Jerman Cheung
East Asia Press Office,Hong Kong
Arup co-authors a report for the World Economic Forum (WEF) to develop strategies for urban development of Chinese cities.
As part of WEF's the Future of Urban Development initiative (FUD), the report identifies transportation, urban energy management and sustainable industry development as main challenges facing Chinese cities. It also provides recommendations for the two Champion Cities, Dalian and Zhangjiakou.
This is the second consecutive year for Arup to be appointed as project champion and technical advisor for the FUD initiative. Our role is to operate as a partner to cities in transition and address identified major urban challenges, accelerate the transition to innovative urban development models and make innovation accessible to city leaders and businesses in a mutually beneficial setting.
Drawing on materials compiled from numerous field visits, roundtables and expert interviews over the past 12 months, the report - Future of Urban Development Initiative: Dalian and Zhangjiakou Champion City Strategy - looks into international best practice, seeks expert comments and proposes strategies to improve urban living in Chinese cities with a focus on the two champion cities.
Recommendations outlined in the report for the northern seaport city of Dalian include:
- Limit urban expansion and reduce sprawl, develop an intelligent transport system (ITS) and encourage private sector participation to strengthen public transportation
- Scale up natural gas, increase the share of renewable energy, in particular off-shore wind, and improve energy efficiency performance, especially in the petrochemical sector
- Further develop petrochemical and equipment manufacturing, promote service and high value-added industries such as R&D, software and outsourcing and build a more competitive industrial value chain
Recommendations for Zhangjiakou, located near Beijing, include:
- Develop ITS for traffic management to maximize intercity traffic efficiency, improve public transportation development and address conflict between transport and land development
- Increase power transmission capacities, particularly wind, and optimize the use of power within the city
- Scale up emerging industries, such as high value-added manufacturing or premium food, and promote industry-induced local economic and social development
Please click here to access full report.
More information on WEF blog.