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8 Cool Ideas for U.S. Cities, Courtesy of the Dutch

BY JENNY XIE@CANONIND  An illuminated crosswalk designed to help drivers see pedestrians better.Photo via Lighted Zebra Crossing From Mondrian’s colorful, pared-down compositions to a bike- and weed-friendly culture, there’s a lot the Netherlands is known for. And recently, these cultural footings —as well as universal headaches like potholes and road safety—have inspired a number of innovative urban interventions around the country. We’ve gathered a handful below for inspiration—and pure amusement. 1. A bike traffic system that helps cyclists get all green lights A new bike traffic light system from Dutch company Springlab wants to make every urban cyclist’s dream come true. Flo uses sensors to detect riders’ speeds about 120 meters (or 400 feet) before a street traffic light and then displays symbols indicating whether they need to speed up (a hare), maintain the pace (a thumbs up), or slow down (a turtle) to make the next light. One Flo kiosk has been deployed in Utrecht, and there are plans to roll out a couple of more in the coming months. 2. Emoji as an architectural ornament Photos via Attika Architekten Goodbye gargoyles, hello smileys? Over in the Dutch city of Amersfoort, a brick mixed-use building now sports 22 emojis cast in white concrete on its facade. Love it or hate it, this is one architectural trick that perfectly encapsulates the current era. 3. “Self-healing” roads that fix their own potholes Shutterstock Modern cities are plagued by potholes. One Dutch materials scientist, Erik Schlangen at Delft University, thinks he may be able to defeat them. His team is currently developing “self-healing” asphalt—that is, asphalt embedded with tiny steel fibers so that when you run an electrical current over it with a huge magnet, the fibers heat up and fill in any small cracks that may be forming. According to his research, this type of asphalt would cost 25 percent more than traditional asphalt but last twice as long. It’s already being tested on a dozen different public roads around the country. 4. Building bridges out of cannabis hemp Eindhoven University of Technology It’s not the prettiest bridge out there, but it’s probably the world’s first and only one made entirely from biocomposite materials, namely cannabis hemp. Designed and built by a team of researchers and students in Eindhoven, the structure is made of hemp and flax fibers embedded in resin and covering a bio-based polymer core. The team, which has put 28 sensors in the bridge, will monitor the structure over the next year, studying its bounce and structural integrity. 5. Glowing crosswalks   Dutch company Lighted Zebra Crossing has a simple, effective way to help drivers see pedestrians better. Their glowing crosswalks replace the typical light-reflecting paint with illuminated lightboxes. The system is directly connected to the city’s streetlight system or solar panels and can be embedded right in the asphalt or pavers. 6. Turning city hall into a giant piece of art For the centennial of the Dutch art movement Di Stijl this year, the Hague commissioned artists Madje Vollaers and Pascal Zwart of Rotterdam-based Studio VZ to create a massive piece of artwork inspired by De Stijl’s most famous artist, Piet Mondrian, right on the facade of city hall. The 1995-built Richard Meier creation sure looks more ready to party with some color. 7. LED traffic lights for texting pedestrians Confronted with the reality of smartphone-obsessed pedestrians, the Dutch town of Bodegraven recently began a pilot project testing thin, colored LED light strips positioned at the end of sidewalks. Depending on their glow—red or green—the lights should be visible even to pedestrians with their heads down. 8. An endless circular runway?! Now, this is an idea that may never take off, but just entertain it for a second. According to Dutch scientist Henk Hesselink, who is working with the Netherlands Aerospace Centre, an “endless runway” with a 360-degree landing strip means planes can approach and takeoff from any direction without fighting against crosswinds. It would take up about a third of land typically reserved for airports and create more distributed flight paths (and more tolerable plane noise for residents in the area.)

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December 15, 2017 No Comments

The 10 most beautiful city halls in the U.S.

From historic towers to modern domes, here’s where governing happens – By Megan Barber If government work is characterized as bureaucratic and repetitive—if not slightly boring—the buildings that house local administrations are anything but. City halls across the United States are often located at the cultural and physical nexuses of urban centers, creating large gathering places for everything from celebrations to protests. These are some of the most beautiful—and interesting—structures in the city. Many city halls are historic. In places like New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, the architecture of each city’s town hall is representative of the particular milieu in which it was built. French Renaissance or Art Deco styles tell you not only when a building was constructed, but also the ideals to which cities aspired. City halls built in the 1960s and 1970s—like in Boston and Dallas—show a different aesthetic, and one that is frequently derided. And while some may quibble with the inclusion of a Brutalist masterpiece on a “most beautiful” list, we appreciate its diversity and creativity, to say nothing of the stunning geometry. Finally, there is also a handful of new city halls that show where government architecture is headed. Some are low-lying buildings made of limestone, while others are curving modern temples of glass and eco-friendly amenities. This varied list spans both architectural styles and timeframes, and we’ve prioritized buildings outside of Washington, D.C., in order to highlight lesser-known structures. Here, we present the 10 most beautiful city halls in the United States. Austin City Hall It’s easy to assume that the town halls of the U.S. are only characterized by grand towers and domes. But cities like Austin, Texas, have opted for new, modern designs that look drastically different than their counterparts. Designed by Antoine Predock Architects, the new Austin City Hall and Public Plaza use angles and horizontal lines to create a “warm informality” that’s miles away from the “suit-and-tie” city halls in the rest of the country. The building opened in 2004 and was built from Texas limestone. Other materials, such as copper, glass, and water, combine to create what the architects like to call the city’s living room. Buffalo City Hall As one of the largest city halls in the country, the Buffalo City Hall stands tall and imposing. Completed in 1931 by Dietel, Wade & Jones, the Art Deco building includes symbolic figures and decorations, many of which portray an industrial theme. According to the city, the architect and builders of Buffalo City Hall wanted “to accomplish in stone, steel, and glass what the ancient Greeks did in stone and timber,” hence the design’s columns and reliefs at the main entrance. This City Hall demonstrates two important aspects of the Art Deco movement: its emphasis on ornamentation and the practicality of its execution. For example, the building’s 1,520 windows all open inward so that the windows can be cleaned from the inside—essentially making window washers obsolete. San Jose City Hall In a sea of historic buildings, the San Jose City Hall is not only noticeable for its modern design but also because it’s likely the most expensive city hall in the country. Designed by architect Richard Meier and influenced by French architect Le Corbusier, the building opened in 2005 at a cost of $343 million. As the centerpiece of a seven-block redevelopment in the city, the City Hall consists of an 18-story office building, an exterior plaza, and below-grade parking. But the focal point of the project is a transparent domed main entry that serves as a modern take on the traditional domes of historic buildings. The rotunda was designed to be the public meeting place of the complex. Boston City Hall Curbed Boston acknowledges that Boston’s City Hall has been “an architectural punching bag since its completion in 1968,” with many calling it the ugliest building in the city. Kallmann, McKinnell & Knowles, then professors at Columbia, won an international competition to design the civic hub and chose a brutalist design over traditional towers. Without the ornamentation of Victorian or Beaux-Arts buildings, it’s easy to see why some might decry the building’s massive concrete as, well, not “pretty.” But we appreciate the Boston City Hall for its bold Brutalist charm. It takes guts to design a city hall like no other—a blocky, geometric design that while imposing, is also heroic. Brutalism may not please everyone, but the architectural style captured a moment in time, and, as such, Boston City Hall deserves recognition on this list. Los Angeles City Hall Completed in 1928 and designed by John Parkinson, John C. Austin, and Albert C. Martin, Sr., Los Angeles City Hall sits downtown and remains the center of government in the city. The 32-story building contains an imposing central tower built with concrete mixed with sand from each of California’s 58 counties. Art Deco in style, the tower rises high into the sky and features an open-air observatory on the 27th floor. A ziggurat sits on top, and the design was modeled after the Mausoleum of Mausolus in Turkey. It remained the tallest structure in Los Angeles until 1964. Dallas City Hall Plans for a new city hall in Dallas, Texas, had been in the works since the 1940s, but they didn’t come into fruition until after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. In an effort to revitalize Dallas’s reputation after the tragedy, the city launched the Goals for Dallas program which included new city and federal offices. The fifth iteration of Dallas’s City Hall opened in 1978, and the city tapped the renowned modern architect I.M. Pei to design the building. The result was concrete and angled structure that remains controversial today. Giant oval columns support an inverted pyramid of concrete and glass, and the building also provides shade during the hot summer months. Some dislike the concrete and somewhat austere aesthetic; others praise the building for its innovation and creativity. Milwaukee City Hall Built-in 1895 at a cost of $1 million, Milwaukee’s City

