American urbanist and expert in sustainable urban development Michael Mehaffy commented on the reconstruction and redevelopment efforts underway in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories in Garabagh ahead of the upcoming World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

According to him, the reconstruction currently being carried out represents a “rare and truly unique opportunity” to create a new generation of cities and settlements that are more livable, sustainable, and aesthetically distinctive.

The expert noted that despite the serious challenges that remain — particularly the need for extensive demining operations — the key priority is adopting a strategic approach to infrastructure development that will shape these territories for decades and even centuries to come.

Mehaffy emphasized the importance of polycentric development, stressing that cities and settlements should evolve as interconnected systems of multiple centers, each possessing its own internal cohesion while remaining integrated into the broader regional structure.

He also highlighted the concept of the “15-minute city,” which envisions essential daily services being accessible within a short distance — whether by walking, cycling, or various forms of transportation, rather than relying exclusively on automobiles. In his view, this approach contributes to a more balanced distribution of urban activity and significantly enhances quality of life.

Discussing transportation planning, the expert noted that historically successful cities were built around clearly structured street grids, where major transport corridors are typically spaced approximately 400 meters apart, while the spaces in between are designed as calmer, safer, and more pedestrian-oriented environments.

He further underscored the crucial role of high-quality public spaces — not only parks and squares, but also streets themselves, which should be designed to support mobility, communication, and social interaction.

According to Mehaffy, architecture also plays a vital role in shaping urban life. Building facades, he noted, should contribute to creating an attractive and vibrant urban environment that encourages human interaction and strengthens community life.

The expert also stressed the importance of integrating modern technologies, including smart city solutions, while emphasizing that such technologies should enhance — rather than undermine — the human interactions that form the foundation of urban life.

In conclusion, he noted that many of the most effective urban planning principles can be drawn from historical experience. Traditional architectural and planning solutions, he said, have proven highly successful precisely because of their human-centered and socially interactive nature.

“Today, Garabagh has a unique opportunity to combine the best of both worlds — modern technological innovation and time-tested principles of creating comfortable, human-centered urban environments,” the expert concluded.

 

Tamilla Mammadova

 

AZERTAC

2026, April 29