Baku: Azerbaijan has declared 2026 the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture, underscoring the country's focus on creating a modern, sustainable, and comfortable urban environment. In recent years, the country's cities have been actively modernizing: large-scale infrastructure projects are being implemented, public spaces are being renovated, and elements of smart urban management are being introduced. Issues of sustainable development, transport mobility, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, and the creation of people-centered cities are gaining particular importance.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the liberation of Garabagh offers Azerbaijan a unique opportunity to build new towns and villages based on the most modern architectural and urban planning principles. In an interview with AZERTAC, Uzbek architect Shahzot Rakhmatov discusses which approaches to sustainable urban development can be most effective, which international practices should be considered, and how modern urban solutions can improve the quality of urban life.

Rakhmatov emphasized that sustainable urban development should start with a human-centered approach, with cities designed primarily for people, not only for cars or infrastructure. Comfortable public spaces, walkable streets, and accessible services are essential elements of a healthy urban environment. He also highlighted the importance of mixed-use development, where housing, workplaces, shops, and public spaces are located close to each other, reducing dependence on cars and encouraging more active public life. Additionally, integrating nature into the city with green spaces, parks, and ecological corridors is crucial for improving environmental quality and creating more pleasant places for everyday life.

Addressing challenges like rapid population growth and traffic congestion in cities like Baku, Rakhmatov suggested strengthening public transportation systems, making cities more pedestrian-friendly, and developing multiple urban centers. He cited the development of New Tashkent as a relevant example, emphasizing the importance of integrated public transport, green corridors, and mixed-use districts in reducing traffic pressure and creating a balanced urban environment.

Rakhmatov sees the reconstruction of Garabagh as a unique opportunity to adopt modern approaches such as smart infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and environmentally responsible construction. He noted the significant role of cultural heritage in the region's recovery, citing the restoration of the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque in Shusha as a symbolic example. He stressed the importance of careful integration with Garabagh's rich natural landscape to create balanced and sustainable communities.

International urban planning practices offer valuable lessons for Azerbaijan. Rakhmatov pointed to Copenhagen's prioritization of pedestrians and cyclists, Paris's urban mobility reforms, Barcelona's Superblocks concept, and Singapore's integration of dense urban development with green infrastructure as examples worth studying. Adapting such experiences can help improve urban life while respecting local context and cultural identity.