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November 1, 2017 No Comments

The Magnificent Rawat Fort

The grand and majestic Rawat Fort stands distinguished in the Potohar Plateau, just 18 km east of Rawalpindi on GT Road. Among many narratives about the etymology of the word “Rawat”, the most widely accepted is its derivation from the Arabic word ‘rebaat’ meaning ‘Sarai’ or a roadside inn. For many of the recent historians, the structure of the building resembles an inn more than a fort. It may have been built in the Ghaznavid era, and then later on used as a roadside inn by ‘Salateen-e-Delhi. Its fortification happened in the 16th century, by the local Gakhar ruler Sultan Sarang Khan, an appointee of the Great Mughal Empire against Afghan king Sher Shah Suri. The region has been a battle place between the Gakhar chief and Sher Shah Suri, and resultantly offered the place for graves of the local knight and his two sons. The two entering gates and a quadrangular building with a dome serve a splendid look to the visitors. A conservation plan has been devised by the government to extract the genuine beauty of this dignified tourist spot. Documented By:Khurram FaridPrincipal Planner @ SeherSaaz.com

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October 1, 2017 No Comments

Census 2017 and New Challenges for Pakistan

Provisional reports of the sixth census are out for public consumption, which is positive news whatsoever. It is a constitutional obligation to be conducted after every ten years. This time it took almost two decades but finally conducted on the intervention of the apex court. We welcome this development and hope for its continuation at regular intervals, as it leads to fresh, agile, and vibrant policymaking. The results that have surfaced in this census report are something to raise eyebrows. Since the last census, in 1998, the country has witnessed a 57 percent hike in its population, with the current number at almost 208 million, becoming the world’s fifth-most populous country with India, China, the USA, and Indonesia at top of the list. The country’s rate of population growth is a 2.4% increase on annual basis, which is amongst the highest in all the developing countries. These figures demand a serious response from those involved in policy-making because when it is viewed with another figure of Pakistan’s number at Human Development Index, it becomes frightening, the country is ranked 147th in HDI, and that is amongst lowest in the region. According to a census report, 60pc of the population is below 30 years of age, while there are fewer economic opportunities available. This youth bulge was once called a ray of hope for the country, but recently they are being attributed as a bomb that can explode anytime in the future unless dealt with planning and wisdom. Another striking feature this census has revealed is the massive urbanization that has taken place in the last two decades. This huge but unplanned shift in the population can be damaging for society. And the result is obvious in terms of deteriorating living conditions in almost all the big cities of Pakistan. This demographic change is a great challenge for all the stakeholders including government and private institutions responsible for urban planning.The right approach to this census would be to prioritize this subject on our policy preferences. As the political wrangling getting even worse, it becomes individual responsibility to respond to the situation. Although it’s late we should think about population control before it’s too late. The country would look more pleasant if we adjust to the scarce resources we have got. Khurram Farid Published July-September Edition of IPP Newsletter

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September 1, 2017 No Comments
Sheher Saaz

25+ Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

By: Khurram Farid Principal Planner Sheher Saaz London UK Offsetting your unavoidable CO2 emissions is a practical and immediate way to take ownership of your personal contribution to climate change. With Sheher Saaz London, we’re addressing global economic inequality too. Offsetting also reveals both the need for cleaner energy sources and opportunities for reducing your carbon footprint. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint From Driving Alternatives to driving. When possible, walk or ride your bike in order to avoid carbon emissions completely. Carpooling and public transportation drastically reduce CO2 emissions by spreading them out over many riders. Drive a low carbon vehicle. High mileage doesn’t always mean low CO2 emissions. All vehicles have an estimated miles-per-gallon rating. Electric cars emit no CO2 if they’re charged with clean electricity. If you don’t charge it with your home’s solar panels AND live somewhere in following states of USA, WY, MO, MO, WV, or KY you’re BETTER OFF with a hybrid or high-mileage gas/diesel car. After incentives and gas savings, it essentially costs nothing to switch to an electric car like the the Nissan Leaf. Get a hitch-mounted cargo rack. Don’t buy a minivan or SUV if you don’t need 4WD and/or will only occasionally need the extra space. A receiver hitch and a rack only cost a few hundred bucks. Avoid roof-top boxes, which cost much more, increase aerodynamic drag, and decrease fuel economy. Driving style. Speeding and unnecessary acceleration reduce mileage by up to 33%, waste gas and money, and increase your carbon footprint. Tire inflation and other tuning. Properly inflated tires improve your gas mileage by up to 3%. It also helps to use the correct grade of motor oil, and to keep your engine tuned, because some maintenance fixes, like fixing faulty oxygen sensors, can increase fuel efficiency by up to 40%. Avoid traffic. Being stuck in traffic wastes gas and unnecessarily creates CO2. Use traffic websites and apps and go a different way or wait. Misc. Combine errands to make fewer trips. Remove excess weight from your car. Use cruise control. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint From Air Travel General. Until petroleum-based aviation fuel is replaced, you should avoid flying when possible, fly less frequently, fly shorter distances, and fly economy class. Leisure Air Travel. Take fewer and longer vacations that are far away, and more frequent and driveable “staycations” closer to home. Work Air Travel. Increase your use of video-conferencing tools like Skype and Facetime. What class? Economy class is best, for the same reasons as carpooling and public transportation. Each flyer’s share of a flight’s carbon emissions is relatively less because it’s spread out over more people. That’s Economy class. When Prince William flies economy class, he’s leading by example. Then there’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al-Saud, or the Sultan of Brunei, who buy entire economy-size planes and convert them into flying palaces. Don’t fly on private jets. Fly first or business class if you must, because at least those seats always fill up anyway, and avoid private jets, including services like NetJets and XOJET. Don’t buy a Honda. HondaJet, that is. Their cars are fine, though. Don’t be a space tourist. Watch NOVΛ on PBS instead. Richard Branson’s “spaceline” Virgin Galactic seeks to right the injustice that “most of our planet’s seven billion people have had no opportunity to experience space” and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin promises “life-changing views” of what’s left of our planet. Reduce Your Home Energy Carbon Footprint Insulate and seal your home. Reduce drafts and air leaks with caulk, insulation, and weather stripping. Many states offer programs and incentives to facilitate this, and a great example is Energy Upgrade California. Appliances. Make energy efficiency a primary consideration when choosing a new furnace, air conditioning unit, dishwasher, or refrigerator. Products bearing the ENERGY STAR label are recognized for having superior efficiency. Lighting. Turn off lights you’re not using and when you leave the room. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED ones. Thermostat. Don’t set it too high or low. Install a programmable model to turn off the heat/air conditioning when you’re not home. Solar. Add solar panels to the roof of your home. This costs a little more than the above options, but many providers offer financing options which minimize upfront costs. Two examples are SolarCity and SunRun. If you live in a state with a Net Metering law, you could eliminate your electricity bill or even earn money by selling electricity back to the grid. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint From Food Eat locally-produced and organic food. It has been estimated that 13% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions result from the production and transport of food. Transporting food requires petroleum-based fuels, and many fertilizers are also fossil fuel-based. Cut the beef and dairy. It takes a lot of resources to raise cows, and it’s especially bad if you buy beef from somewhere like Brazil, where it was grazed on land that used to be tropical forest but was cleared for agricultural use. Deforestation is a top contributor to carbon emissions and thus climate change. Avoid Robert Mugabe’s Birthday Party. This year attendees will be feasting on two elephants, two buffalo, two sables, five impalas and a lion. What a sad day in Zimbabwe for both food sustainability and economic inequality. Other Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Water usage. Lower the amount of energy used to pump, treat, and heat water by washing your car less often, using climate-appropriate plants in your garden, installing drip irrigation so that plants receive only what they need, and making water-efficient choices when purchasing shower heads, faucet heads, toilets, dishwashers and washing machines. Reuse and recycle.  It has been estimated that 29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions result from the “provision of goods,” which means the extraction of resources, manufacturing, transport, and final disposal of “goods” which include consumer products and packaging, building components, and passenger vehicles, but excluding food. By buying used products and reselling or recycling items you no longer use, you dramatically reduce your carbon footprint from the “provision of goods.”

