The Tashkent Urban Forum once again served as a platform for discussing pressing issues related to urban development. This forum brought together leading experts in architecture and urban planning, as well as representatives from government agencies and the private sector.
The primary objective of the event was to identify effective solutions to the key challenges facing Tashkent and other cities in Uzbekistan. These include uncontrolled urban expansion, the loss of architectural identity, overburdened infrastructure, insufficient green spaces, deteriorating environmental conditions, and the underdevelopment of public transport.
The forum was organised by the Association of Young Architects of Uzbekistan in partnership with the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies under the Cabinet of Ministers and TBC Bank.
This year, the forum placed a strong emphasis on creating comfortable urban environments in Uzbekistan. According to participants, urban spaces should not only be functional but also psychologically and socially accommodating.
The event featured three key panel discussions focusing on the city’s appearance, infrastructure, and economic attractiveness. These factors are fundamental to establishing a high quality of life in contemporary urban settings. Experts thoroughly examined existing problems within these areas and proposed potential solutions during the discussions.
The first panel discussion focused on Tashkent’s urban aesthetics, featuring insights from both architectural professionals and residents. Architects expressed deep concerns over unregulated construction and the gradual loss of the city’s architectural identity.
They attributed these issues to flaws in the urban planning system and regulatory framework, a lack of engagement between the chief architect and the professional community, and the weak integration of local architects into large-scale national infrastructure projects.
Engaging Local Architects
Yevgeniya Pozigun, an architect and partner at the global firm Zaha Hadid Architects, opened the discussion by emphasising the strategic importance of involving local specialists in urban projects. She argued that this not only helps preserve the city’s unique character but also fosters the development of local talent in architecture and urban planning.
The call to enhance local expertise was echoed by other participants, who stressed the necessity of an effective collaboration system between international and local professionals to ensure the success of large-scale urban initiatives.
Architect Sardor Sadykov highlighted the direct link between urban planning regulations and the city’s architectural landscape. He noted that many of the current issues stem from an inadequate regulatory framework.
«At present, government tenders are awarded primarily based on the lowest price and a company’s tax-based rating. There is no jury assessing the architectural and artistic merits of projects. If creative competitions were introduced, the quality of new buildings in Tashkent would improve significantly,» stated Sadykov, co-founder of the architecture bureau Memors.
Architect Tahmina Turdialieva addressed the limited powers of Tashkent’s chief architect. She advocated for expanding both the authority and staffing of this position to ensure better urban planning and development.
«In the absence of sufficient authority and expertise, one solution could be to strengthen collaboration with the architectural community. Every practising architect influences the city’s landscape in some way, and by working together, we can create a more sustainable urban environment. Additionally, involving local architects in urban policy will support more balanced and thoughtful city development,» noted Turdialieva, Chairperson of the Association of Young Architects.
Residents’ Perspectives on Tashkent
A crucial aspect of the forum was the active involvement of residents, underscoring the importance of public participation in shaping urban spaces. Evgeniy Sklyarevskiy, creator of the online almanac «Letters from Tashkent,» presented residents’ views on the city’s development.
«As a resident, I see both advantages and disadvantages in Tashkent. The city offers beautiful mountain views, elevated pedestrian crossings that could be repurposed as exhibition spaces, and a vibrant student community that energises the capital’s cultural and social life. However, there are drawbacks—Tashkent lacks an iconic architectural landmark, public spaces feel monotonous, and there is a shortage of parks and recreational areas suitable for families and picnics,» Sklyarevskiy stated.
Forum organisers emphasised that sustainable urban development is impossible without considering residents’ perspectives. Locals have firsthand knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the city’s infrastructure.
Public engagement in planning and discussions fosters a more sustainable urban environment, creating spaces that genuinely meet residents’ needs. This involvement not only strengthens a sense of belonging but also promotes a culture of responsible urban stewardship.
Enhancing Urban Infrastructure
The second panel discussion centred on urban infrastructure, addressing equal access to social amenities, the expansion of public transport, sustainable development in traditional urban areas, and the digitalisation of city management.
Experts examined major challenges such as traffic congestion and the need for smart technologies to improve urban infrastructure management. Participants agreed that modernising public transport and implementing digital solutions could significantly enhance city life.
«Developing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is more than just improving public transport—it is a strategic step towards a comfortable, safe, and eco-friendly city. International experience shows that BRT reduces traffic congestion, lowers CO₂ emissions, and makes urban travel faster and more accessible. Implementing BRT in Tashkent will connect key districts, improve mobility, and positively impact the city’s economy. It is an investment in the future that will make our city more convenient for living and working,» stated Aziz Hakimov, lead urban architect at TataLAB.
Sustainable urban development specialist Ilya Gusev highlighted the issue of access to social amenities amid rapid urbanisation. He noted that inclusivity in urban infrastructure planning is often narrowly interpreted as accessibility for individuals with disabilities, whereas a broader perspective is needed.
