Rising majestically before us stands the Al Iskan Bank Building a true Amman landmark. Its imposing presence dominates the skyline a testament to Jordan’s architectural ambition of the 1980s. This isn’t just any building. It’s a story etched in concrete and glass.
Completed in 1982 the Al Iskan Bank Building was once the tallest in Amman. Its 21 floors housed not only offices but also a bustling commercial center. Imagine a time before sprawling malls. This building was the place to be. Shoppers flocked to its shops. Families spent days enjoying its amenities. It was a hub of activity a true heart of the city. Layla Al-Najjar fondly remembers her teenage years spent within its walls. The Al Iskan Bank Building was more than just offices; it was a community space a place of memories.
Designed in the Brutalist style the Al Iskan Bank Building features massive concrete structures and geometric forms. Its facade is striking a dynamic play of light and shadow thanks to vertical ribs. The use of local stone blends it seamlessly with Amman’s unique topography. The building’s pyramidal form even integrates with the hilly terrain. The Al Iskan Bank Building is a harmonious blend of design and environment.
The Al Iskan Bank Building wasn’t just a place of commerce. It held a five-star hotel. Originally called The Plaza then briefly Le Grand Amman it was a luxurious destination. It boasted a grand ballroom meeting rooms restaurants and even a nightclub. The late King Hussein himself inaugurated the hotel in 1986. The hotel added to the building’s vibrancy a luxurious complement to its commercial heart.
However times changed. The rise of shopping malls in the 1990s diminished the building’s retail appeal. Today the Al Iskan Bank Building primarily serves as office space. While the commercial center is gone the building remains a powerful symbol of Amman’s past. It stands as a reminder of a time when this building was the city’s dynamic center. The Al Iskan Bank Building. Its legacy lives on.