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August 10, 2017 No Comments

Urban Resilience Summit

Urban Planner, from July 24 – 27, we’re convening the largest ever group of urban resilience practitioners. This is an important moment for every city, as leaders from across our community come together to generate solutions to critical urban challenges. These solutions impact all of us — and that’s why I’m asking for your input today. Send a digital postcard to the Urban Resilience Summit today and tell us what resilience means for you and your city. Our work could impact every city — yours, mine, and cities that haven’t even been built yet. The summit will bring together leaders from across the resilience community to create solutions, share knowledge, and continue planning for a more resilient future. Urban Planner, that future is for all of us, which is why we need your input. Your postcard will be shared with urban resilience leaders from around the world — to spur ideas, innovation, and creativity. Help spark and inspire the next idea to make our cities more resilient. But the Summit is coming up fast. Send your postcard today to make sure we get it in time for the Summit: http://100resilientcities.org/postcard Thank you for your participation, Michael BerkowitzPresident, 100 Resilient Cities@berkmic

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July 11, 2017 No Comments

RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2017

The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the planning industry. They highlight exceptional examples of planning and celebrate the contribution that planners and planning make to society. The Awards will be presented at a formal ceremony on 15 June 2017, at Milton Court in Central London. For the first time ever there will be no cost to enter the Awards, it is completely FREE to everyone that would like to send through a submission. Entries are NOW OPEN Deadline: Midnight (GMT), Friday 9 December 2016 View our ‘How to Win Guide‘ for tips on how to put your submission together. For further information on entering the awards please contact awards@rtpi.org.uk Don’t forget to send us a tweet and let us know how your awards entry is coming along @rtpiplanners #RTPIAwards. If you are interested in sponsoring one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the industry please click here. View this Years Judging Panel How to Enter 1.    Select your category from the list below2.    Read the guidelines (below each category)3.    Complete the entry form4.    Create your submission following the instructions in the guidelines5.    Download and complete the image reference sheet6.    Post us a USB/Memory stick containing; A PDF copy of your submission, up to 5 high-resolution images (in addition to what is included in your submission, used for marketing purposes), a PDF copy of your image reference sheet PLUS two hard A3 copies of your submission The deadline for submitting the electronic entry form is Midnight (GMT) on 9 December. The deadline for receipt of the memory stick and hardcopy submissions is 4 pm on 16 December. The electronic entry form will help us match each entry to the right submission. You don’t have to attach your submission or images to the entry form. The submission should be posted to us on a memory stick and as hard copies. The 2017 Categories Project Categories: Excellence in Planning for Heritage Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment Excellence in Planning for Well-being Excellence in Planning to Create Economically Successful Places Excellence in Planning to Deliver Housing Excellence in Planning for the Innovative Delivery of Infrastructure (new!) Excellence in Plan Making Practice International Award for Excellence in Planning (excluding the UK and the Republic of Ireland) Project Categories Guidelines: International Award for Excellence in Planning Guidelines Project/International Award Entry Form: Image Reference Sheet Team Categories: Employer Award for Excellence Local Authority Planning Team of the Year Small Planning Consultancy of the Year Planning Consultancy of the Year Team Categories Guidelines Employer Award for Excellence Guidelines: Team/Employer Award Entry Form Image Reference Sheet People Categories: Young Planner of the Year RTPI Volunteer of the Year People Categories Guidelines: People Entry Form Image Reference Sheet The Silver Jubilee Cup Since 1997, the prestigious Silver Jubilee Cup is awarded annually to the entry judges to be the most outstanding from amongst the individual category winners. Thank You to our Sponsors Headline Sponsors Drinks Reception Sponsor: Category Sponsors: Small Planning Consultancy of the Year Excellence in Planning for Heritage Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment Planning Consultancy of the Year Excellence in Planning to Deliver Housing Young Planner of the Year Local Authority Team of the Year Excellence in Plan Making Practice Supporters: #RTPIAwards

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June 15, 2017 No Comments

Sahiwal Coal Power Plant- A View From a Different Angle

Prime Minister has inaugurated Sahiwal Coal Power Plant on Thursday, May 25, 2017, which will add 660 Megawatt of electricity to the system in the first phase. The same project is expected to produce a total of 1320 Megawatt after the completion of its second phase. In the given scenario of load shedding in the country, it is a step in the right direction. It will ease the pressure on the government and will help the masses to get rid of some intervals of power outages, if not all. But, the fact of the matter is that no country needs a blessing with a handful of hazards accompanied. Preference given to the coal-fired plants seems flawed when there are many tested other renewable energy sources present in the country. It’s all negative externalities that have received huge criticism from many corners, and that all sound quite rational. The foremost important aspect in this regard is that a research paper was issued by Oxford University’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment that heavily criticized the Japanese government for relying on coal power plants. Afterwards, local intellectuals also took on that policy and the ruling party faced the music. A similar reaction was witnessed when a coal plant in India, by Reliance Power, got Carbon credit from the United Nations. The prestigious organization received a global reaction for this act of misleading generosity. Now the question arises that if the rest of the world is discouraging the use of coal, on the basis of its environmental impacts, why is it being welcomed in Pakistan. Another significant factor in this specific case is that the coal for Sahiwal Power Plant is to be imported from Indonesia and South Africa, and will be carried all the way from Port of Karachi to Sahiwal through an existing dilapidated rail network. Now, every sane individual can well understand the impact it will cause on the atmosphere of all the areas this train will pass through, sulphur and lime are going to increase many folds. This means it is not just the site area that will be disturbed, but the atmosphere of the whole country is going to suffer at the hand of this new project. The technical superiority of the said venture, being told by official figures, is that it will use a super-critical coal power plant that decreases its carbon emission. But the fact is that the same technology was being used in Japan that was criticized by the researchers of Oxford University. And the same concept was in use in the case of India. But the environment-friendly circles know that this is just eye washing, the actual threat remains there even after this so-called super technology. So, it is of utmost importance to consider these elements while cherishing the fruits of this electricity generating project. Fortunately, Pakistan enjoys a very favourable position in the list of countries for its low carbon emission profile. The projects like this can bring down the image of the country in the comity of nations. There are many renewable sources that can be used as an alternative. The government should focus on solar, wind and hydropower, to provide people with increased and eco-friendly electricity. In recent years with the establishment of NEECA(National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) a new name of ENERCON and PEECA (Punjab Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) a great responsibility rest on them to discourage respective governments to not develop any such project which is a direct threat to our environment. Role of Planning Commission, Institute of Planners Pakistan and academia stands nowhere while selecting Sahiwal for such purpose. Remains of Harrapa site right at the heart of Sahiwal clearly dictate that the land around here is fertile for most agriculture corps of Pakistan. Agricultural products produced here are exported throughout Pakistan but also abroad. Cotton is used in textile mills. Beside Sahiwal is popular in the subcontinent for its animal breed and these animals are exported all over the world. While keeping in view these facts it is clear that this project may lighten some houses but sooner or later damages will be huge for some especially for the people of Sahiwal. Khurram FaridChartered Town PlannerSheher Saaz Pvt LtdEmail: k.farid@shehersaaz.com

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May 28, 2017 No Comments
Walledcitylahore

Which is the Oldest Gated Community of Pakistan?

