BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. Digital models of
cities and villages could completely transform the approach to
urban management in the near future, and Azerbaijan is already
implementing such technologies in the restoration of Karabakh and
historical sites, Murad Abdulayev, head of Beam GSH, told Trend on the margins of the
World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
According to him, the company was one of the first in Azerbaijan
to begin developing Building Information Modeling (BIM)
technologies, which are gradually evolving into the creation of
comprehensive digital models of cities.
“We work with digital technologies and laser scanning. We are
among the first in Azerbaijan to develop Building Information
Modeling, which is gradually evolving into City Information
Modeling. In other words, we have already partially and fully
designed villages within an information model,” he said.
Abdulayev noted that in the future, cities could be designed in
a modular fashion, by districts and neighborhoods, within a unified
digital system that integrates road networks, engineering
infrastructure, and data from various government agencies.
According to him, such an approach will significantly simplify
the management of the urban environment and coordination among
government agencies.
“This will result in a simpler system to operate, as road
networks and infrastructure will be integrated into a single
digital model, making it easier for all government agencies to
work, and the urban environment as a whole will be much easier to
manage,” he emphasized.
The company’s head said that Beam GSH already has practical
experience implementing similar projects in Karabakh. Specifically,
the company’s specialists worked on the design of four villages and
the development of their urban planning justifications.
In addition, the company participated in the restoration of
historical sites in Shusha, including the famous Ganja Gate and
part of the fortress wall.
“We performed laser scanning. Based on the laser scan, we
identified all the areas that were damaged and provided solutions
on how to prevent further damage and restore them. Using this
digital model, we fully restored the Ganja Gate and the wall, which
everyone now admires and takes photos in front of,” Abdulayev
noted.
He added that in addition to historical restoration work, the
company also carries out infrastructure and civil engineering
projects—ranging from boiler rooms and schools to administrative
buildings. Since 2018, Beam GSH has completed more than 100
projects.
Today marks the fifth day of WUF13 in Baku.
The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.
The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders’ Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.
One of the highlights of the third day was the signing of a
sister-city memorandum between the Azerbaijani city of Shusha and
the Turkish city of Trabzon.
The fourth day of WUF13 featured a broad program of events
dedicated to urbanization, climate change, inclusive urban
development, housing policy, and sustainable governance.
One of the important events of the UN Special Program for the
Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Cities Forum, held on the fourth
day, was the announcement of Almaty’s official accession to the
“Declaration of Intent on the Establishment of the SPECA Smart
Climate-Resilient Cities Forum.”
Also, for the first time in WUF history and at Azerbaijan’s
initiative, the “WUF13 NGO Forum: Global Partnership and
Decision-Making” was held.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.
