Urban Planning A.Y.

2010-2011

Professor Pier Carlo Palermo - Professor Davide Ponzini

Structure Plans and Development Projects: The case of Abu Dhabi

Lecture 23 January 19, 2011

Urban Development Plans and Projects

1 Local context and planning system 2 Economic Vision 2030 3 Urban Structure Framework Plan

4 Agencies, private interests

5 Master Plan of Saadiyat Island

Criticisms

1 Local context, planning system

1960s oil based development

1971-2004 monarchy ruled by Sheikh Zayed, main infrastructures: roads, airport, National Bank, Cultural Center
From 2005 economic reforms fostered by Sheikh Khalifa

1 Local context, planning system

Abu Dhabi: 60% GDP of UAE About 90% of oil and natural resources Almost no taxation 2008 2013 public investment forecasted: 200 billion dollars Oligarchic government Simplified planning system

2 Economic Vision 2030

Economic Vision 2030 plan for: -coordinating development policies, including urban expansion
-diversifying the economic base of Abu Dhabi.

Besides mining and energy (59%): military, aerospace, chemical and biomedical, retail, education and tourism.

3 Urban Structure Framework Plan

Stated goals: to provide a strong and comprehensive foundation for the development of the city of Abu Dhabi, in a strategic and coordinated way. [] while building a global capital with his own rich cultural heritage.

to guide urban development in the next quarter of a century.

to guide urban development in the next quarter of a century

3 Urban Structure Framework Plan

Principles: Sustainable economy rather than uncontrolled growth
Abu Dhabi will manifest its role and stature as a capital city Abu Dhabis urban fabric and community infrastructure will enable the values, social arrangements, culture and mores of this Arabic community

3 Urban Structure Framework Plan

Urban development based on:
-10 policy statements,

-transportation scheme

3 Urban Structure Framework Plan

Urban development based on:
-10 policy statements,

-transportation scheme -a land use scheme (without regulation tools)

3 Urban Structure Framework Plan

Urban development based on:
-10 policy statements,

-transportation scheme -a land use scheme (without regulation tools)

-districts and precincts.

3 Urban Structure Framework Plan

Urban development based on:
-10 policy statements,

-transportation scheme -a land use scheme (without regulation tools)

-districts and precincts. Implementation by negotiating in each project.

4 Agencies, private interests

AD government deciding about urban development. Urban Planning Council as an advisory and management without effective urban policy tools.
8-10 key actors in the real estate market:

Aldar Properties, Mubadala Development Company, Sorouh Real Estate, Hydra, Al Qudra,
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), created the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) for assisting the provision of a world-class infrastructure which will fulfil the emirates ambitions of becoming a truly global destination of distinction

5 Master Plan of Saadiyat Island

La Saadiyat Island 27 sq Km 28 billion dollar investment for 1 Cultural District and about 30 hotels, 8000 villas, 38,000 apartments.
2004 Gensler Master Plan

5 Master Plan of Saadiyat Island

La Saadiyat Island 27 sq Km 28 billion dollar investment for 1 Cultural District and about 30 hotels, 8000 villas, 38,000 apartments.
2004 Gensler Master Plan

2006 SOM Master Plan

2007 EDAW Master Plan

6 Criticism
Expansion only: almost no intervention in the existing city Financial crisis and real estate value capture
Vision without tools / projects and implementation

Political vacuum and planning process