Tasneem Hamza has already made a remarkable impact on the architectural world as the recipient of the Emerging Architect of the Year – Living Space award at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards. Her winning project, Bridging the Divide, reimagines downtown Irbid by reconnecting two fragmented areas and revitalizing its cultural heritage. Through thoughtful design, including integrating contemporary steel pergolas with historic structures, Tasneem has created a vibrant urban space that draws residents and visitors together.
In this interview, Tasneem takes us through her creative journey—from childhood sketches to tackling urban challenges—and shares how her project fosters community and urban vitality in Irbid.
Can you tell us about you and your background? Why have you chosen to follow design as a career?
I’ve been an artist since childhood, with a passion for creativity that grew stronger throughout my teenage years. I spent countless hours sketching with pencils and exploring visual compositions. My older sister, who studied architecture, significantly influenced me. As a child, whenever I left a friend’s house, I would sketch their floor plans, an early sign of my fascination with design. I still remember my sister telling me, “From now on, you’re an architect!”—and she was right. I’ve always loved observing, analyzing, and understanding spaces. Pursuing a degree in architecture felt like a natural choice; looking back, it was the best decision I ever made!
What inspired this project? Why did you decide to take on the challenge of reconnecting two areas in downtown Irbid?
I saw an opportunity to enhance the city’s functionality while respecting its cultural identity. My inspiration for this project came from walking extensively and capturing the city’s hidden corners through photography, especially heritage buildings and alleyways. Although Irbid was far from my University, my curiosity led me to research its urban challenges online. That initial search piqued my interest, but I knew I had to experience the city firsthand.
So, I took a trip to Irbid, exploring its streets, observing its urban fabric, and engaging with the local community to gain insight into their perspectives. During my exploration, I came across the abandoned Jumaa home, the adjacent unutilized space, and the disconnection between Al-Tal (the hill) and the lower areas leading to Jumaa House and the vibrant heritage shops. These spaces, rich with historical layers, had been overlooked for years. Seeing how parts of downtown Irbid had become fragmented over time, affecting accessibility and social interaction, deeply resonated with me. That realization drove me to investigate further, reinforcing my belief that reconnecting these spaces could revitalize the area while preserving its cultural essence. Determined to find a solution that honored both the city’s history and urban identity, I turned to my university library in search of books that could guide my approach. That moment marked the true beginning of this journey.
How did you approach integrating the new steel pergolas and contemporary structures with the existing buildings?
Integrating the new steel pergolas and contemporary structures with the existing buildings in Irbid was all about respecting the city’s rich heritage while introducing modern elements that could enhance its urban life. Irbid’s historical character, with its mix of old stone buildings, vibrant alleyways, and cultural landmarks, deserved a design that would highlight its past rather than overshadow it.
For me, the goal was to complement the traditional architecture, not compete with it. I chose lightweight steel pergolas that feel modern but don’t detract from the heritage buildings-they enhance the space without overpowering it. I carefully considered how these new structures would interact with their surroundings, ensuring they blended smoothly into the area’s dynamic flow. Mainly, I wanted the pergolas to merge with the heritage shops, providing shade and functionality while respecting the unique character of Irbid’s streets and its layered history.
At the heart of this project was the desire to connect the city’s past with its present. The design aimed to serve both the community and the cultural identity of Irbid, revitalizing the area and fostering a sense of unity. The hierarchical flow of the pergolas and its warm colors, combined with the dimensions of the streets, enhances this connection, giving a sense of continuity between the heritage shops, streets, and buildings-all while honoring the city’s heritage.
In what ways does the design of the new building act as a “magnet” that draws both residents and visitors together?
The design of the new building acts as a “magnet” by creating a welcoming and dynamic space that encourages interaction, exploration, and engagement. I focused on integrating elements that serve functional purposes and create an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors. First, the building’s open, accessible spaces allow for a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas, encouraging people to gather, relax, and interact. The design incorporates public areas such as cafes, market spaces, communal zones, and terraced steps for interaction that attract and integrate locals and tourists. These spaces are strategically placed to encourage people to stop by, linger, and connect with others, creating a sense of community.
Additionally, the modern bridge connecting the heritage building from Al-Tal to the other side of the city’s fabric leads to the new building that embraces vitality and acts as the magnetic center of the combined area. Also, the building’s aesthetic design-especially the modern steel pergolas-adds a visually striking element to the area, inviting curiosity and drawing people in. Integrating heritage elements with contemporary design gives the building a unique character, creating a familiar and new space. This blend of old and new attracts a diverse crowd, as it speaks to the city’s rich history while providing the functionality and style that modern visitors and residents enjoy. The emphasis on connecting the surrounding streets and heritage areas further strengthens its role as a magnet. By improving accessibility and creating a clear path for people to move through the area, the building draws people from the surrounding spaces, encouraging them to explore the city more deeply. Ultimately, the design creates an engaging, inclusive space that encourages social interactions, fosters community spirit, and serves as a focal point that attracts both locals and visitors.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while designing Bridging The Divide, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating Irbid’s rich and complex history, which included scattered and sometimes random information about its people, heritage buildings, and urban fabric. I had to organize and connect this information from various sources, local opinions, and my observations while keeping the city’s evolving needs in mind. It involved synthesizing hundreds of pages of insights, but I found the process rewarding as it revealed what was missing and what was necessary for the city’s future.
Another challenge was designing a modern building next to these historical structures while being sensitive to the heritage. I needed to ensure that the new building was complemented, rather than overshadowed, by the old ones. After extensive research, I achieved the right balance in the design by focusing on lightweight materials and thoughtful layering. The result is a harmonious blend of the old and new, providing a functional space that serves the city’s needs and respects its history.
Congratulations on winning the “Emerging Architect of the Year – Living Space” award at the LIV Awards! As a student, what does this recognition mean to you?
Thank you again! Winning the Emerging Architect of the Year – Living Space award at the LIV Awards is truly humbling and meaningful. This recognition validates all the hard work, passion, and dedication I’ve invested in my studies and projects as a student. It signifies an exciting future ahead, and I’m eager to see what comes next. This award serves as a reminder that architecture isn’t just about design- it’s about creating spaces that impact people’s lives. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and seeking innovative solutions while encouraging me to continue learning, growing, and making meaningful contributions to the field of architecture.
How do you think being a student influences the design process? Did it bring more benefits or more challenges?
Being a student influences the design process by offering a fresh perspective and the freedom to experiment with new ideas, which encourages innovation. However, challenges arise from limited real-world experience, especially when considering practical aspects like budgets and regulations. Despite these challenges, the benefits outweigh them, as being a student allows for creative freedom, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes, all of which help shape a strong design foundation and philosophy for the future.
What are your next steps, and where do you see yourself in the coming years?
My next steps involve continuing to build on the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained so far while pushing myself to tackle more complex and impactful projects. I plan to deepen my understanding of sustainable design and urban development, as these areas are vital for the future of architecture.
In the coming years, I see myself working on projects that blend innovation with cultural and historical preservation, creating spaces that contribute positively to communities. I aim to collaborate with experienced architects and expand my portfolio, eventually leading my own projects and design teams. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and finding ways to make a meaningful impact through architecture.
