Abstract:

Sustainable development can be defined as the combination of social, cultural, ecological and economical aspects of development. In architecture and urban planning these aspects converge towards a comprehensive design solution. Yet, this design process can be exclusive (designer – client relationship) rendering the process opaque to other potential stake-holders or inclusive and transparent, where as designer and client include a wide range of public audiences in the design process.

The author will present strategies of urban renewal that build upon necessary infrastructure improvement measures and expands the scope of work towards are holistic planning approach. The author will explain a comprehensive sustainability framework, including strategies to minimize the impact on the fragile socio-economic fabric and, at the same time, identify avenues for successful transformation of the economy. 

The author will also reflect on a recent redevelopment and master-planning project conducted by Norplan and the German University of Technology in Oman: The old town of Mutrah in the heart of the Omani Capital remained a dormant, traditional Arab city with narrow alley ways, several traditional souks, a picturesque corniche, many forts and mosques. Nowadays, Mutrah represents a unique example of a living piece of Omani heritage. Moreover, the living city of Mutrah with more than 40.000 inhabitants holds important clues towards the development of a sustainable, modern Arab city. Its conservation and renewal is understood as a main challenge. In this context  participation was a key measure to involve all stake-holders: local shop-keepers, resident immigrants, Omani visitors, local students, tourists, land-owners and authorities. The project represents a corner-stone in the direction towards sustainable urban planning in Oman

Short Profile:

Aurel von Richthofen is an architect, educator and researcher. Aurel grew up in Berlin and Geneva. Aurel earned two professional degrees in architecture from ETH Zurich (2004) and Princeton University (2007). He got registered as an architect in Germany and Switzerland (2009) and runs his architectural practice in Germany. Aurel taught architecture at The Ohio State University from 2007-2009. Since fall 2010, he is assistant professor teaching at the German University of Technology in Muscat, Oman at the department of Urban Planning and Architectural Design. His research, sponsored by The Research Council Oman, focusses on sustainable urbanisation patterns and architectural design in Oman. His various architecture, teaching and research projects can be found here: www.aurelvr.com