So we all are just paranoid about gated communities in Pakistan. Ok, some might not, be but most are! Look at Karachi, people are just pooling in their hard-earned money just because Bahria Town spells luxury and security. So let me tell you about a gated community that spelt luxury and security to the people of Pakistan since 2000 BCE and that’s 4014 years to date! Want to know where it is? Welcome to Lahore! The Androon Shehar (Walled City) of Lahore has spelt security and prosperity to the indigenous population of South Asia even before 2000 BCE. Hailing as one of the oldest city, which still exists today, the wide expanse of Lahore has rendered Androon Shehar as another gated community but probably the mother of all gated communities. Even though the fortified walls cease to exist, the 12 gates of Lahore stand resolute declaring “here stands Lahore which is alive even today!” Those gates, 13 in total, are among those which had always awed me the most. Especially their names! For example one of them is Bhatti gate and with the mere mention of the name I can see my friend Bhatti standing there, then there is Lohari where I imagine the blacksmiths used to work, Yakki gate where… (I don’t want to imagine what people did there) and the Mochi gate where everyone would have been like “Cobbler Cobbler mend my shoe!” From my point of view, securing the city with a boundary wall had been a very good practice of bundling the people together and prevents the cities from expanding. A practice which, sadly, has ceased to exist!  Now Lahore is expanding like wildfire and Mother Nature is crying as people keep eating it away just to provide the rich with an opportunity to invest! So what can we do to make our Mother happy? Courtesy: Architect Imtiaz Alam

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April 10, 2017 No Comments

National Curriculum Review Committee for City and Regional Planning

The first meeting of the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) for City and Regional Planning (CRP) Discipline was held in Nov 2016 at Lahore. It was quite a useful and productive meeting, and the outcome was a draft curriculum for CRP, which is based on the input of the committee members during the discussion, and exclusively input from members for the assigned courses. The formatted draft curricula of CRP was shared with NCRC members for further review and working. The final meeting of HEC NCRC for City & Regional Planning was held at HEC Regional Centre, Lahore from March 20-22, 2017. All members reviewed the assigned courses in light of HEC requirements. Both the BS and MS courses are reviewed and were provided to the chair for further necessary checks before printing. Once adopted and printed these recommendations by NCRC, all CRP Institutes will implement them at their level.

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March 25, 2017 No Comments

HEC, PCATP and IPP visited Sheher Saaz

Institute of Planners Pakistan (IPP), Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) joint meeting was held on Wednesday, 21st of March at Conference Room of Sheher Saaz (Pvt) Ltd, 21 Dyal Singh Mansion 57 The Mall, Lahore. This meeting was also attended by representatives from different universities. Ms, Sadia Fazili Registrar PCATP from Karachi Ms Fariha A Ubaid NED University, Dr Amir Khan Member NCRC HEC from Peshawar, Dr Mohammad Idrees Director HEC from Islamabad, Dr Naeem Asghar from NUST, Dr Tariq Habib Malik Advisor Sheher Saaz Pvt Ltd, Mr Mubashar Hussain Secretary NCRC HEC Mr Mutahir Awan Member from UMT, Mr Aslam Mughal President IPP, Mr Khurram Farid General Secretary IPP, Dr Atif Bilal Aslam Joint Secretary IPP UET LHR, Mr Salman Mehfooz Finance Secretary IPP, Mr Muhammad Shoaib Member EC, Dr Atiq ur Rehman Member EC and HOD LCWU, Mr Umar Farooq Member EC, Mr Mehtab Qasim Member IPP & Member Election Committee IPP were the participants.

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March 21, 2017 No Comments

Annual General Meeting (AGM) of IPP

11 March 2017 – IPP Annual General meeting was held on March 11, 2017, at seminar Hall of University of Management and Technology Lahore. The meeting started with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Mr M. Umair. Mr Aslam Mughal opened the meeting by welcoming all the participants. He thanked Dr Fariha Tariq for providing a venue for the hosting of AGM of IPP. He highlighted the progress and developments regarding IPP strengthening and problems being faced by the Institute. He thanked Mr Nadeem Khurshid and other members of EC for their contribution during the last phase. He further mentioned that few changes in EC of IPP suggested by the last AGM, has brought a new life and IPP has progressed significantly over the past one year. Membership of the Institute has increased and crossed the benchmark of 100 valid members with the efforts of Mr Khurram Farid Bargatt, Mr Salman Mehfooz and Mr Rana Tahir. He said it’s the right time for the election on all seats. He further emphasized that during the last EC meeting it was proposed that two seats of IPP i-e president and the secretary-general will be filled by nomination/election and the rest of the seats will be filled through open election. He said in view of the wishes of the house election should be held through an open and fair environment. He told the house that according to the Bye-Laws of IPP any member of EC can only continue for two terms and he has already served for two terms hence he is not willing to continue any further. He stated that upholding the constitution is necessary for the organization. Mr Khurram Farid then presented the annual report to the house. He said IPP is the only officially recognized body of town planners working in Pakistan for the betterment and up-gradation of the profession. He informed that six meetings of EC were held at Lahore since the last AGM. IPP has also restarted its newsletter and already two volumes are in circulation. IPP has also redressed issues concerning planners and planning in the country. IPP along with the UET, LCWU, UET Peshawar and UMT organized and supported different events for the interaction among students, faculty and practising planners. He further said last year in August Eid Milan Party was organized by IPP with major support by LDA planners. A large number of planners attended this event. Vice-Chancellor UET also attended the event. Shields were presented to the planners who served IPP in various capacities. IPP also celebrated Habitat III, The New Urban Agenda and marked its contribution and efforts for the betterment of our cities. He further stated that all heads of departments of CRP institutes are co-opted as members of EC of the institute. Since then working on IPP has significantly improved. In Nov 2016, the secretary-general attended the National Curriculum Review Committee of HEC and recommended improvements in the CRP curriculum. He told the house that in the last AGM there were only 21 valid members and now it has reached the number of 100.  IPP has gained planners confidence since the change in EC of IPP during the last one year. He presented budget and audited reports which were approved by the house. Mr Aslam Mughal presented the two resolutions to the house that all posts of EC will be filled through open election thereby deleting earlier amendment of nomination/election and award of honorary membership for Master Degree holders in City & Regional Planning whose basic qualification is not BSc. CRP, till rules are modified. House agreed that election should be held through open election; Dr Shabih ul Hassan Zaidi raised the point that in the last EC Meeting it was decided to put resolution for the third term. House after discussion rejected with the majority. Planners can only hold two consecutive terms of IPP as per provisions of the constitution. Mr Aslam Mughal wished that the election process should be completed by the end of April and asked the house to nominate three persons for the election committee who are not contesting the election. House proposed and approved three names (Mr. Sheikh Rasheed Dr Obaid Ullah Nadeem and Mr Mehtab Qasim). House gave a big hand for the efforts of the current EC for the strengthening of IPP. Mr Sarwar Sandhu emphasized to the house that there is a dire need for an independent council of planners. Mr Aslam Mughal thanked the house for sparing precious time, especially planners who came all the way from Islamabad and Peshawar to attend this meeting.

