Current speed of redevelopments in Arbil is showing that might be possible.
What is megacity? What are the ingredients of a megacity?
A great Metropolis is in making; By 2020 Arbil could be well above 10 Million populations with parts of it that never sleeps.
Building for the future, developers are busy building tall buildings across the city.
Little attention is made in quality of these buildings; they are using antiquated methods that are long abandoned in Europe.
Kurdistan needs to look at steel structure as an alternative, its fast and efficient and in long run economically more viable.
It is essential that we do not make mistakes now, there are skyscrapers planned in Arbil. 7 of them in one location in Golan street Arbil.
3 shorter ones are already well on the way in the same area.
Number of them is under construction around the city.
No attention is being made to the Skyline at all, It will be an essential steps by the city planners to consider long term in Arbil's skyline: what is going to look like in 10 years time.
Mistakes that were made in London Skyline around St.Pauls in the 60’s and seventies should not be repeated here.
In Arbil in Particular around Citadel we should be very careful, there is a new rule in place, existing master plan is paving the way for existing City Municipality building to be taken down near the citadel, this is good news.
We still need to look at the Nishteman shoping area and existing constructions nearby to keep them at low level structure, including few badly constructed concrete structure around the citadel
Paris is a good example to learn from to keep tall and large construction away from the centre of the city.
All other cities in KRG, Sulaymani, Duhuk and Kalar are all going through a major transformation. This is the case with disputed cities such as Kerkuk.
Kerkuk is now starting to take shape, we need to learn from the mistakes in the capital (Arbil) to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Friday 2 March 2012
Thursday 17 March 2011
Urban regeneration in Kurdistan region March 2011
Urban regeneration in Kurdistan region March 2011
We are now in 6th year of this major redevelopment in the Kurdistan region.
Record number of properties have been built, some very substandard and some with very little attention to its longevity, using low quality material that shortens the life of the building.
This low level of quality control will be a major issue in construction industry in 10 to 15 years time; this is becoming more crucial as we witness more collapsed building in the Capital Arbil.
Most private housing development in Kurdistan are focused on maximum profitability and very little attention have been made to long term life of the building, neither proper insulation nor central heating system is considered for new build properties.
Renewable and green energy resource are base for our future energy consumption, there is no doubt in this fact, we need to start this policy without any delay, we cannot continue burning carbon to generate electricity.
Green alternative source to generate electricity is more cost effective and cleaner for our land long term, every new house that we build in Kurdistan can be self sufficient on most of its use, and we will reduce our carbon footprint as well as relaying less on national grid that is scares and limited.
We are now in 6th year of this major redevelopment in the Kurdistan region.
Record number of properties have been built, some very substandard and some with very little attention to its longevity, using low quality material that shortens the life of the building.
This low level of quality control will be a major issue in construction industry in 10 to 15 years time; this is becoming more crucial as we witness more collapsed building in the Capital Arbil.
Most private housing development in Kurdistan are focused on maximum profitability and very little attention have been made to long term life of the building, neither proper insulation nor central heating system is considered for new build properties.
Renewable and green energy resource are base for our future energy consumption, there is no doubt in this fact, we need to start this policy without any delay, we cannot continue burning carbon to generate electricity.
Green alternative source to generate electricity is more cost effective and cleaner for our land long term, every new house that we build in Kurdistan can be self sufficient on most of its use, and we will reduce our carbon footprint as well as relaying less on national grid that is scares and limited.
Monday 26 April 2010
Kurdistan and environmental policy
Kurdistan region has gone through a major transformation beyond anyone could imagine 20 years ago, Parwez has been continuing his research on the impact of Urban regeneration in Kurdistan on society, his frequent trips to Kurdistan since 2008 to deliver series of lectures on the same topic at the University of Saladin and university of Kurdistan both in Kurdish Language and in English for the none Kurdish audience in Kurdistan.
In October 2009 Parwez visited Kurdistan with view to document the changes, in his seminar images of Arbil, Sulaymani, Kerkuk,Koya, Dehuk and Sharazoor/Halabja has been shown, with emphases of the change.
Environmental impact on the land and people is being examined.
People of Kurdistan are aware of this challenge, it will need more discussion in all levels, government have introduced number of measures, but its far from being adequate. Parwez will be examining at new legislation introduced by the new Administration.
2008.
In addition the environmental policy of the Government has been reviewed Parwez says” one thing I am certain that there is a will by the residents of all these cities to make life better and more prosperous” .Cleaner, healthier living and greener policy can help our cities to look and feel better to live in.
Biography:
Parwez Zabihi is from Kurdistan (East) his family originally from Bookan province of Kurdistan. Parwez have lived and worked in the UK since 1986, studied fine arts at Central St. Martin School of Arts and later finished his postgraduate studies at Central School of Speech and Drama, with particular emphases on European philosophy.
