Aurel von Richthofen talks at Al Quds University, Jerusalem on challenges of sustainable urbanisation in Oman. Thanks to the kind invitation of Dr. Maha Samman and Dr. Jeffrey Champlin.
JEDDAH, Oct. 2012 , Venue: Architectural Design Days, Jeddah, Organizer: AIA – Middle East. Title of the paper presented: “Sustainable urban planning and civic participation – The Mutrah Master Planning and Redevelopment Project”
Aurel was invited to speak about the urban development of Muscat Capital Area at the Winterschool Middle East by Zahra Ali Baba and Markus Miessen in Kuwait City. GUtech's Department of Urban Planning and Architecture participated with two students attending in January 2011.
Aurel speaks on the topic of rapid urbanization in Oman and its political implications. During the last 40 years the politics of urbanism have induced dramatic, irreversible environmental and cultural changes in Oman. These lead to the creation of a new urban form, a departure from tradition and a denial of the climatic conditions. Moreover, the mechanisms of urbanization spread, isolate and captivate the population in a suburban reality, rejecting the notion of public and political space.
