Conference highlights need for transformation and sustainability in urban development

The Q Tech Conference at Project Qatar yesterday underlined the need for transformation in urban planning while highlighting the latest trends and innovation in the urban development sector. Also, the panelists discussed during the conference the measures to transform industry with sustainable, offsite and digital solutions, contemplating on the means to integrate holistic approaches towards materialising urban development.
Addressing the conference on ‘Pedestrian mobility amid growing infrastructure demand for high speed and grade separated roads in urban centres’, Moen Azmi, executive director of Arab Engineering Bureau, noted that there is a need to ensure pedestrian mobility in urban areas amid the growing infrastructure demand for high-speed and grade-separated roads.
He said pedestrian mobility is important as it fosters vibrant public spaces, social interaction and economic vitality while making cities more livable and attractive places to work in and visit. "Also, it promotes walking while reducing carbon emission and generating economic benefits along with health and well-being, livability, urban revitalisation, multimodal integration, accessibility, social inclusion and tourism,” he said.
Underlining the need to have a proper strategy on developing pedestrian space, Azmi said inadequate pedestrian planning negatively affects urban life. Ahmed El-Essnawi, vice-president and Operations director, Parsons, discussed the possibilities of digital design for large-scale projects while analysing various methods.
Mona Noureldin Husen, deputy head of the Strategic Planning and Studies Unit at the Ministry of Municipality, shed light on the aspects of strategic development when building smart and sustainable cities. The presentation was on ‘The importance of holistic strategic development framework in creating smart and sustainable cities’.