He is currently has a second home and studio in Cologne and teaches in Urban Regeneration as visiting lecturer.
His passion is beauty of landscape in particular Kurdistan, he has been researching the development of the Kurdistan region since 1992, his research focuses on processes of National and regional changes both in society and in landscapes, paying particular attention both geographically and historically to the area that have witnessed major changes both politically and socially since the collapse of Iraqi regime.
He is currently writing series of article on environment and its impact on society, long term planning on energy.
To be published in November 2010 Parwez is writing a Guide to Business Travelers in Kurdistan this is being published by Stacey International publishing in the UK in English.
He is also a contributor to a new book on Kurdistan ‘a nation emerges’ due to be printed in spring 2010..
He is back in Kurdistan following a lecture at University of London organised by the Kurdish Student society at SOAS( School of oriental and African studies).
In October 2009 Parwez visited Kurdistan with view to document the changes, in his seminar images of Arbil, Sulaymani, Kerkuk,Koya, Dehuk and Sharazoor/Halabja has been shown, with emphases of the change.
Environmental impact on the land and people is being examined.
People of Kurdistan are aware of this challenge, it will need more discussion in all levels, government have introduced number of measures, but its far from being adequate. Parwez will be examining at new legislation introduced by the new Administration.
2008.
In addition the environmental policy of the Government has been reviewed Parwez says” one thing I am certain that there is a will by the residents of all these cities to make life better and more prosperous” .Cleaner, healthier living and greener policy can help our cities to look and feel better to live in.
Biography:
Parwez Zabihi is from Kurdistan (East) his family originally from Bookan province of Kurdistan. Parwez have lived and worked in the UK since 1986, studied fine arts at Central St. Martin School of Arts and later finished his postgraduate studies at Central School of Speech and Drama, with particular emphases on European philosophy.
He is currently has a second home and studio in Cologne and teaches in Urban Regeneration as visiting lecturer.
His passion is beauty of landscape in particular Kurdistan, he has been researching the development of the Kurdistan region since 1992, his research focuses on processes of National and regional changes both in society and in landscapes, paying particular attention both geographically and historically to the area that have witnessed major changes both politically and socially since the collapse of Iraqi regime.
He is currently writing series of article on environment and its impact on society, long term planning on energy.
To be published in November 2010 Parwez is writing a Guide to Business Travelers in Kurdistan this is being published by Stacey International publishing in the UK in English.
He is also a contributor to a new book on Kurdistan ‘a nation emerges’ due to be printed in spring 2010..
He is back in Kurdistan following a lecture at University of London organised by the Kurdish Student society at SOAS( School of oriental and African studies).
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Urban regeneration in Kurdistan by Parwez Zabihi
A new Seminar organised by KSSO at SOAS on 4th December 2009 at 7.00pm http://www.ksso.org.uk/
Following first seminar in November 2008 at SOAS organized by KSSO , Parwez has been continuing his research on the impact of Urban regeneration in Kurdistan on society, he visited Kurdistan in October 2009 to deliver series of lectures on the same topic at the University of Salahaddin and University of Kurdistan both in Kurdish Language and in English for the none Kurdish audience in Kurdistan.
This time Parwez visited Kurdistan with view to document the changes, in this seminar images of Arbil, Slemani, Kerkuk,Koya, Dehuk and Sharazoor/Halabja will be shown, with emphases of the change since last year.
In addition the environmental policy of the Government will be reviewed Parwez says” one thing I am certain that there is a will by the residents of all these cities to make life better and more prosperous” .Cleaner, healthier living and greener policy can help our cities to look and feel better to live in.
Biography:
Parwez Zabihi is from Kurdistan (East) his family originally from Bookan province of Kurdistan. Parwez have lived and worked in the UK since 1986, studied fine arts at Central St. Martin School of Arts and later finished his postgraduate studies at Central School of Speech and Drama, with particular emphases on European philosophy.
He is currently teaches in Urban Regeneration as visiting lecturer both in Kurdistan and in Europe.
His passion is beauty of landscape in particular Kurdistan, he has been researching the development of the Kurdistan region since 1992, his research focuses on processes of National and regional changes both in society and in landscapes, paying particular attention both geographically and historically to the area that have witnessed major changes both politically and socially since the collapse of Iraqi regime.
He is currently writing series of article on environment and its impact on society, long term planning on energy.
To be published in November 2010 Parwez is writing a Guide to Business Travelers in Kurdistan this is being published by Stacey International publishing in the UK in English.
He is also a contributor to a new book on Kurdistan ‘on becoming of age’ due to be printed in spring 2010. He is writing 2 sections of the book, history of music in south Kurdistan and its current dynamics and Kurdish design in textiles and carpets both historically and current.