«Ensuring equal access to urban infrastructure for all residents, regardless of their location, helps reduce unnecessary travel, cutting costs for transport maintenance and lowering emissions. Additionally, time savings indirectly benefit the urban economy,» Gusev explained.
The Future Lies with the Mahalla
Ranay Utkelbayeva, Director of the Association of Young Architects, presented the concept of the green mahalla, emphasising the importance of enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in urban environments. She highlighted the need to reduce reliance on private vehicles within mahallas and microdistricts while strengthening community cohesion. This cohesion, supported by smart technologies such as the Digital Mahalla platform and AI-equipped smart shelters, can ensure the swift and equitable consideration of residents’ interests while enhancing security.
Beyond its social function, the vision of a sustainable mahalla incorporates the integration of technologies for the efficient use of electricity and water, alongside waste recycling within the community itself.
Continuing the theme of inclusivity, Khusniddin Kutpiddinov, Head of the Social Inspection at the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of Uzbekistan, presented the results of extensive work aimed at improving the physical accessibility of urban infrastructure and creating a more accommodating environment for people with disabilities (PWDs) in Uzbekistan’s cities.
The expert elaborated on positive regulatory and institutional changes at both national and municipal levels, which will enable continuous monitoring of urban infrastructure, including public facilities, transportation hubs, and streets, ensuring accessibility for all citizens.
In this context, the integration of digital and cartographic solutions was particularly noteworthy. Collaborating with major mapping services will allow PWDs, volunteers, and institutions to mark adapted facilities on maps, enabling more convenient route planning. This not only improves the quality of life for PWDs but also encourages greater pedestrian activity, ultimately benefiting urban spaces and commercial establishments.
Making Cities Better with Minimal Investment
The third panel session addressed key issues surrounding the creation of a comfortable and economically attractive urban environment within limited financial resources. Participants discussed how cities can develop effectively despite budgetary constraints, simultaneously enhancing economic appeal and ensuring a high quality of life for residents.
A key focus of the discussion was the adoption of sustainable approaches that improve urban living conditions with minimal costs. Given budget limitations, it is crucial to prioritise green economy principles. Transitioning to energy-efficient buildings, utilising renewable energy sources, and implementing adaptive water supply and waste management systems can reduce operational expenses while improving environmental conditions.
«Over eight million buildings, including 40,000 apartment blocks, consume more than 40% of the country’s total final energy, with one-third of greenhouse gas emissions originating from the building sector. Outdated infrastructure results in energy losses exceeding 20%. By 2026, energy efficiency is set to increase by 25%, and by 2030, by 50%, with emissions reduced by 35%. By 2055, we aim to achieve carbon neutrality in buildings, ensuring both comfort and cost savings for citizens. Achieving this requires investment, building modernisation, and regulatory reforms to accelerate the transition towards sustainable urban environments,» stated Zafar Zakirov, an energy efficiency specialist at GIZ and an expert on green buildings.
The discussion also touched upon the integration of digital technologies in urban infrastructure management. Smart lighting systems and automated traffic management were cited as tools that optimise costs while improving the quality of urban life.
Architecture as an Economic Driver
Mohammed Nada, a representative of the World Bank, discussed the development of smart city concepts, emphasising the importance of establishing a robust legislative framework and showcasing successful implementations of technology across various sectors, including resource management, mobility, and public health.
In particular, he highlighted the role of innovations in information and communication technologies (ICT) and sustainable urban planning.
«The effective integration and management of spatial data are critical for the digital transformation of cities. A National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) can significantly enhance urban governance, including property tax collection, the detection of illegal construction, and public engagement. The creation of a smart and sustainable urban environment is only possible with a high-quality and transparent data structure, which is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable development goals,» Nada stated.
Continuing the discussion on sustainable development, experts underscored the significant role architecture plays in shaping a city’s economic appeal. Thoughtfully designed public spaces, contemporary cultural landmarks, and innovative residential districts can greatly increase a city’s attractiveness to businesses, tourists, and new residents.
Aesthetically pleasing and functional urban design fosters comfortable living conditions, drives economic growth, supports small and medium-sized enterprises, and generates employment opportunities.
A notable example presented was the Bilbao Effect—the transformation of the Spanish city into a global symbol of architectural and economic revitalisation.
In the 1990s, Bilbao, a former industrial hub, was facing a severe crisis: high unemployment, environmental issues, and a lack of investment hindered development. The key catalyst for change was the construction of the Guggenheim Museum.
The museum’s opening in 1997 attracted millions of tourists, inspired large-scale investments in infrastructure and urban renewal, and stimulated the growth of local businesses. Consequently, the city’s economy was revitalised, tourism surged, thousands of jobs were created, and property values significantly increased.
Experts regard the Bilbao Effect as proof that architecture can serve as a powerful tool for economic development and the enhancement of urban living standards.
