Speaker
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Since the early 2000s, a new paradigm has emerged focused on the creation of eco-cities (Nguyen & Vu, 2023), positioning them as one of the three models of the future city alongside the smart city and the knowledge-based city (Ingallina, 2019). As an umbrella concept encompassing various types of cities—such as sustainable cities, green cities, and others (Jabareen, 2006)—the development of eco-cities is seen as an appropriate response to the challenges of urbanization, aiming for greater urban sustainability in a world where 68% of the population is predicted to live in urban areas by 2050 (United Nations, 2018). As the name suggests, eco-cities seek to achieve urban sustainability through multiple solutions addressing environmental, socio-economic, and cultural branding dimensions, among others (Joss, 2011). However, despite their promising goals, there is a lack of consensus around this concept in the scientific literature, as well as in the implementation of numerous urban projects labeled as such. Priorities and strategies vary significantly depending on the regional context and the environment in which the project is situated (Rapoport, 2014). This has led to diverse interpretations of the eco-city model, referred to here as “interpretative models,” where project stakeholders shape and create eco-cities in their own image—reflecting varying urban, architectural, and socio-economic approaches to sustainability.
In this context, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provide a fertile ground for study, as they host the development of different interpretative models of eco-cities, two of which are highlighted in this article: Masdar City in Abu Dhabi and The Sustainable City in Dubai. Developed at different times, these projects share common goals centered on sustainable development (social, economic, and environmental) but also illustrate contrasting visions specifically adapted to the challenging Emirati context—characterized by oil dependency, car dependency, extreme temperatures, and other significant challenges. On one hand, Masdar City focuses on advanced technologies, renewable energy, and net-zero ambitions to position itself as a global hub for businesses, innovation and cutting-edge sustainability solutions. On the other hand, The Sustainable City Dubai adopts a community-centric approach, emphasizing resource efficiency, green living, and social cohesion. It also aims to be a scalable and replicable working model, serving as a global benchmark and framework for achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Using an inductive methodology that combines on-site observations, interviews with project stakeholders, and analysis of secondary data (press, brochures, reports), this study examines these models. By juxtaposing these interpretative models, the study highlights two distinct visions of eco-cities, underscoring the importance of contextual adaptability and multi-dimensional approaches in addressing the complex challenges of urban sustainability in arid environments and beyond. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how eco-cities can serve as testing grounds for new solutions, offering valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers.
References
Ingallina, Patrizia (2019) Eco-city, Knowledge city, Smart city. Vers une ville écosoutenable ? Villeneuve d’Ascq: Presses universitaires du Septentrion.
Jabareen, Yosef Rafeq (2006) Sustainable Urban Forms: Their Typologies, Models, and Concepts. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 26 (1), pp. 38-52.
Joss, Simon (2011) Eco-cities: The Mainstreaming of Urban Sustainability – Key Characteristics and Driving Factors. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 6 (3), pp. 268-285.
Nguyen, Thu Hoai, Vu, Giang Huong Thi (2023) Eco-city Paradigm: Urban Planning Towards Sustainable Development Goals. E3S Web of Conferences, 403 (01002).
Rapoport, Elizabeth (2014) Utopian visions and real estate dreams: The eco-city past, present and future. Geography Compass, 8 (2), pp. 137-149.
United Nations (2018) 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says UN. [Online] available at: https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html
| Keywords | eco-city ; UAE ; Masdar City ; The Sustainable City |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