He has just returned from a 1 month trip in Kurdistan, delivering lectures across the Kurdish region.
Following first seminar in November 2008 at SOAS organized by KSSO , Parwez has been continuing his research on the impact of Urban regeneration in Kurdistan on society, he visited Kurdistan in October 2009 to deliver series of lectures on the same topic at the University of Salahaddin and University of Kurdistan both in Kurdish Language and in English for the none Kurdish audience in Kurdistan.
This time Parwez visited Kurdistan with view to document the changes, in this seminar images of Arbil, Slemani, Kerkuk,Koya, Dehuk and Sharazoor/Halabja will be shown, with emphases of the change since last year.
In addition the environmental policy of the Government will be reviewed Parwez says” one thing I am certain that there is a will by the residents of all these cities to make life better and more prosperous” .Cleaner, healthier living and greener policy can help our cities to look and feel better to live in.
Biography:
Parwez Zabihi is from Kurdistan (East) his family originally from Bookan province of Kurdistan. Parwez have lived and worked in the UK since 1986, studied fine arts at Central St. Martin School of Arts and later finished his postgraduate studies at Central School of Speech and Drama, with particular emphases on European philosophy.
He is currently teaches in Urban Regeneration as visiting lecturer both in Kurdistan and in Europe.
His passion is beauty of landscape in particular Kurdistan, he has been researching the development of the Kurdistan region since 1992, his research focuses on processes of National and regional changes both in society and in landscapes, paying particular attention both geographically and historically to the area that have witnessed major changes both politically and socially since the collapse of Iraqi regime.
He is currently writing series of article on environment and its impact on society, long term planning on energy.
To be published in November 2010 Parwez is writing a Guide to Business Travelers in Kurdistan this is being published by Stacey International publishing in the UK in English.
He is also a contributor to a new book on Kurdistan ‘on becoming of age’ due to be printed in spring 2010. He is writing 2 sections of the book, history of music in south Kurdistan and its current dynamics and Kurdish design in textiles and carpets both historically and current.
He has just returned from a 1 month trip in Kurdistan, delivering lectures across the Kurdish region.
Wednesday 3 June 2009
United Nation Climate Change Conference
In December 2009 the United Nation will be holding a conference on Climate Change, in this conference the world is aiming to reduce CO2 emission, some countries are aiming to become CO2 neutral.
Kurdistan region will need to look at this closely, reducing our own CO2 emission is the first step.
We can behave as if we are one of the signatory, it will cost the Kurdistan Government far less to become CO2 neutral than most countries in the world that are aiming to become one.
We are at the begining of development in the country, introducing new legislation to curb CO2 emission is far easier for Kurdish Government now rather than waiting to bring new laws in 10 or 20 years time.
Lesson learned today from developed countries where they have been destroying earth atmosphere with their wrong policies towrads environment, will help Kurdish Government to form better policies. For the first time there is an indication that new administration in the US will be signing some sort of commitment to reduce CO2 emission for the first time. This is good news all around how far can they succeed is another matter.
For us in Kurdistan region this process is far easier,I would like to see us to be in the forefront of Middle East, we have a unique opportunity to show the world that green policy does not have to be expensive and difficult.
"Scientists in the IPCC and other bodies suggest that to avoid severe environmental and human impacts, the rise in main surface temperature by the end of this century should be kept to less than 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels. This will require a switch to a low-emitting global economy and is a challenging, though achievable, goal. To reach it the world must define global emission reduction targets and associated national commitments for 2030 and 2050 and gradually reduce emissions to meet those targets"
This is a quote from www.combatclimatechange.org please visit their site it is most informative.
For further details on the United Nations Climate change conference please see this URL: http://unfccc.int/2860.php
more details are available on this URL: http://www.un.org/climatechange/
Kurdistan region will need to look at this closely, reducing our own CO2 emission is the first step.
We can behave as if we are one of the signatory, it will cost the Kurdistan Government far less to become CO2 neutral than most countries in the world that are aiming to become one.
We are at the begining of development in the country, introducing new legislation to curb CO2 emission is far easier for Kurdish Government now rather than waiting to bring new laws in 10 or 20 years time.
Lesson learned today from developed countries where they have been destroying earth atmosphere with their wrong policies towrads environment, will help Kurdish Government to form better policies. For the first time there is an indication that new administration in the US will be signing some sort of commitment to reduce CO2 emission for the first time. This is good news all around how far can they succeed is another matter.
For us in Kurdistan region this process is far easier,I would like to see us to be in the forefront of Middle East, we have a unique opportunity to show the world that green policy does not have to be expensive and difficult.