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March 11, 2017 No Comments

Role of Governance on Urban Poverty: A case of Lahore

Role of Governance on Urban Poverty: A case of Lahore Author: Khurram Faird, Chartered Town Planner at SheherSaaz.comhttps://www.academia.edu/34657375/Role_of_Governance_on_Urban_Poverty_A_case_of_Lahore     INTRODUCTIONPoverty and economic development are linked historically. Over the years qualitative research on poverty is been carried out throughout the world and particularly in South Asian countries. Urban poverty somehow is not given proper attention. Due to this reason urban poverty has been at the bottom of priority list while deriving development policy framework in developing countries and particularly in Pakistan and adopting offset measures by giving focus on rural development.   Focus on urban poverty is as essential as well as focus on poverty in the whole country. Urban poverty has numerous dimensions, determinants & causes but distribution of social, management and economic resources in urban poverty reduction cannot be overlooked. Governance and urban poverty are directly related, it is acknowledged worldwide.   All poverty reduction efforts are ineffective due to bad governance and corruption increases to highest level in all poverty reduction projects. Hence consensus is developed that food governance practice is the key factor to address the poverty. According to several research studies, it’s agreed that urban poverty remained 20-40 percent since independence. In early years it was around 40 percent, in eighties it was around 20 percent and then it continued at 30 percent till date. Factors behind the persistence of lower level of poverty are large inflow of remittances, rise in per capita income and growth rate. However governance and urban poverty at the city level needed to be thoroughly examined.   Lahore, a provincial capital and second largest city in Pakistan, is considered to be second most populous urban areas in the world and is one of the largest cities in the Islamic world. Lahore has an estimated 10 million people living in the region. [Index Mundi (2015)].   Around 30 percent of the total area of Lahore falls into slums category; however several unregistered katchi Abadies and slums are not included. These slums are developed by urban poor, low income groups and rural to urban migrants who cannot afford proper housing in urban areas, they are also by product of social inequalities, political, economic, over population as well as government intervention. In Lahore a large number of slum dwellers are rural to urban migrants who moved for better living and urban facilities.   The crisis situation provides strong ground for this term paper. The main goal of this paper is to define factors of urban poverty in relation with governance at Lahore Metropolitan City. This term paper is comprised of five sections. First section is introduction of paper; Second section gives overview and theoretical framework of governance and urban poverty and also literate review. Third section defines type of data and the methodology. Fourth Section provides discussion and empirical results. Last section is about findings and conclusions.   GOVERNANCE AND URBAN POVERTYGovernance and urban poverty are current topics of economic social development in Pakistan. Many research papers have concluded that due to bribery public revenues are reduced and public expenditures are increased. Consequently it adds to fiscal deficits and create more problems for government to smoothly run its fiscal policy. Poverty and income inequalities increase do to corruption [Qureshi(1999)]. In Pakistan, urban poverty and management of infrastructure are never discussed with the issues of good governance.   Conceptual FrameworkSome researcher hesitate to differentiate between rural and urban poverty due to apprehension that such difference would eradicate one from taking into account of main factors of poverty.   Here are few importance characteristics of poverty in urban areas that must be understood and recognized. Politics, demography, socio-economic and governance have huge difference in application at rural and urban areas.   Moreover, up-to-date information on social development and poverty can be acquired by poverty assessment tool. Developing a poverty profile of Lahore will give a picture showing who is poor, their location, their standard of living, how many services they have, in this manner adding to the goals of poverty initiatives.   In literature no clear definition of urban poverty is given but broadly two methods are used: anthropological and economic analysis. Traditional definitions of economic are still used to substitutes for assessing human well being. By evaluating basic needs, consumption or income point is raised that there is possibility to cross examine the extent and depth of poverty between groups within metropolitan city or at different time frames for the same group. [Wratten (1995)]. ‘Poverty line’ is defined as the bare minimum income required to meet basic set of human needs.Defining poverty through economics has proved that it’s been easy to measure and has given a valuable device for better perception the variations of dispossession and reasons for urban poverty. Therefore I adopted income-related technique to assess urban poverty in this paper because it’s largely exercised variable for poverty. With the careful assessment & study of poverty in urban area is most vital variable to monitor the development of goals and objectives of urban poverty alleviation programs.   In development literature “good governance” or “governance” is widely used. Poor governance is declared as main reason for the poverty specifically in urban areas. Even international donor and financial institutions have linked their grants with initiatives of good governance adopted by any government.   Urban governance is not latest concept; it is linked with early human settlements. In the simplest definition of governance it highlight to stages; first one is the procedure of decision making and how it can be implemented. Good governance has many dimensions such as local city and district level governance, wide provincial and national governance, regional and international governance and large enterprises and corporate governance. It refers to how a county is managing its social and economic resources. Good governance requires monitoring of institutional infrastructure in the country, so that bureaucrats and politicians have the control to assess the common good, while preventing corruption and capricious action.   Good Governance according to World Bank (1992) is a public service that capable,

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February 20, 2017 No Comments

Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore Extension

Lahore Development UpdatesAllama Iqbal International Airport Lahore extension Project to start in March 2017.The Project will be constructed in 2 Phases.Phase 1 completion time: 18 MonthsThe Annual handling capacity will be increased from 4.5 million to 25 million passengers.The total gross area of extension: 325 000 square meters.There will be 31 Boarding bridges.A new underground multistory car parking will also be added providing car parks for 45 000 Cars with 2000 Motorcycles parking lots.The total cost of Extension: 60 Billion PKRSource : TYPSA Group , Pakistan Civil aviation authority #airports #lahore #allamaiqbalairport #architecture #extension #design #pakistan #development            

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January 26, 2017 No Comments

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Autodesk Revit Workshop

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Autodesk Revit Workshop Instructor: YASIR NASEEM Architectural Engineer MSc. Architectural Engineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Italy BSc. Architectural Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore. For details please email at shehersaaz@gmail.com

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December 26, 2016 No Comments

Design for Pakistan: Human Centered Design Workshop

Design for Pakistan is a community of college students committed to use design to create social impact. The mission of the organization is to prepare social innovators and leaders by fostering collaboration and learn by doing. We are inspired by the Design for America community based out of Northwestern University founded in 2011.  

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December 5, 2016 No Comments
Sheher Saaz

The New Urban Agenda

On the global stage, multiple waves of diplomacy have produced a remarkable set of long-term agreements — pacts that impact cities deeply and will require bold leadership from city leaders. First came the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to coordinate efforts around ending poverty and hunger, combating inequality and disease, and building a just and stable world by 2030. One way or another, all 17 of the SDGs intersect with work going on in cities. Next came the Paris Agreement on climate change, which lays out national commitments to limit greenhouse-gas emissions. Cities have a crucial role in its implementation: They produce the bulk of the world’s carbon emissions but also are where the most innovative low-carbon solutions are being implemented. They’ll also need to build their own resilience against threats from global warming. Finally, at the U.N.’s Habitat III summit on cities, nearly 170 nations adopted the New Urban Agenda — a document intended to guide national and local policies on the growth and development of cities through 2036. The Habitat III story did not end in Quito, however. It’s only just beginning. And as the story shifts to implementation, it’s not just about the New Urban Agenda. It’s about how all three of these agreements work together — and the innovations that keep bubbling up from city leaders, civil society and the private sector, not only to make these agreements work but also to build better cities. This is Institute of Planners new beat. We can sum it up in four words: Global goals: Local solutions. Over the coming year, how will countries translate the New Urban Agenda into national urban policies? What actions will local authorities take to make cities “inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,” as called for in SDG 11? What can cities learn from each other as they identify ways to cut carbon emissions and adapt to a changing climate? We’ll tell stories of innovative urban approaches on the ground, as we always have. We’ll also cover implementation from the vantage point of global actors who will be monitoring progress on all these agreements and seeking to spur local action. Our new focus comes with a fresh look for our collaboration at national and international organization, which we encourage you to check out at shehersaaz.com Please support us by subscribing to our blog. Khurram Farid  

