The detailed master plan for the Jordan Development Zones Company (JDZ) by Sasaki Associates encompasses 40 square kilometers of land along the north and east coast of the historic Dead Sea. Over the past 15 years, the Kingdom of Jordan has focused on a balanced approach towards development and preservation in order to capitalize on increased tourism and to provide improvements to local existing communities. In 2008, a development authority was created to establish a detailed master plan as a sustainable framework for existing committed lands, future development parcels, infrastructure provisions, and natural resources protection. The resulting master plan establishes a comprehensive and site specific approach to the social, economic and environmental sustainability issues facing this stunning setting. More images and project description after the break.
As the lowest point on the earth’s dry land surface – and in the heart of the historic Jordan Rift Valley that includes the city of Jericho – the Dead Sea is an unparalleled natural attraction, with mineral rich saline waters that have drawn visitors from around the world for thousands of years. The Dead Sea’s geological history began millions of years ago. A mere 9,000 years ago, the Abrahamic faiths arose, bringing a profound historic and cultural meaning to the region. Local communities, villagers, and Bedouins have inhabited the lands ever since.
