In downtown Amman, in a 1930's residential area, a Columbia University Research Centre was conceived to house a traditional residence that was originally owned by one of Jordan’s earliest prime ministers: Ibrahim Hashim. The project aims to be a very contemporary addition with a modern statement in the traditional urban fabric.

Rising above the distracting blare of its surroundings, the research center is set to hang from the rock cliff cut, which is very prominent from the vertical elevation of the site. The whole building was perceived as bent beams suspended from the rock façade from giant concrete nails that appears to come out from the vertical bedrock.

The addition holds very simple lines; a horizontal mass that hovers above the old house. It will accommodate a guesthouse, reception, exhibition space, workshops, lecture halls, meeting rooms and a library. The upper level of the addition will host the Jordanian Genome: a hub of Jordan's colors, textures, materials, geological features, landscape characteristics, etc., all collected, recycled and prepared for the use of young architects and designers, aiming at triggering a meaningful regional architecture movement that would possibly extend to other countries throughout the region.