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Azerbaijans emerging as a laboratory of urban innovation Localizing contemporary city planning approaches and strategies for a

Ramil Jahangirov

Moderator

date November 5, 2024 | 13:00 - 14:30
place
Multipurpose room 20
organization
The State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
country
Azerbaijan
language
English
Reference: 
NE 20-01

Summary

Urban planning plays a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable recovery in post-conflict contexts by addressing the social, economic, and physical needs of displaced populations returning to their areas of origin. This networking event will showcase examples of recently drafted city plans and ongoing reconstruction projects that are having a tangible impact on the recovery of war-torn areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Amidst the many nations grappling with the aftermath of conflict and the complexities of urban reconstruction, Azerbaijan stands out as a unique case study. In 2021, it embarked on the ambitious rebuilding of a dozen destroyed cities and hundreds of rural settlements that were razed to the ground in the west of the country. This included the construction of new physical infrastructure and required public services. This extraordinary opportunity has positioned Azerbaijan as a "live" laboratory for urban innovation—a testing ground for pioneering environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive approaches. In partnership with some of the most inspiring international urban planning and design experts, Azerbaijan is forging new paths. This unparalleled experience may not only showcase inspiring new ideas and lessons for countries navigating similar reconstruction journeys but also offer valuable insights and innovative solutions toward sustainable urban development strategies worldwide.
The event will delve into the transformative potential of inclusive urban planning, emphasizing the need for cities to be built for people, promoting diversity, justice, and inclusivity. Panelists and participants will be asked to share thoughts on the relevance and applicability of "smart cities" approaches, the affordability and competitiveness of renewable energy sources and greener construction materials, and ultimately what will be the most critical socio-economic and well-being factors that will help to create a thriving community and retain returnees in their newly designed settlements.
The speakers’ panel will be moderated by a senior staff member of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture (SCUPA), responsible for overseeing all urban planning activities in the country. The proposed panel is deliberately diverse and includes a high-level regional government representative from the ancient city of Shusha, considered the cultural capital of the country, and two international urban planning consultants who have been hired by SCUPA to develop master plans for towns in the so-called Liberated Areas, and a young architect from an Azerbaijani design firm. Following their presentations, the moderator will engage the panelists in a conversation about the importance of community engagement for the formulation of practical urban design solutions that can bridge the gap between urban specialists, communities, and policymakers in enhancing community cohesion and shaping the future of post-conflict urban settlements.

Objectives

The main aim of the proposed event is to provide a platform for the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and innovative ideas developed over the past two years by decision-makers, technical experts, and practitioners engaged either in the planning process or in monitoring the implementation of local plans contributing to the ongoing post-conflict recovery of the liberated areas.
Speakers will share their thoughts on which factors will be the most critical in ensuring the long-term socio-economic sustainability and community cohesion of these newly designed and built settlements, in relation to regional security and stability, progress of the ongoing clearance of landmines, upskilling of returnees and new economic opportunities, mobility, housing and land rights, access to basic services, urban-rural linkages – and ultimately contribute to Azerbaijan’s commitments towards the New Urban Agenda and SDG11. Practitioners will be asked to elaborate on what visual, cultural, social, and environmental qualities contribute to (re)create a “sense of place” and enhance the distinctiveness between newly-built settlements through design solutions that are context-specific and responsive to community needs. Speakers will engage the audience on how urban design can help to generate the essence of a vibrant and prosperous community that will appeal to young and older generations of returnees, new and traditional businesses, visitors, and prospective tourists.

Session panelists

Panelist
Role
Organization
Country
Mr. Aydın Karimov
Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district
The office of the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district
Mr. Toghrul Bayramov
Co-founder
BuroMuhit
Ms. Marcelina Zielinska
Director
Chapman Taylor
Ms. Dunja Kovári-Binggeli
Founding Partner
sa_partners