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November 30, 2016 No Comments

The New Urban Agenda – HIII

ROLE OF URBAN PLANNING IN PAKISTAN FOR ACHIEVING NEW URBAN AGENDA Lahore, October 21, 2016: A technical session on understanding the “New Urban Agenda” with reference to Pakistan was organized by the Institute of Planners Pakistan (IPP) It was held at the office of Sheher Saaz (Pvt.) Limited (Architectural and Urban Planning Firm). The purpose of this session was to create awareness in researchers, policy makers, built environment practitioners and public regarding the importance of Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) and how the agreed agenda is related with Pakistan and what role IPP and various built-environment professionals have to play in achieving the targets set in the New Urban Agenda. In the beginning session all the participants introduced each other. Mr. Khurram Farid Bargatt, The Secretary General of IPP gave a brief introduction about Habitat I, II, III and Pakistan’s participation in events. Planner Muhammad Shoaib, Executive Member IPP gave a detailed presentation elaborating Habitat I,II & III and Pakistan’s role in achieving the goals and objectives of these conferences. He interpreted the need of organizing these conferences every twenty years. He added “at the time of Habitat I in 1976, urbanization was considered as a challenge and the need to create a global institution to oversee the impacts of urbanization was realized thus giving space to the creation of UN Habitat. But in Habitat II in 1996, it was more focused on assessing two decadal progress and setting forth fresh goals for the new millennium by introducing Habitat Agenda “Adequate Shelter for All”. He maintained that Habitat III in 2016 is quite important as it is setting a “New Urban Agenda” which addresses urbanization as endogenous source of development, linking urbanization with climate change, considering urbanization as a tool that can integrate socio-economic development and equity. This means the New Urban Agenda will be following and pushing the progress on Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The New Urban Agenda will address the challenges of poverty, inequality, addressing climate change, looking forward to sustainable forms of consumption and production in the next twenty years.” He maintained that Pakistan is a fast urbanizing country among South Asia, 35.8% in 2005; 38.6% in 2015 and 39 in 2016 and it is likely that Pakistan will be 50% urbanized by the year 2025. Which means currently almost 3 million population equivalent to the size of city of Faisalabad is added to our existing cities annually. However, our cities are unable to foster planned growth and almost 60% population lives in slums or slums like condition. He further stressed that urbanization is a blessing in disguise. The need is to steer planned urbanization and getting fruitful results. The New Urban Agenda focuses on six thematic areas (i) Urban Economy; (ii). Urban Demographics (Social Cohesion and Equity) – Livable Cities; (iii) urban Frameworks (Public Policies, Governance and Legislation); (iv). Urban Ecology and Environment; (v). Urban Planning and Design (Spatial Development); and (vi). Housing and Basic Services. The major implementing strategies that the states have to consider under the New Urban Agenda include: (i) Revising Urban Rules and regulation, (ii) fostering Urban Planning & Design; (iii) ensuring  Municipal Finances and (iv) connecting National Urban Policies with the dynamics of urbanization. He concluded the New Urban Agenda is now our responsibility. He stressed that this responsibility is not merely the responsibility of the state. It is a shared responsibility in which all actors including the state, private sector, citizens, academia, civil society, policy makers and the concerned built-environment professionals have to strive their best to fulfill the commitments under the New Urban Agenda. He wished if the recommendations set out under the New Urban Agenda are complied, 20 years later Pakistani cities will be model of sustainable cities which will be inclusive and equitable. After the presentation the house was opened for discussion on The New Urban Agenda adopted at Habitat III Conference in Quito on 20th October, 2016. Among the participants, Mr. Rizwan ur Rehman mentioned that Pakistan National Report submitted by the Ministry of Climate Change was prepared in hurry and didn’t consult public for comments and feedback without going for larger stakeholder consultation. Mr. Khurram Farid Bargatt highlighted the fact that the institutions responsible for urban planning and management are not well aware of Habitat II Agenda till today and the same thing has happened for the Agenda of Habitat III. All institutions were not taken on board for the preparation and consultation for this conference at any stage. Mr. Naveed ul Haq, from Elan Environmental Consultant, expressed that there is need of new laws on environment and building regulations. Mr. Khurram Farid mentioned that after 18th the Amendment powers were supposed to be transferred to local bodies this has also been emphasized in New Urban Agenda to decentralize powers to strengthen local bodies. But in Punjab or other provinces, provincial government are establishing more provincial or divisional level authorities. Architect Silwat Afzal (NCA Lahore) highlighted the reason of migration in the cities that people migrate from one place to another for two main reasons; for education or health and other is for better employment. Dr. Fariha Tariq (Chairperson, Department of City & Regional Planning, UMT) talked about house design and said that our public don’t want to live in a house of 2 or 3 marla because these are not designed as per socioeconomic and cultural grounds. She also told that half of cities infrastructure include housing; addressing housing issues will pave towards achieving set targets of New Urban Agenda. Mr. Shoaib pointed out that it is the negligence of our municipal institutions to guide growth and development of urban areas in a planned fashion as compared to the developed countries where one can see the uniform pattern as those municipalities make local plans and regulate it in efficient way. While in case of Pakistan there is a haphazard pattern because our local authorities do not go for detailed planning. Mr. Mutahir Awan (Assistant Professor at UMT

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October 21, 2016 No Comments

9 Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Cosy Autumn

9 Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Cosy Autumn As the days get crisper and leaves start falling, it’s time to turn your home into a warm haven Amanda Pollard 6 October 2016 Sheher Saaz UK Autumn is a beautiful season, with its orange and yellow leaves and bright red berries. It’s the perfect time to wrap up for a walk – then come back to an inviting home. Follow these tips to get the most from your four walls this autumn. Ramp up the warmth and cosiness As the days and evenings become colder, you’ll need to think about keeping warm. First things first – get yourself some soft throws and blankets. Then attend to the bigger stuff, like making sure your radiators are all bled and having your boiler checked. If you’re lucky enough to have a working fireplace or wood-burning stove, now’s the time to prepare it for use. It’s important to have your chimney swept and tested once a year. Look for a chimney sweep who’s registered with the National Association of Chimney Sweeps or the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. Stock up on firewood and kindling, and invest in a couple of baskets to store it next to the fire. Most importantly, make sure your smoke alarms are all working. Pep up your entrance Cheer yourself up on colder days by creating a warm welcome to your home. Autumn is the perfect time to spruce up your front door, as it’s generally still mild enough to paint outside. Choose a cheerful colour that will make everyone smile. Make sure you give the wood a good sand beforehand and buy an exterior paint that will protect it in all weathers. It’s also a good idea to take the hardware off beforehand, so now might be a good time to invest in a brand-new doorknob or letterbox. The rest of the front garden might need a tidy up, too. After all, you’ll probably see more of the front than the back garden during the winter. Plant some evergreen shrubs that will provide an attractive structure throughout the cold months, and add a couple of winter-flowering plants to boost interest. Make way for wellies The hallway will need a seasonal overhaul, too. Put away sandals and sun hats till the spring and organise space for larger outerwear. Make sure there are enough hooks for all your heavy coats, as well as a stand for umbrellas. It’s also a good idea to put a basket next to the door for gloves, hats and scarves. Lastly, allocate enough room for everyone’s wellies to be neatly stored after a muddy autumn walk. Prepare for wholesome dining With autumn comes delicious food: warming soups, roast dinners and hearty breakfasts. Prepare a dining area where you can enjoy some cold-weather fuel with friends or family. The simple linen tablecloth and white crockery here looks lovely with the wooden furniture and rattan basket. Collect some bare twigs or branches during an autumn walk and put them in a vase, as these homeowners have done. The display will last all winter, and then you can replace it with spring flowers. Get organised I think September and October are a great time for new resolutions, as you’re not recovering from the excesses of Christmas. Use the ‘back-to-school’ feel of these months to get your home organised and ready for winter action. Put away your summer wardrobe and have a declutter at the same time. Organise your filing and invest in any new storage you think you might need. Now might be a good time to organise your kitchen cupboards, too. Throw away out-of-date food and store similar things together. Decant pasta, rice and pulses into attractive jars, and find some useful storage for your spices. Locate a window seat Even if you’re not planning to venture outside often, it’s still nice to capture daylight from the comfort of an armchair. Rearrange furniture so some of your seating is facing a window. On a cold, crisp day, you can cosy up with a blanket and a book while watching the leaves fall from the trees. Organise outside lighting On a dark evening, arriving home or visiting the shed or dustbins will be difficult if you can’t see where you’re going. So it’s important to ensure any outside lighting is in good working order. It’s also nice to have some lighting in the back garden to illuminate winter plants. TheAmelanchier lamarckii tree on the right here has a lovely sculptural shape that looks beautiful lit up. The tree is a good choice, as it has pleasant autumn colour, followed by early flowering blossom. Create a spa bathroom Quick summer showers make way for indulgent baths and pampering in the autumn. No matter how small your bathroom is, it’s possible to give it a luxurious spa feel. Invest in some scented candles and reed diffusers, as well as a few good-quality soaps and oils. Place rolled-up towels in a basket to give the room a hotel look, then close the door and escape for an hour or two of rest and relaxation. Cosy up at bedtime Turn your bedroom into a warm, restful haven by adding some thicker textiles to the bed. Here, crisp white bed linen has been given a cosier feel with a knitted throw and cushion. Just by adding a few accessories, you can make an instant transformation from summer to autumn. The vase of flowers on the bedside adds to the natural warmth of the room. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea in bed on a Sunday morning. Do you enjoy autumn, or are you more keen on warmer weather?How do you prepare your home for the new season? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments below.

