Queen Rania visits GJU School of Architecture and Built Environment’s new premises

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania on Monday visited the new premises of the German-Jordanian University’s (GJU) School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE). 

Relocated to the Othman Bdeir House for Architecture and Design in downtown Amman, the new facility allows students to grasp the historic value of the area especially since it includes a wide variety of genuine archaeological sites, a statement from Her Majesty’s office said. 

The move is also part of GJU’s new project “the Darat Othman Bdeir for Innovation and Entrepreneurship”, which aims to conserve Jordan’s heritage through the restoration of one of the oldest sites in Amman, Al Abdaleya Basic School for Boys.

The building was donated by Othman Bdeir, chairman of the GJU board of trustees.

Queen Rania visited the faculty deanship building where she met with Bdeir, GJU President Natheer Abu-Obeid and Professor Mohammad Ali Yaghan, dean of SABE. 

Students, faculty members and members of the local community also attended the meeting, the statement said. 

Thanking Bdeir for his donation, Her Majesty said that his generosity and sense of belonging make him a great role model.  

Queen Rania added that relocating SABE to downtown Amman is a great decision that could add much to the area and encourage other institutions to do the same. 

Participants at the meeting also discussed how the new facility enriched students’ learning experiences and helped them produce projects inspired by the area. 

Attendees also spoke about the positive effect this move has brought to the local community.

Following the meeting, Queen Rania toured the new building and checked its different facilities. She also visited an exhibition showcasing various projects implemented by the students and saw a few pictures that demonstrate the renovation work conducted on the building.  

The Queen then visited Al Abdaleya Basic School for Boys, where 200 students are currently enrolled, to check on the renovations done by SABE. 

The school, which is also located in the Othman Bdeir House for Architecture and Design, was established in 1934 and is considered to be one of the oldest schools in Amman.