Modern cities are increasingly no longer just collections of buildings and streets. They are transforming into complex ecosystems where technology, climate resilience, social justice, and quality of life intersect. In the face of global climate change and accelerated urbanization, the challenge of making cities more adaptive and sustainable is becoming crucial not only for individual countries but for the entire world.

In this context, Baku is emerging as an international platform for exchanging experiences and showcasing innovative solutions. In 2026, the capital of Azerbaijan will host the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) – the largest global platform on sustainable urbanization, bringing together mayors, experts, architects, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of cities. The forum will be a unique opportunity to demonstrate how modern approaches to planning and construction can combine technological innovation, environmental solutions, and quality of life.

AZERTAC presents an interview with Alexander Jachnow, PhD, international expert on sustainable urbanization and urban strategies, former head of urban strategies and planning at the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam, adjunct professor at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, with over 25 years of experience in international urban development projects for the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the UN urban development program (UN-Habitat).

- How have approaches to urban development in Baku and other major cities changed in recent years?

- What we’re seeing very clearly is a shift towards more integrated urban development. Cities like Baku are no longer focusing only on iconic buildings or stand-alone projects, but increasingly on how entire districts function — in terms of mobility, public space, energy use, and overall quality of life. This is a very positive development. At the same time, it creates an opportunity to go one step further, by embedding Nature-based Solutions more deeply into construction itself, which allow cities to grow in a way that is both modern and ecologically intelligent.

- What role do “green architecture” and sustainable urban development play in Azerbaijan?

- Green architecture is becoming an increasingly important part of the urban development conversation in Azerbaijan. Energy efficiency, climate-responsive design, and higher environmental standards are now clearly on the agenda, and that’s a strong starting point. The next step, in my view, is to move from simply reducing environmental impact to actively regenerating urban ecosystems. This is where bio-based materials such as mycelium become especially relevant. They allow architecture to work with nature, rather than against it.

- Which international green construction practices can be adapted to the climate and conditions of Azerbaijan?

- Many international green construction practices translate very well to the Azerbaijani context. Passive cooling, effective shading systems, green roofs, and water-sensitive urban design are all highly applicable. What’s particularly exciting right now is the global shift towards circular and bio-based construction. Mycelium-based materials, for example, are being tested worldwide for insulation, panels, and even structural elements. These solutions are low-carbon, lightweight, and well suited to hot climates when properly adapted — and they offer Azerbaijan a real opportunity to position itself at the forefront of sustainable construction in the region.

- How prepared are Azerbaijani cities for the challenges of climate change?

- I would say Azerbaijani cities are increasingly aware and increasingly proactive. There is a growing recognition that climate change will affect urban life — through heat stress, water management challenges, and more extreme weather events. Important steps are already being taken. However, long-term resilience will depend on complementing engineering solutions with Nature-based Solutions. Expanding urban greenery, improving soil and water systems, and using bio-based materials can significantly strengthen climate resilience, while also making cities healthier and more liveable.

- How can digital technologies and “smart cities” influence the future of urban development in Azerbaijan? Which architectural innovations are the most promising over the next 10–15 years?

- Smart-city technologies will be absolutely central to future urban development. They allow cities to plan better, manage resources more efficiently, and respond to real-time environmental data. The most promising innovations, in my opinion, are those that combine digital tools with sustainable architecture. This includes digitally designed and fabricated bio-materials, as well as smart monitoring systems for green and bio-based buildings. We’re moving towards a future where materials like mycelium are no longer experimental add-ons, but integrated components whose performance can be measured, improved, and scaled.

In fact, we’ve already demonstrated this potential internationally: my team built a mycelium booth at the last World Urban Forum in Cairo in 2024 to showcase how this material can be used in real architectural applications. Building on that experience, there are now concrete plans to develop more mycelium-based demonstration projects for the World Urban Forum in Baku as well. I am personally looking forward to the WUF in Baku and its opportunities to discuss and plan real-world implementation for sustainable urban development in Azerbaijan.

 

Tamilla Mammadova

 

AZERTAC

2026, January 20