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October 11, 2016 No Comments

Habitat III: The New Urban Agenda

The New Urban Agenda This century will see a substantial majority of the world’s population living in urban centers. The Habitat III Conference therefore has, as its mission, the adoption of a New Urban Agenda—an action-oriented document which will set global standards of achievement in sustainable urban development, rethinking the way we build, manage, and live in cities through drawing together cooperation with committed partners, relevant stakeholders, and urban actors at all levels of government as well as the private sector. Agreed Draft of the New Urban Agenda 10 September 2016 New York, USA After the release of the Surabaya Draft of the New Urban Agenda at the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the Habitat III Conference in Surabaya, Indonesia in July 2016, the New Urban Agenda has finally been agreed on at the Habitat III Informal Intergovernmental Meeting which took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 7 to 10 September 2016, and it will be adopted in Quito, Ecuador, in October 2016. View the Agreed draft of the New Urban Agenda here – 10 September 2016 Surabaya Draft of the New Urban Agenda 28 July 2016 Surabaya, Indonesia This draft is the result of the negotiations at the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the Habitat III Conference (PrepCom3), held in Surabaya, Indonesia, 25–27 July 2016. It is the basis for the next round of informal negotiations in New York end of August/beginning of September. The exact date of the informal negotiations will be announced soon. View the Surabaya Draft of the New Urban Agenda here – 28 July 2016 Draft of the New Urban Agenda 18 July 2016 New York, USA The Draft New Urban Agenda has been prepared on the basis of inputs and negotiations throughout the Habitat III intersessional process leading toPrepCom3. This draft will be the basis of negotiations at the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the Habitat III Conference (PrepCom3), to be held in Surabaya, Indonesia, 25–27 July 2016. The New Urban Agenda aims to be a concise, action-oriented, forward-looking, and universal framework of actions for housing and sustainable urban development. Read More Zero Drafts of the New Urban Agenda 18 June and 6 May 2016 New York, USA The first zero draft of the New Urban Agenda—which was prepared on the basis of inputs from broad regional and thematic consultations, as well as the policy recommendations elaborated by the policy units and comments thereon received by participating states and all stakeholders—was submitted on 6 May 2016 by the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee for discussion at the informal intergovernmental negotiations and informal hearings with local authorities associations and civil society organizations in May and June, as decided by the General Assembly resolution A/70/210. Read More The Transformative Power of Urbanization Throughout modern history, urbanization has been a major driver of development and poverty reduction. Governments can respond to this key development opportunity through Habitat III by promoting a new model of urban development that is able to integrate all facets of sustainable development to promote equity, welfare and shared prosperity. It is time to think urban: how to mobilise the global community and focus all levels of human settlements, including small rural communities, villages, market towns, intermediate cities and metropolises for demographic and economic growth. Habitat III can help systematise the alignment between cities and towns and national planning objectives in their role as drivers of national economic and social development. Dr. Joan Clos, the Secretary-General of the Habitat III Conference, talks about the Habitat III process in occasion of the Montreal Thematic Meeting Urbanization is an unprecedented challenge. By the middle of the century four of every five people might be living in towns and cities. Urbanization and development are inextricably linked and it is necessary to find a way of ensuring the sustainability of growth. Urbanization had become a driving force as well as a source of development with the power to change and improve lives. Habitat III Conference has the convening power to bring together all actors to achieve these objectives. Solutions for the complex challenge of urbanization can only be found by bringing together Member States, multilateral organizations, local governments, private sector and civil society. Rethinking the Urban Agenda is: Embracing urbanization at all levels of human settlements, more appropriate policies can embrace urbanization across physical space, bridging urban, peri-urban and rural areas, and assist governments in addressing challenges through national and local development policy frameworks. Integrating equity to the development agenda. Equity becomes an issue of social justice, ensures access to the public sphere, extends opportunities and increases the commons. Fostering national urban planning and planned city extensions. Deciding how relevant sustainable development goals will be supported through sustainable urbanization. Aligning and strengthening institutional arrangements with the substantive outcomes of Habitat III, so as to ensure effective delivery of the new Urban Agenda. Implementing the Urban Agenda means: Urban Rules and Regulations. The outcomes in terms of quality of an urban settlement is dependent on the set of rules and regulations and its implementation. Proper urbanization requires the rule of law. Urban Planning and Design. Establishing the adequate provision of common goods, including streets and open spaces, together with an efficient pattern of buildable plots. Municipal Finance. For a good management and maintenance of the city, local fiscal systems should redistribute parts of the urban value generated. With the consideration of: National Urban Policies. These establish a connection between the dynamics of urbanization and the overall process of national development. The Global Context Cities today occupy approximately only 2% of the total land, however: 70%Economy (GDP) over 60%Global Energy Consumption 70%Greenhouse Gas Emissions  70%Global Waste The Global Development Framework

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September 15, 2016 No Comments

UK Planning News

Planning News Javid promises housing White Paper with “significant” new planning measures by year end Communities Secretary acknowledges the administration’s poor track record for delivering new homes and promises significant new measures to speed up the supply of new housing… Chancellor Hammond stresses government backing for infrastructure body Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference Hammond insists that the government is firmly behind the National Infrastructure Commission… Regional planning formula in latest Welsh local government reform proposals Local Government Secretary Mark Drakeford proposes alternative method for Welsh authorities to achieve reforms by working together to deliver key services on a regional or sub-regional basis… Ebbsfleet Garden City reports housing site short-fall Implementation framework for Ebbsfleet Garden City identifies locations for 12,800 new dwellings, 2,200 short of the garden city’s proposed 15,000 new homes… Buckinghamshire housing scheme blocked by Secretary of State Communities Secretary agrees with inspector and refuses application for a 42-home scheme on 2.35-hectares of land in Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire… Planning round-up 6 October 2016 – Report on Welsh Permitted Development regime for non-domestic solar – Greater Manchester strategy hiccup – East of England planner drive – Teesside deal funding announced – M4 Newport inquiry put back five months – Berkshire local plan delay – Salford regeneration – Taunton redevelopment mooted – And more stories…

