Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 addressed through contemporary urbanism theme at UPC Academic Forum

Having recognized that need, drove the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) to proactive developing its own academic modules to catch up with the fast pace of development in urban planning disciplines.

The 'Contemporary Urbanism Forum' that was recently concluded at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) provided selected public and private sector delegates a summary to the subject of urbanism providing practical utility and addressing the principles of effective contemporary urbanism and also highlighting the themes of 'Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan', a comprehensive plan for the development of the Emirate.

Participants from Abu Dhabi's real estate and property industry heard firsthand how some of the world's renowned urban planning professionals and academics have revolutionized the industry during the first of inaugural three urban forums organised by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) in the UAE capital.

"In Urban Planning, education is a vital means for planners to meet upcoming challenges. In its academic role, UPC is to function as an innovative ground out of which will be designed adequate city environments with genuine values in order to enhance the life of its people," said HE Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager of the Urban Planning Council (UPC).

"The emirate has embarked upon a proactive urban planning agenda - Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 - in order to guide and shape upcoming public and private organisations to be consistent with a well articulated vision not only for the city but for rural settlements, natural and agricultural areas throughout the emirate."

The 'Contemporary Urbanism Forum' is part of a series of three 3-day events which will eventually highlight key industry related topics. The second runs until 14 October 2008 at ADNEC followed by the year's final forum on 11-13 November.

"The forum essentially provides the most progressive academic views on specified topics as well as a practical professional perspective from the industry's best practitioners," said Jamal Al Hosani, UPC Executive Director.

"The program offers a holistic view of the city and the key dimensions that are at play for its success. It also illustrates the typical civic agenda being pursued by cities who aspire for excellence providing awareness about UPC's intention to bring together both the public and private sector to implement the plan."

Academics from several distinguished universities as well as professionals in direct practice from the University of British Columbia, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Manitoba were brought together by Professor Larry Beasley, C.M., Special Advisor on city planning to the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.
In addition to group project workshops sessions, the first forum covers topics such as 'Elements of a Successful City', 'History of Cities and Their Evolution', 'Practices of City Planning and Development Management', 'The City as a Region or Ecological Unit', 'The Competitive City', 'Sustainability of the City'.

The second forum will focus on 'Urban Design of the City', 'Shaping of the Inner City', 'Management of Sprawl Through Community Design', 'Transportation in the City' while the last event will discuss previously debated topics as well as interview participants who are graduating. Certificates of merit will be handed out a special investiture ceremony.

"Education is creating the true momentum for progress in our country and UPC's objective is to promote a new generation of urban planners who will be able to discern their communities' needs by understanding their national identity," added Al Ahbabi.