Kuwait

‘World’s most walkable city’ designed to provide net zero lifestyle

Want to give up your car forever, but worried you won’t be able to move it? 

Plans for ‘the world’s most walkable city’ have been announced. A flower-shaped metropolis designed to reduce vehicular access and maximize safe walking areas.

A planned sustainable community in Kuwait called XZERO will offer 100,000 residents a net zero carbon lifestyle in balance with nature.

The central area is surrounded by a series of ‘hubs’, each dedicated to educational, recreational and medical facilities. 

UAE-based designer URB says the city will provide food and energy security while promoting a green circular economy in a destination for green living, working and tourism. increase.

The city also provides 22 miles (35 km) of dedicated running and biking tracks and 6 miles (9 km) of equestrian tracks that connect to equestrian centers.

Baharash Bagherian, CEO of URB, said:

XZERO is planned with a multifunctional holistic solution that addresses the three main pillars of sustainability. society, economy, environment.

“At the heart of this project is a uniquely resilient landscape that is multi-functional and designed to promote health, well-being and biodiversity.

“Landscape is the social glue for the entire city, facilitating vibrant neighborhoods while connecting residents to all amenities in minutes.”

Main features of XZERO 

  • Easy to get around on foot – Designed to restrict vehicle entry and allow for safe walking.
  • Preparing for urban farming – Including community gardens, biodomes and vertical farms.
  • Over 65% of the land area is allocated for open space – Space can be used for agriculture, parks, playgrounds, etc.
  • green transportation method – XZERO offers cycling and electric buggies for those who don’t want to walk to their destination.
  • Central ‘hub’ of activity – Facilities are divided into different specialized hubs in the city center.
  • Providing 30,000 green jobs – For example, through ecotourism ventures, green technology, education, etc.

Bagherian has spearheaded the design of various other sustainable cities, including recently launched projects such as AlNama, Nexgen, Yiti Sustainable City, and Sustainable City Yas Island. 

He added: “Landscapes integrate with wadis, increasing their resilience and habitability, and also facilitate habitat change for wildlife.

“The landscape is also productive, incorporating a variety of urban farming methods such as community gardens, bio domes, aquaponics, vertical farms and saltwater farming.”

More than 65% of its 6 square miles (16 square kilometers) is allocated for open space such as agricultural productive landscape, non-productive landscape, permeable pavement for rainwater drainage, and sports fields. and courtyard.

URB says the increased landscape area promotes social activity, biodiversity and microclimate optimization, while also mitigating the effects of rising temperatures and urban heat islands.

It also argues that development must “provide the highest environmental benefits with minimal financial investment”.

XZERO is designed and optimized to be the most walkable city on the planet by providing a series of shaded walking networks.

Network is Connect with other eco-friendly modes of transportation such as cycling and electric buggies to provide residents with the safest, most convenient and enjoyable trips to all aspects of the city.

Its physical orientation has also been chosen to provide optimal shade within the walkway and optimal wind flow while reducing energy demand.

The city also has 22 miles (35 km) of dedicated running and biking tracks and 6 miles (9 km) of equestrian tracks that connect to equestrian centers.

URB says the increased landscape area promotes social activity, biodiversity and microclimate optimization, while also mitigating the effects of rising temperatures and urban heat islands.

Baharash Bagherian, CEO of URB, said: “The landscape is also productive, incorporating a variety of urban farming methods such as community gardens, biodomes, aquaponics, vertical farms and saltwater farming.”

“It will set a new benchmark for cities of the future planned in harmony with nature while promoting a green, circular economy.”

The 1,600-hectare development is planned to provide 30,000 homes and 30,000 green jobs in Kuwait’s Southern Region.

These jobs will be created in various hubs such as healthcare, tourism, technology, education, retail and entertainment.

Hubs are located in the heart of cities, reducing the walking distances required by residents, while homes are clustered together to promote a connected community.

All facilities and homes are powered by 100% renewable energy and all water is recycled with smart water systems. 

XZERO promotes sustainable tourism through a range of eco-friendly hospitality assets, including 5-star eco-resorts and eco-lodges.

“Edutainment” facilities such as utility parks and conservation centers are touted as turning the city into a unique tourist attraction.

The Green Tech Hub fosters a collaborative environment of innovation in food, energy, water and waste technologies. 

The medical hub includes an autism village, wellness center and clinic.

The educational hub includes nurseries, schools and laboratories, while the commercial hub includes indoor malls and flexible office spaces. 

Green landscapes are designed with natural areas designed to provide diverse habitats for wildlife and to harvest rainwater, mitigate flooding, improve air quality and provide cleaner water.

Plans for the world’s first floating city to protect coastal areas from rising sea levels announced

The floating city idea may sound like the concept of the latest sci-fi blockbuster, but in Busan, South Korea, UN-backed scientists are building the world’s first prototype floating city.

A project called OCEANIX was announced last year, but a new design image has been revealed.

The interconnected platforms cover a total of 15.5 acres, indicating enough space to accommodate 12,000 people.

The floating city is estimated to cost $200 million (£150 million) to build and is expected to be completed by 2025.

The project aims to help people living in coastal areas whose communities are at risk of being wiped out by rising sea levels. 

Philip Hoffman, CEO of OCEANIX, said: “We are well on our way to delivering OCEANIX Busan to coastal cities looking for sustainable ways to expand into the ocean while adapting to rising sea levels. It demonstrates that water infrastructure can create new land.

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