Baku, May 14, AZERTAC

Modern cities are undergoing a period of profound transformation driven by the need for territorial recovery, the transition to sustainable development, and the rethinking of traditional models of urbanization. At the center of the discussion are new approaches to urban planning, including the concepts of polycentric and human-centered cities, the development of local infrastructure, and the reduction of carbon emissions.

In an interview with AZERTAC, Franco-Colombian urbanist, professor, member of the French Academy of Technologies, and author of the “15-minute city” concept Carlos Moreno answers questions on the future of sustainable urban development.

— Azerbaijan is currently implementing large-scale reconstruction and development projects in Garabagh, including the construction of new cities, infrastructure, as well as smart and sustainable communities. Do you believe this experience could serve as a model or source of practical lessons for countries that have experienced conflict and destruction?

— Yes, absolutely. In fact, today we need to develop new paradigms for the 21st-century urban planning in order to rebuild territories. Many cities, especially in the 20th century, were built around the principles of long distances, lengthy commutes, excessive urban density, and spatial segregation. In the 21st century, we now have the opportunity to rethink and redesign our cities from the ground up.

That is why my recommendation is to rely on the concept of polycentric cities, to develop new centers of activity, and to create more services in close proximity to where people live. On the one hand, this would help reduce the CO₂ carbon footprint, while on the other; it would improve quality of life. The accessibility of services near residential areas encourages the creation of more green public spaces, local jobs, local commerce, cultural activities, schools, educational and healthcare services, as well as spaces for diverse social interaction.

Today, this paradigm represents one of the most important goals of modern urban planning — the transition toward more sustainable cities, the development of low-carbon mobility, walking, cycling, public transportation, and the creation of human-centered urban environments. This is precisely what should be our priority today. And in the context of rapid urban development — whether in Azerbaijan or in the new districts of Baku — it is critically important to apply a new approach to designing more people-oriented cities.

— The World Urban Forum (WUF13) will become a major international event for Azerbaijan. In your opinion, what could hosting WUF13 in Baku mean for Azerbaijan in terms of international image, professional exchange, and the future of urban development?

— The World Urban Forum is the largest urban development gathering in the world. Every two years, the international community of people passionate about urban development comes together to discuss, exchange experiences, cooperate, and shape new research paradigms.

The presence in Baku, for an entire week, of the international urban community working within the framework of the United Nations in the fields of urban development and housing is of enormous importance. The General Assembly of UCLG — United Cities and Local Governments — the world’s largest organization of local governments, will also take place. This is truly a major gathering of mayors of leading megacities, regional leaders, and local government representatives.

In addition, the launch of the World Urban Forum Academy will take place — a new initiative aimed at engaging the academic community, researchers, and students. Peer-to-peer meetings dedicated to professional exchange among participants will also be organized.

I believe this is an exceptional moment to provide Baku with international visibility and to position the city as a global platform capable of hosting this large community of people committed to urban development.

— How do you assess the role of architecture and urban planning in shaping a country’s international image, considering that Azerbaijan in recent years has actively positioned itself as a venue for global events and urban initiatives?

— Today, the role of architects, urban planners, architecture, and urbanism is among the most significant in the world in terms of transforming cities. We are living in an era of global transition toward new economic and business models. Humanity is facing the global threat of climate change, and cities are at the center of these transformations. We must ensure a genuinely higher quality of life in our urban environments.

Architecture and urbanism today are key instruments for changing our traditional way of life. I hope that during this week in Azerbaijan we will have an excellent opportunity to hear about various global practices — from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe — and to exchange different perspectives.

Of course, the needs of South America, where I was born, are not entirely the same as those of Europe or Asia. Nevertheless, we need to build broader global convergence in approaches to urbanism and architecture. We must create better interaction and a shared vision for 21st-century urbanism and architecture in order to navigate the current transitional period as effectively as possible.

— Speaking about the future of cities in the South Caucasus, what role do you believe Azerbaijan can play in shaping a new regional standard for sustainable urban development?

— Sustainable urban development is absolutely essential today for every region of the world, and sustainability includes three key components. The first is the environmental model aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of cities and preserving biodiversity.

The second aspect is positive social impact. We must create mixed urban communities, integrate various services, and provide people with closer access to healthcare, food, water, sanitation, education, and culture.

The third aspect is economic development. We need to foster more dynamic local economies, strengthen short economic supply chains, use local raw materials, develop local expertise, and create local added value. These three elements — environmental, social, and economic — form the foundation of sustainability.

— Azerbaijan places significant emphasis on sustainable development and the green transition. To what extent is the architectural sector today truly capable of influencing the national environmental agenda?

— In Azerbaijan, across Asia, Europe, and other regions, it is necessary to give the development of the architectural sector extremely high priority within new environmental and urban policies.

I believe that for the national government of Azerbaijan, managing the transition from fossil fuels to green development requires a strong strategy built around three time horizons.

The first is the short-term perspective needed to respond to current crises. The second is the medium-term perspective, covering the next three to six years, aimed at strengthening urban and territorial development through tactical urbanism, as well as local and regional planning. The third is the long-term perspective. A long-term plan is a strategy designed for 10, 15, or 20 years ahead.

It is absolutely essential to define the key directions that will guide these transformations, especially regarding the transition from fossil-based energy to green energy. And I believe it is a very positive sign that the national government has an environmental agency overseeing this transition through three levels of planning: short-term, medium-term, and long-term.

_{Author – Tamilla Mammadova}