Capital 2030 In (First) Full Display at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council to Provide a Glimpse into Abu Dhabi of 2030
Major urban planning initiatives to be unveiled at Cityscape 2010
Abu Dhabi, April 15, 2010: The first ever life size model of Abu Dhabi's urban landscape as envisioned through Capital 2030 will be unveiled at this month's Cityscape event by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), the agency responsible for the future of the emirate's urban environment.
Measuring 23*17 metres the model marks a milestone moment for the economic, cultural, environmental and social aspirations of Abu Dhabi as it brings together in a single format all the various masterplans and components for one of the world's most ambitious urban development projects. To be displayed at the UPC's Cityscape stand, the model stretches from the Corniche on Abu Dhabi's main island to Shahama, Mussafah and Al Falah on the mainland and includes the islands of Saadiyat, Yas, Lulu, Reem and Sowwah, which have been earmarked as key development areas of Capital 2030.
"This UPC initiative was designed in order to share our wise leaders' grand vision with the people of Abu Dhabi and with the rest of the world. It is a visible demonstration of our commitment to deliver what we embarked upon three years ago when UPC was set up by Emiree decree. It will be a living, breathing model that will be constantly updated to reflect progress on the ground and serve as a great communication and promotional platform for all of Abu Dhabi's stakeholders," said His Excellency Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.
"It is with this objective in mind that the UPC has created the showcased model structure which will act as a fantastic visualisation tool and will help people really understand how the various pieces of the Capital 2030 puzzle seamlessly interact, relate and blend with each other to provide a truly unique living experience for future residents and visitors alike," Al Ahbabi added.
Its 1:2000 scale enabled the designers to include significant details of various existing landmarks such as the Emirates Palace and the Grand Mosque as well as some of the iconic projects under development including Sowwah Square, Masdar and the tower on Lulu Island.
The model will be surrounded by a selection of interactive digital totems which will enable the visitors to gain more insights into the framework plans for the Emirate and some of the more technical aspects of the UPC's work in creating a sustainable next generation Arab Capital. Detailed and interactive information on the 2030 urban structure framework plans for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia on these kiosks will present to the visitors a holistic impression of the scope of Vision 2030 urban development initiative for the entire Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Capital 2030 booth will provide visitors with an opportunity to look at all UPC's projects across the city of Abu Dhabi from the Corniche revitalisation project through to the North Wathba/South Baniyas masterplan. An interactive map for the Capital District will highlight the planning for each precinct, including details on the new stadium and Zayed University.
The kiosk for Al Gharbia will allow visitors to read about the principles that have guided the development of Al Gharbia 2030 framework plan. Facts and figures about the region will also be presented alongside. Similarly the kiosk for Al Ain 2030 will explain how the UPC is aligning the Al Ain Urban City Framework Plan with the Al Ain Regional Structure Framework Plan.
Besides rendering information on the three broad masterplans for Abu Dhabi Emirate, the UPC will also showcase information on other key development initiatives including street design and infrastructure, which will showcase the principles of the recently launched Urban Street Design Manual and highlights of some of the planned changes to make Abu Dhabi's street safer, more vibrant and pedestrian friendly.
One of the more technical kiosks, the Development Review section will introduce the new three-stream process for development review applications. The Neighbourhood Planning kiosk will be playing a video explaining how the UPC is using the traditional 'Fareej' style of neighbourhood design to create new ways of living to promote walking in lively, exciting neighbourhoods. The streamlined review process, and the web-based application system, will be on display at the stand to help developers better understand how to design and build innovative, sustainable communities by applying and adapting best international practices to local context and culture.
A dedicated kiosk for Estidama, the sustainability initiative managed by the UPC will provide a clear understanding of Estidama and the principles of the programmeme. It will present the full range of initiatives that will transform Abu Dhabi into a world-class sustainable capital city. Visitors can learn new information about the Pearls Rating Systems and the Communities and Buildings systems and the rating process.
Developers will also have the opportunity to interact with a virtual demonstration of the Abu Dhabi Development Code (zoning code), the City's regulatory framework for managing land use and development as per Plan Capital 2030. The Code, which regulates all types and scales of developments both existing and proposed, will ensure that Abu Dhabi's varied planning and livability initiatives as well Estidama programmes are well-connected and work together to create complete communities in Abu Dhabi.
With Geographic Information Systems (GIS) playing a critical role at the UPC enabling the planners to visualise how masterplans, infrastructure plans and developments will fit within the existing city fabric, an information booth for the same will also be present. GIS provides UPC with spatial planning capabilities which are vital for strategic decision making in regards to site selection for various planned projects.
"Our participation at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 was designed to provide our citizens with a full comprehensive set of information through tailored communication tools from presenting the futuristic vision of the UAE's capital to the world to a detailed perspective of all major planning and sustainability initiatives which illustrate the variety of urban development initiatives undertaken by the UPC".
"Our assigned objective is to constantly strive to reach new heights of excellence by introducing new concepts, technologies and innovations, and always remaining respectful of our proud Arab culture. It has been a life-enhancing journey, a travel littered with soul-discovering experiences, a distance yet still far from the final destination. But our horizon is clear, our directions chartered and our compass, Vision 2030, firmly guides our steps," concluded Al Ahbabi.