Architectural Engineering Division organizes the "Second Training and Qualification Forum"

In his opening speech, Al-Dabbas emphasized that organizing this event reflects the Architectural Division's belief that youth represent the foundation of the profession's future, and that investing in their capabilities and developing their skills is an investment in the future of Jordanian architecture. He noted that studying architecture is not limited to design, drawing, and preparing blueprints, but requires continuous learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, understanding human and societal needs, and transforming ideas into realistic and sustainable architectural solutions.

He added that the transition from university to the labor market is a critical stage in an architect's life, requiring practical skills and professional experience, alongside academic knowledge and the ability to deal with the requirements and evolving challenges of reality.

He pointed to the Division's commitment to supporting training and qualification initiatives that contribute to bridging the gap between academic education and practical application, providing youth with opportunities to exchange experiences, develop their capabilities, and prepare for labor market requirements. He highlighted the "Marsam 006" program as one of the models that enhances architectural training and qualification and fosters communication between youth and experienced professionals.

Al-Dabbas stressed that rapid technological transformations have made artificial intelligence tools, digital transformation, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and sustainability concepts influential elements in the future of architectural practice, which requires continuous learning and the development of tools and work methods.

He emphasized that technology, no matter how advanced, remains a tool in the architect's hand, while true value lies in thought, innovation, human sensibility, and an understanding of place, environment, and society. He underscored the importance of preparing a Jordanian architect capable of participating in creating developments and providing solutions that reflect national identity, respect the environment, support sustainable development, and improve the quality of life.

Al-Dabbas called on architecture students and young architects to invest in their capabilities, not to be satisfied with knowledge acquired in universities, to benefit from professional experiences, and to work on developing their skills to qualify them to create opportunities and lead change.

The Head of the Architectural Training and Qualification Committee, Engineer Mohammad Al-Ashqar, affirmed the Association's role in supporting such forums and pointed to the forum's three themes: (Shape, Sharpen, and Shift).

He highlighted the importance of the role of active committees within the Division in honing the skills of youth, guiding them, and helping them integrate into the labor market.

The event included specialized sessions that addressed honing professional skills, excellence and visibility, developing thinking methods, and practical transformation, in addition to interactive sessions that discussed the challenges facing architects in their professional careers.

The session "Sharpening Skills: What to Do?", moderated by Dr. Diala Al-Tarawneh, featured participation from Dr. Osama Naeem and architects Fares Bakaeen, Bilal Hammad, Ayman Zeiter, and Yahya Ibrahim. It addressed the link between academic experience and field expertise, unconventional problem-solving, project management, and adapting to labor market requirements.

The events also included a session on excellence and visibility presented by Khaled Al-Ahmad, an interactive session presented by Fawzi Al-Qasrawi, as well as two sessions titled "Shape Your Way of Thinking," presented by Engineer Ahmed Al-Saif, and "Practical Transformation," presented by Amin Al-Tal.

The program concluded with the session "Shift Your Way of Thinking: Transitioning to the Next Generation," moderated by architect Mohammad Al-Ashqar, with participation from Dr. Ahmed Jubran, architects Maysoun Al-Khreisat and Hind Jarrar, and architects Yousef Khalaf and Ahmed Al-Kasasbeh.

The session discussed digital transformation in architecture, applications of artificial intelligence and Building Information Modeling (BIM) and their role in supporting decision-making, in addition to simulation and sustainable performance, the gap between planning and implementation, and ways to anticipate the future of architectural practice.