Call for collaboration, innovation to shape ecologically sustainable cities

The 7th International Conference on Urban and Regional Planning (CURP) was held recently. The two-day conference aimed at tackling critical themes of urban ecology, sustainable planning, and inclusivity.

The conference programme featured a diverse range of presentations, keynote speeches and panel discussions curated to stimulate thought-provoking conversations and collaborative endeavours. CURP 2024 underscored the imperative for collaborative action and innovative thinking in shaping resilient, inclusive and ecologically sustainable cities for future generations.

Through interdisciplinary dialogue and concerted efforts, the participants aimed at charting a course toward a more prosperous and harmonious urban future. The presentations and discussions at CURP 2024 underscored the complexity of urban challenges, and the importance of innovative solutions grounded in sustainability, inclusivity and community engagement.

By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing best practices, the conference contributed to the collective efforts towards creating resilient, equitable and liveable cities for all.

CURP 2024 started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Later, Dr Anila Naeem, chairperson of the Department of Architecture and Planning at the NED University, announced in her welcome address the commencement of the conference.

Set against the backdrop of pressing global challenges, the conference convened esteemed speakers, panellists, scholars and advocates to delve into the theme of ‘Urban Ecology, Sustainable Planning, and Inclusivity: Issues and Challenges’.

Dr Anila mentioned that 17 papers were received, of which 11 were selected. She also mentioned that the conference served as a platform for robust discussions and knowledge-sharing aimed at addressing the multifaceted issues plaguing urban environments worldwide.

She said that with a focus on fostering dialogue around liveability, well-being and environmental stewardship, CURP aimed to inspire innovative solutions and transformative approaches to urban planning and development.

The keynote address of the conference was delivered by noted architect Tariq Alexander Qaiser, who started with the documentary titled ‘Karachi Islands, the Enchanting Forests’, highlighting the role of mangrove forests in the ecological landscape of Karachi. He mentioned that flamingos were last seen in 2018.

His documentary and speech were followed by a panel discussion. He said that personal desires and interest are destroying the future. He was of the opinion that we do not keep ourselves away from unsustainable actions.

He also raised certain questions: Will our species survive? How will the concept of equity change? Will it be real or aspirational? He said we know the highest quality of the human mind is the heart. Equity and justice both feel like alien concepts, he opined.

In her closing remarks, conference convener Rabia Asim paid thanks to the sponsors, expressed her gratitude to the organising committee and participants for their continued support in making CURP a resounding success year after year.

Associate Professor Dr Saeeduddin Ahmed remarked: “The evolution of CURP from a seminar to a full-fledged conference underscores its significance as a vital forum for exchanging ideas, research findings, and best practices in urban planning.”

On the concluding day of the conference, Faseeha Waheed, an eminent expert in urban planning and environmental sustainability, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the challenges and considerations of applying nature-based solutions for future megacities, with a focus on Karachi’s potential as a sponge city.

She was describing her paper that was titled ‘Challenges and Considerations of Applying Nature-based Solutions for Future Megacities: Implications for Karachi as a Sponge City’.

She underscored the urgent need to address issues such as the degradation of soil nutrients, impermeable surfaces, and water extraction, while advocating for incentives to promote the use of permeable materials in building construction.

Habibullah presented the paper titled ‘Enhancing Urban Ecology: Crafting Indigenous Building Materials and Sustainable Pavilion Design for Inclusive Communities’. This research explored the fusion of urban ecology, indigenous building materials, and sustainable pavilion design, with a focus on bamboo as a sustainable construction material.

By emphasising contextual sensitivity, innovation and functionality, the study aimed to nurture inclusive communities within urban landscapes, offering valuable insights for sustainable architectural practices.

TPL REIT Management Company CEO Ali Asgher mentioned that his company has been setting up a mangrove diversity park to conserve the mangroves and their biodiversity. It includes a tidal structure that is made up of bamboo without human concrete, he said.

He also said that the structure includes a floating walkway that is surrounded by mangroves, and also a learning centre where students can learn about the environment.

It includes a coffee shop and inland toilet that will not dispose of human excreta in the water, while the students will be engaged with local communities in the production of handicrafts, he added.

Hina Marvi presented the paper that was titled ‘Barriers to Socially Sustainable Residential Neighbourhoods Planning Practice of a Growing City — A Case Study of Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad’.

This study explored the attributes of socially sustainable residential neighbourhoods, and identified barriers to their development in Qasimabad Taluka. By examining factors such as sense of community, accessibility, safety and security, green spaces, and aesthetic appeal, the research aimed to inform sustainable neighbourhood planning practices and enhance resident satisfaction.

Dr Abid Mehmood, senior lecturer at the Cardiff University, UK, in his paper titled ‘Infinite Injustice: Bottom-linked Governance of Urban Informality for Social Inclusion’, highlighted the importance of bottom-linked governance in the age of “caring neo-liberalism”.

Primarily aimed at fostering social inclusion, a bottom-linking approach challenges the nanny-state notion of top-down policies versus the big-society discourses in bottom-up actions, and defines a governance mechanism that helps brings together policymakers and citizens on a common platform for the benefit of the communities.

The paper titled ‘Living Alone in the City: Exploring the Complexities of Single Young Adults’ was presented by Asma Siddika, assistant professor at the Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh.

This study delved into the multifaceted experiences of single young adults navigating the challenges of urban living, particularly in Dhaka, Bangladesh. By examining spatial dimensions, social isolation, housing instability, and the quest for meaningful connections, the research shed light on the complexities of single adulthood in the city, with implications for urban planning and social policy.

Assistant Professor Afshan Jamshed of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology presented the paper titled ‘Urban Densification of Informal Settlement in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Pakistan: An Analysis of Impact on Built Environment in Ziaul Haq Colony’.

This study comprehensively investigated the impacts of rapid densification, and the proliferation of informal settlements in Karachi, focusing on Ziaul Haq Colony in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. By examining the built environment, building materials, and spatial dynamics, the research highlighted the importance of inclusive, sustainable planning to address the multifaceted challenges associated with informal settlements.