"Scientists in the IPCC and other bodies suggest that to avoid severe environmental and human impacts, the rise in main surface temperature by the end of this century should be kept to less than 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels. This will require a switch to a low-emitting global economy and is a challenging, though achievable, goal. To reach it the world must define global emission reduction targets and associated national commitments for 2030 and 2050 and gradually reduce emissions to meet those targets"
This is a quote from www.combatclimatechange.org please visit their site it is most informative.
For further details on the United Nations Climate change conference please see this URL: http://unfccc.int/2860.php
more details are available on this URL: http://www.un.org/climatechange/
Sunday 23 November 2008
Urban regeneration in Kurdistan,How green is the developer?
In 2009/2010 I will be presenting a seminar/lecture in the University of Kurdistan in Hawler as part of series of seminars/lectures that will cover the Urban Regeneration in Kurdistan.
I will be looking at the following areas both critically and constructively, pointing out existing projects that are taking to accounts areas that other developers need to learn and take notice.
Environmental impact of new urban development is one of the key strategies of any new project.
Responsible developer will need to take in to account what impact will it have on the immediate local area, both during the life time of the development and after it is handed over to the people.
What is its carbon footprint during development and after wards when people move in to the properties?
How environmentally friendly is the building, is installation both for winter and summer well considered.
How well plan is recycling and waste management of the site after it is fully occupied.
If electricity and water is supplied as part of the project, what is the long-term plan to join the National Grid when it is fully operational?How and who administer the services once is fully operational.
How well do the scheme take advantage of alternative energy generation from sun and wind for public spaces as well as individual buildings?
There are compelling evidence that once you have local population involved in developing the scheme, and have clear policy of inclusion in the project, the entire development is more successful and there will be a sense of belonging,ownership and pride by the people who occupy the properties.
In addition the environmental policy of the Government will need to be reviewed.
How committed are the people of Kurdistan?waste management at the moment in Kurdistan is a challenge,education on recycling is just starting.
Residents of Dehok,Hawler,Kerkuk and Slemani are beginning to understand the importance of recycling, currently the policy of waste management is at its infancy.
What can we learn from other cities that have gone down this road, what are the steps we need to take to reach that level.
I am sure there will be more to discuss, one thing I am certain that there is a will by the residents of all these 4 cities to make life better and more prosperous.
Cleaner and healthier living and more green can help our cities to look and feel better to live in.
I will be looking at the following areas both critically and constructively, pointing out existing projects that are taking to accounts areas that other developers need to learn and take notice.
Environmental impact of new urban development is one of the key strategies of any new project.
Responsible developer will need to take in to account what impact will it have on the immediate local area, both during the life time of the development and after it is handed over to the people.
What is its carbon footprint during development and after wards when people move in to the properties?
How environmentally friendly is the building, is installation both for winter and summer well considered.
How well plan is recycling and waste management of the site after it is fully occupied.
If electricity and water is supplied as part of the project, what is the long-term plan to join the National Grid when it is fully operational?How and who administer the services once is fully operational.
How well do the scheme take advantage of alternative energy generation from sun and wind for public spaces as well as individual buildings?
There are compelling evidence that once you have local population involved in developing the scheme, and have clear policy of inclusion in the project, the entire development is more successful and there will be a sense of belonging,ownership and pride by the people who occupy the properties.
In addition the environmental policy of the Government will need to be reviewed.
How committed are the people of Kurdistan?waste management at the moment in Kurdistan is a challenge,education on recycling is just starting.
Residents of Dehok,Hawler,Kerkuk and Slemani are beginning to understand the importance of recycling, currently the policy of waste management is at its infancy.
What can we learn from other cities that have gone down this road, what are the steps we need to take to reach that level.
I am sure there will be more to discuss, one thing I am certain that there is a will by the residents of all these 4 cities to make life better and more prosperous.
Cleaner and healthier living and more green can help our cities to look and feel better to live in.
Wednesday 5 November 2008
Urban regeneration In Kurdistan
Urban regeneration in Kurdistan
This seminar took place at SOAS( School of Oriental and African Studies) Thursday 6th November 6.00pm G2 Thornhaugh Street,Russel square,London WC1H 0XG.
In the past 5 years Hawler, Kerkuk and Slemani have gone through major change, in this seminar Pawrez Zabihi will be talking about what is happening, how these developments can improve, existing master plan or lack of it and bright future ahead. Range of photographs from Kurdistan is being shown on the day, we will be looking at google earth to see how these cities are growing beyond imagination. This seminar is beginning of range of new seminars that will be looking at these cities and other Kurdish cities in Kurdistan.
Organised by www.KSSO.org.uk
Sponsored by:
Chalak Salar( Kerkuk Productions)
and www.Cybotex.com
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