Global Economic Forces’ Effect upon Urban Planning: Greater Amman Case Study

Abstract

Despite the historic origin of Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), it is considered a modern city. The development of GAM through the 19th and 20th century was dramatic and massive. Since the beginning of the 21st century and precisely since 2002, GAM started a large property development project that forms the cornerstone of GAM development strategy. GAM’s situation is a mixture between state control and economic liberalism in which urban development is determined by the planning vision of attracting foreign investment and reducing restrictions to free enterprise. GAM presents an example of global economic forces that occur in a developed society. This paper examines the development of GAM, focusing on its major urban problems and suggesting some solutions. A review of the recent megaprojects now taking place in GAM is carried out indicating the urgent need for a specialized committee to lay down a comprehensive metropolitan plan for GAM for at least the next 10 years. The last comprehensive plan in 1987 cannot continue to serve GAM’s recent overwhelming urban property development.