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September 6, 2016 No Comments

The future of the Built Environment in Southwark

  SheherSaaz Present: Southwark Breakfast Seminar with Cllr Mark Williams The future of the Built Environment in Southwark The Built Environment in Southwark: What’s next for the Borough? Tuesday 18th October 2016, 8am – 10am Garry Weston Library, Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, SE1 9DA Sheher Saaz Chartered Town Planners, Snapdragon Consulting and Rolfe Judd are delighted to invite you to our Southwark breakfast event to explore the future of the Built Environment in Southwark. For a number of years, Southwark has been one of the busiest Boroughs in development terms and with the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan out to consultation, and other areas for regeneration being eyed by the Council, that is likely to continue. As such, we have assembled an expert panel to discuss the future of development in Southwark, Each panellist will give their perspective on development in Southwark, which will be followed by a Q&A session with all of the speakers. Our panelists are: Councillor Mark Williams is the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and New Homes at Southwark Council. Having been elected in 2011 to represent Brunswick Park Ward, he was quickly elevated to the Cabinet by Cllr Peter John and now oversees the council’s sustainable regeneration programme.  Angus Boag is the Development Director at The Workspace Group, a FTSE250 real estate trust, that provides office space for London’s New and Growing Companies. Angus has helped oversee the transformation of the group’s portfolio, including in Southwark. The Biscuit Factory, Metal Box and The Print Rooms are three Workspace centres in Southwark that have recently been transformed.  Richard Kalmar is the Managing Director of South London estate agents KALMARs and independent property advisors. He joined his father at KALMARs in 1977, and has worked continued to practice ever since. He is also the Chair of the Southwark Chamber of Commerce. Rebekah Paczek is the Managing Director of Built Environment communications specialists, Snapdragon Consulting. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Rebekah set up Snapdragon Consulting in 2010 and has worked on a number of planning projects in Southwark and across London. Kumi Osawa is a Director at Sheher Saaz Chartered Town Planners. Kumi has more than two decades of planning consultancy experience on a wide range of development projects throughout London and the South East of England. She is currently working on a number of active projects in Southwark. Euan MacGillivray is a Director at Rolfe Judd Architecture. Euan has led the design, development and construction of numerous complex, mixed-use urbanregeneration schemes as well as bijou projects. He is currently directing the regeneration of a significant area of the Old Kent Road. The format for the event is as follows: Breakfast served: 8am Keynote speeches: 8.30am – 9.30am Question and Answer session: 9.30am – 10am Finish: 10am We have a very limited number of places remaining for this event. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to events@snapdragonconsulting.co.uk or call 020 3176 4161 for more details. We look forward to seeing you on 18th October. Kind regards, Rebakah Paczek, Managing Director, Snapdragon Consulting Kumi Osawa, Director, Sheher Saaz Chartered Town Planners Sean Tickle, Director, Rolfe Judd Planning   Sheher Saaz Chartered Town Planners, Snapdragon Consulting and Rolfe Judd are delighted to invite you to join us at a breakfast briefing event on Southwark, with a panel featuring Councillor Mark Williams, as well as a number of leading Built Environment professionals currently working in the Borough. When: Tuesday, 18th October 2016, 7:30am – 10:00am Where: Garry Weston Library, Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, SE1 9DA

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August 30, 2016 No Comments

Sheher Saaz and Independence Day Celebrations

Sheher Saaz and its team celebrated  Independence Day of Pakistan at its Lahore office. All the team members were very enthusiastic and thrilled about importance of this day and eager to strive for the better future of their country. 14th August the day of Pakistan is a common day for other nations, but this is most valuable day for Pakistani nation in history of Pakistan. In Urdu language it is called as “Yom-e-Istiqlal”. On 14th August 1947 the world saw a new country “Islamic Republic of Pakistan” as an independent country. Remember that according to Islamic calendar Pakistan became on 27th of Ramadan when Allah blessed Muslims with the pious homeland. The word “Pakistan” is combination of two words “Pak” means pious and “stan” means homeland. Both words belong to Persian and Urdu language. The Pakistan came into existence due to restless efforts of Quaid-e-Azam (the great leader) Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Muhammad Ali Jinnah proved to be a great leader and his name has been written in golden words in the history of Pakistan. 14th August is a public day of dedication and pride for the people throughout Pakistan and celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion among the nation. The main celebrations of this day are flag hoisting, singing patriotic songs, tributes to the national heroes and cultural activities. The importance of this day lies in paying tribute to the lost heroes and in raising the hopes for a bright future. All children and girls feel happy and filled with emotion on this day. They participate in events and express feelings. Being a Pakistani we must celebrate 14th August by thanking to All Mighty Allah for giving this homeland after immense sacrifices. Happy Independence Day To Whole Nation! Team Sheher Saaz  

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August 14, 2016 No Comments

Stakeholder Consultations for the Visioning of NEC in Punjab

A team from the Urban Unit with Frost and Sullivan the new city planning consultant conducted a Consultative Session with Academia as a Stakeholder through School of Architecture and Planning Seminar Platform on the project planning component: “Stakeholder Consultations” for the visioning of New Economic City in Punjab, led by the consultant firm as part of their pre-feasibility studies for the New Economic City. Background: A government of Punjab has initiated studies for a new urban development on world class standards along Motorway M2 corridor near Lillah Interchange as a possible site. The city would cover 600 sq. Km of land area offering diverse work-live-leisure opportunities. The initiative is expected to capitalize on potential opportunities offered under the CPEC’s long term goals to grow business and trade with china and the CISs in addition to boost domestic commerce within and between provinces based on the immense potential of urbanization and economic growth in Punjab. Khurram Farid Bargatt Principal Planner and Mr Wasim Shahid Malik, Energy Rating Specialist represented Sheher Saaz (Pvt) and gave their opinion and suggestions at this session.

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July 20, 2016 No Comments

Internship Opportunities

  ⁠⁠⁠Internship Opportunities Sheher Saaz (Pvt) Ltd, established in 1997 is a chartered architecture and urban planning consultancy firm with offices in Lahore, London and Jhelum. Sheher Saaz with diverse experience in local and international market offer specialized services in architecture, urban planning, community development and environmental management. Pakistan since its creation has gone through various problems such as poor governance, lack of policy making, inadequacy of planning framework and consumer amnesia to change and adopt sustainable measure for our cities. This summer Sheher Saaz is planning to engage enthusiastic internees in order to promote its activities and also provide them first step towards their practical and professional training. Who Can Apply? Final year / semester students of Bachelors and Masters studies with following background can apply for this year internship program. -City and Regional Planning, Architecture, GIS, Public Policy, Law, Sociology, Marketing, Finance and Economics. Expected work areas • Master planning of union council, an approach to address issues at gross root level: • Development of District and Tehsil level social and economic sector profile. A practical guide for policy makers to use them for budgeting and resource allocation. • Development of Terms of Reference TOR, Business Proposal development; A tool every professional should know in order to excel in their career. • Transportation planning research studies on Lahore’s BRT and Orange line, urban governance issues, social justice, slum up-gradation are some of key areas. Application Deadline All interested should send their resumes and portfolios at this email shehersaaz@gmail.com not later than 30th June. Web: shehersaaz.com Address: 21 Dyal Singh Mansion 57 The Mall Lahore. Phone: 042 – 3732 3932

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June 18, 2016 No Comments

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