I had the privilege of attending the ‘Circular Cities Summit 2.0’ (organized by Circular Cities Network) with Cracknell on 11th September 2024, at Conrad Hotel, Dubai.
The Summit focused on discussions about innovative and sustainable design & development practices in terms of circular cities designs to transform urban areas into sustainable, carbon neutral and zero-waste environments. As Dr. Ali Al Jassim said, ‘regenerate, rejuvenate and inspire’.
The 'Circular Cities' concept is based on three principles namely
- eliminating waste & pollution,
- circulating products & materials, and
- regenerating nature.
It calls for biophilic design practices to bring occupants closer to nature, biomorphic urbanism to integrate urban areas with nature, and emphasizes nature enhancement over 'greening' exercises.
The list of distinguished speakers included Circular cities network officials, HE Dr. Ali Al Jassim (President- CCN, Chairman - Society of Sustainability and Green Materials, Former Chairman - EGBC), Damian T. (DG – CCN,), Peter J. Kindel AIA ASLA RIBA (Cities & Climate Lead, CCM), Dr Bruno Marques (President, IFLA), Dr. Andrew S Gardner (Asso. Director of BC, Emirates Nature-WWF), Prof. Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul, PhD, LEED AP, GAC (Professor and Chair, Dept of Arch. Eng., UAE University), Dr. Bhakti More (CP & Professor, School of Design & Arch., Manipal Academy), Alberto Roncelli (3XN GXN), Ms. Huda Shaka هدى الشكعة (Director, Urban Strategy and Planning, Gehl), Ar. Jose Luis Cortes and many more.
Peter J. Kindel AIA ASLA RIBA presented ideas on scales of circularity & principles of biomorphic urbanism, instead of an urbanism isolated from nature.
Dr. Andrew S Gardner talked about Nature positive cityscapes form a UAE perspective.
Dr Bruno Marques talked about designing therapeutic landscapes, explaining how Māori ways of living are a perfect example of holistic living in harmony with nature.
Prof. Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul, PhD, LEED AP, GAC presented a detailed study of NOx air pollution, health impacts and nature based mitigation in urban areas.
Ayhan Tugrul discussed the idea of green steel.
It was attended by a diverse variety of professionals including urban planners, architects, engineers, environmentalists, landscape architects, policymakers, researchers, manufacturers and other professionals involved in sustainable city development.
Overall, a most fulfilling day filled with educational and enlightening sessions. Highly recommended to attend next time!
#circularcities #sustainability #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #CracknellDesign
