The Arab Insurance Company

Notes

The Arab Insurance Company building occupies one of the most prominent intersections in new Amman. Tukan shows his urban sensibility in his intent to bring order to the site though envisioning four similar buildings defining the intersection. Only one other building beside the Arab Insurance Company building was built from this scheme. Were it executed, the scheme would have been reminiscent of the famous tetrapylon or “four gates” of Roman Jerash.

The Arab Insurance Company building is a rectangular five-story block with two underground parking levels.

It boasts some resemblance to ancient temples with its symmetrical form, ashlar exterior, and relatively few, recessed window openings. Besides, a distinctive circular opening punctures the façade and allows view to the roof terrace. This, along with the strong play with shadows with the recesses at the corners, windows, and entrance, could be associated to works of Louis Kahn.

Tukan deployed soft color variations with the local limestone used on the façade. Alternating horizontal bands subtly demarcate the base of the building, while the top of the facade in marked with a warmer color tone.
 

Sources

Ali Abu Ghanimeh and Mario Pisani, Jafar Tukan: Architecture, Melfi (Potenza): Libria, 2001, p. 44, 48, 80-82.

James Steele, Jafar Tukan: Poetry in Stone, New York: Gulf Pacific Press, 2014, p. 54-55.

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