AZHJ
We make spatial inequalities visible and help cities address it.
What we do.
Research. Policy Design. Urban Governance.
We help cities understand, plan, and act toward greater equity.
Our Flagship Initiative
The Global Spatial Inequality Index (GSII)
Measuring how urban space distributes opportunity, infrastructure, and risk
Our Values
Urban inequality is one of the defining challenges of our time — shaping who thrives and who is left behind.
It manifests through unequal access to housing, mobility, and public services, and in the subtle architectures of surveillance that govern urban life. The World Cities Report highlights how these divides intersect with climate change, socioeconomic inequalities, and public health risks, revealing how urbanisation often amplifies global pressures.
When cities expand without equitable infrastructure or inclusive governance, exclusion becomes systemic and resilience erodes.
At AZHJ, we believe in the transformative power of urbanism, design, and evidence-based research to address these complex challenges. Our work integrates innovative policy design with sociological insight to create more equitable, adaptive, and thriving urban environments.
We promote slow, intentional change — collaborating with local governments and communities to co-create tailored strategies and policy products that enhance connectivity, improve public spaces, and ensure that all residents can access the opportunities and resources that enable a dignified urban life.
Make Better Decisions with our Policy Products & Advisory
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Leveraging our comprehensive research and analysis services, clients gain access to robust, data-driven insights across multiple dimensions of urbanism, such as demographic trends, spatial patterns, and urban ecology. This enables governments, NGOs, and planners to make informed decisions and develop effective policies that address urban challenges with precision and foresight.
Acquire Context-Specific & Customised Solutions
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Our consulting services deliver innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of both local and international clients. We provide solutions that integrate socio-cultural authenticity and cutting-edge affordable technologies. This customised approach ensures our clients receive context-specific solutions that enhance their well-being, promote sustainable growth, and strengthen urban resilience.
Become Empowered with our Capacity Building Programmes
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Through our mentoring, training, and collaborative projects, we empower individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle urban inequalities. Our training programs in urbanism and research foster the next generation of urban leaders, while our collaborative projects facilitate innovative, interdisciplinary solutions that transform urban spaces for the better.
We blend the research depth of an academic institute with the impact-driven approach of an advocacy organisation
Projects Completed
Clients Supported
Mentored
Years Operating
Meet the Founders
AZHJ was founded by Ahmad and Haroun in 2015. Combining their expertise in urban sociology, policy analysis, and design. They crafted AZHJ as a multidisciplinary research and design consultancy to address complex spatial and urban challenges. Their work spans research, strategy, and advocacy, partnering with global institutions, governments, and local communities to drive meaningful change in cities and reduce inequalities.
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Co-FounderAn urban governance & policy systems architect, with 15+ years of experience advising governments on equitable, resilient city-making. An Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity (LSE/Oxford) with $1M+ Programmes Mobilised.
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Co-FounderA dedicated professional with 10+ years of experience in design, stakeholder management, and logistics.
We Supported
We Collaborated With
Testimonials
“[...] a wealth of experience in urban policy and data science and was always reliable and great fun to work with. I would highly recommend [...].”
“[...] don’t miss the opportunity to collaborate [...].”
“[...] extremely knowledgeable about the city, its dynamics and all the technical intricacies of planning; [...] so willing to share these insights with me and my team [...].”
“[...] dedication to enhancing urban environments and creating sustainable communities is truly commendable. [...] an ability to think in new ways around complex urban challenges. [...] commitment to excellence sets them apart. ”
“[...] AZHJ, a startup in Amman focusing on research services in design and urbanism. [...] navigating challenges with persistence and collaborating on impactful research projects with international organisations [...].”
“[...] a keen eye for detail and a commitment to innovative design solutions. [...] a holistic approach, considering the broader impact on the surrounding environment.”
“I highly recommend requesting design services from AZHJ. You will not be disappointed at all. I have already referred them to my network, and I am more than sure that they will provide the best design service in Jordan.”
“[...] willingness to think from multiple perspectives and to experiment with different public engagement tactics has proven to be very valuable [...]. [...] an approachable, methodical, and very helpful [...] (a rarity in many places these days).”
FAQs
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AZHJ specialises in urbanism and design, focusing on sustainable development, spatial justice, and equity. We have extensive experience in architecture, regional research, and urban planning.
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Sustainability and Climate Justice are integral to our design philosophy. We approach each project with the intention of minimising environmental impact while maximising social equity.
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We believe in close collaboration with our clients. Your ideas and needs are central to our research design process, ensuring the final output meets and exceeds your expectations.
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AZHJ brings a multi-disciplinary approach that combines practical experience in urban projects with academic expertise in inequality and social science. Our services are grounded in evidence-based urban and spatial research.
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While we are based in Amman, our reach is global. We have worked on various international projects and collaborations, aiming to reduce inequalities through design and research.
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We have a diverse portfolio that includes community-centred projects like "Bridging the Gap," and we provide policy design, research, and reviews to local governments and NGOs. We also provide urban and architectural design services.
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We view arts and design as essential tools for facilitating public engagement and enacting social change. Our projects often incorporate these elements to enhance community inclusiveness and spatial justice. We strongly believe that art mediums break down epistemic injustices in design and research.
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Our work aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 9, 10, 11, and 13. Each project is designed to advance these global objectives in local, regional, or national projects.
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The timeline varies depending on the scope and complexity of the project. After initial consultations, we provide a detailed project plan with milestones and timelines.
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You can contact us through the inquiry form on our website or by email. We aim to respond to all inquiries within two business days.