance Building'), formerly known as Alia Building (Arabic: عمارة عالية), is a historic landmark located at the First Circle on Rainbow Street in Amman, Jordan. It was constructed in the early 1960s, and it is believed to be the first high-rise building in the city. Standing nine stories tall, it was the tallest structure in Amman until the construction of Al-Burj Building in 1979. It consisted of 11 floors 132 ft (40.2 m), making it the first building in Amman to reach such a height. It was considered the first tower in Amman.[1]
The building is a significant milestone in Jordanian architectural history since it is considered to be one of the first high-rise buildings in the city. It marked a significant shift in Amman’s architectural landscape, featuring gray facades and a towering presence compared to the city’s predominantly low-rise structures at the time. Its offices overlook key areas of Amman, including Downtown, the Second Circle, and the Third Circle. The building was designed by Lebanese architect Khalil Khoury and funded by an insurance company in the 1960s.[2]
Location and design
[edit]Al-Tameen Building is strategically situated in Jabal Amman, at the First Circle, an area known for its historical and cultural significance. It is believed that the Lebanese architect Khalil Khoury designed the building. Nazmi al-Nabulsi, through his contracting company, was the project's contractor, while the designs were created by Lebanese architect Khalil Khoury. Trusting him as an architect, he felt assured about the execution of the drawings sent from Beirut and granted him the authority to modify the designs as needed. The construction of the building took approximately two years (1961–1962).[1]
Khalil Khoury was a prominent Lebanese architect known for his modernist approach and significant contributions to Lebanon’s architectural landscape. Alongside his brother Georges Khoury, he co-founded Atelier des Architectes Associés, producing innovative designs that blended brutalist and modernist elements. His most iconic works include the Mont La Salle school, the SNA (Société Nationale d'Assurances) building, and various residential and commercial structures across Lebanon. His designs often featured raw concrete, geometric forms, and an emphasis on functionality, making him a key figure in Lebanon’s architectural heritage.
Al-Tameen Building is a prime example of International Style architecture in Amman. It is characterised by its gray and blue marble, glass, and aluminum facade. Also, it consists of 11 floors and stands over 40 meters high, making it the first high-rise building of its kind in Amman.[1]
The building's role
[edit]The development of Jordan’s insurance industry, which began in 1946, led to an increased demand for office spaces in buildings like Al-Tameen. Over the years, the building became home to several insurance companies and financial institutions. At the time, the area from the First Circle to the Third Circle was considered one of Amman’s most prestigious neighborhoods, home to numerous diplomatic missions, high-ranking officials, and elite residences. The street was also lined with Amman's most distinguished schools, traditional and upscale restaurants, and some of the city's earliest fast-food establishments.
In addition to being a prominent business center, Al-Tameen Building played a role in Amman’s cultural and political history. The American Cultural Center occupied the first floor of the building, attracting visitors interested in American culture. However, the building also became a focal point for demonstrations following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, with its glass facades repeatedly shattered during protests.
Later, the building housed the offices of Alia – Royal Jordanian Airlines, the national carrier of Jordan. Notably, Queen Noor of Jordan had her office on the first floor when she worked for the airline as Director of Planning and Design in 1977,[3] prior to her marriage to King Hussein bin Talal.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "معماريّون روّاد: العصر الذهبي لعمارة عمّان". 7iber | حبر. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ Richard Anton (2003). Studies in the Social History of Jordan. Sindbad Publishing House. p. 481. ISBN 978-9957-15-034-1.
- ^ Arslan Ramadan Bekj. Amman: Between Yesterday and Today. Design by Helena Henley and printed by W.S. Cowell, London and Ipswich. London and Ipswich: W.S. Cowell.