Baku White city project, implemented within the framework of “The Comprehensive Action Plan on improving the environmental situation in the Azerbaijan Republic for 2006-2010» approved by the executive order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is well known across the world as one of the large-scale environmental urban planning projects.
Thanks to the extensive works carried out in Baku White city project, the foundation of which was laid by President Ilham Aliyev and the First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva on December 24th, 2001, the area is under transformation from the most contaminated area into a modern city center.
The area was used to be known as Black City, which became an environmental disaster as a result of 150-year oil industry activities. Yet today, it becomes one of the most favorite residential and recreational place for residents of Baku and guests of the city.
The residential area, designed by joint efforts of the leading companies of the world with local experts was deemed worthy of many awards in a plethora of international exhibitions.
The construction of buildings and public places, as well as infrastructure facilities has been completed in the Central Park District of Baku White City, which is being built in several stages.
Construction of streets of various lengths and widths, works related to the underground communications infrastructure has been already completed. During the design phase, a special concept was prepared for Baku Metro stations, indended to be built in Baku White City.
As a part of commissioning works, a number of convenience, including ramps for wheelchairs, overpasses, protective supports were built, video surveillance cameras of the "Safe City" service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were installed, underground communications of "Azersu" and "Azerishiq" OJC, "Azerigas" Production Union, IT systems of “Delta Telecom" LLC were laid.
The Central Park District consists of Parisian Houses commissioned in 2017, 36, 20 and 8 storey high-rise buildings, two-storey non-residential buildings along 6th Park Street, commercial and catering facilities, a secondary school, office and administrative buildings.
Green zones – parks and alleys were intended to be built on the residential area of White City Central Park district. One of such landscaping projects is Dağdağan (Celtis) Garden.
Celtis, originated from Qarabagh, is one of symbols of Azerbaijan. Within the framework of his visit to liberated territories of Azerbaijan in May of 2011, President Ilham Aliyev planted a celtis tree in Aghdam. The celtis trees were brought to White City from Qarabagh.
Recently, Baku White City project became a place of showcase, where local and international artists demonstrate their works.
The construction of one of the central streets of the project – Boulevard Street has been completed substantially and now it is home to the artworks of local and foreign artists. “La Gran Manzana” (The Big Apple) by sculptor Enrique Cabrera is one of major works of the artist. “La Gran Manzana” installed in New York acts as a symbol of the city, being quite popular among city residents and tourists. The second copy of the artwork is being exhibited in Baku White City.
“Dragon” statue by Azerbaijan Maas Art Group was developed in a contemporary polygonal style and is dedicated to the symbol of 2024. According to the Eastern Calendar, dragon is the symbol of the year of 2024. The height of the statue is 4.2 meters.
“The Thinker” by Joseph Klibansky depicts the anxiety of modern people stemming from technological advances, environmental problems and global warming. Made of bronze, the statue has attained the admiration of art lover from all over the world. Inspired by Baku’s rich architecture, synthesis of antiquity and modernity in 2014, Joseph Klibansky created his “Beautiful Baku” work, glorifying the beauty of Azerbaijan’s capital.
Qarabagh horse statue installed here is one of the seven horses to be installed in Qarabagh Horses Square as a part of “Qarabagh Horses” monument complex.
The complex, consisting of seven Qarabagh horses, is being developed by US sculptor Robert Summers. The sculptor is known for his works of “Texas Legacy” installed in Dallas, “John Wayne” in Orange County California airport and others.
Qarabagh horses are one of the symbols of Azerbaijan. Gracious, free and strong horses are an embodiment of the loyalty of the country to traditions, and continuous development.
“Qarabagh Horses” monument complex is dedicated to the victory of Azerbaijan in the Patriotic War, to the liberation of Qarabagh territories, which were under occupation for 30 years. The foundation of “Qarabağ Horses” monument complex was laid by the Head of State in December of 2022 in White City.
The construction of the completed 12-storey White City 2020 Business Center, one of the landmark buildings in Baku White City kicked off in 2020. It is dedicated to the Victory of Azerbaijan in the Patriotic War and restoration of its sovereignty. The business center is situated on the Central Boulevard Street, which starts from Babak Avenue and Qarabagh Horses Square in the North, passes through Fountains Square, joins eye-catching footbridge over November 8th Avenue and continues onward to two-kilometer barrierless walkway leading to the White City Boulevard. The building fully complies with the environmental protection policy. The business center has been certified by BREEAM international environmental certification. It is second building to receive BREEAM environmental certification, the first of which was Baku White City office center.
The building of “2020” business center has been ranked highly in the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) system’s assessment, a procedure for assessing the carbon risks of real estate. The assessment was implemented by TÜV SÜD, Germany, in line with the environmental sustainability principles. This assessment confirms the building’s compliance with the green building standards.
The business center complies with the CRREM pathways for climate forecasts. In order to provide compliance with the CRREM requirements that stem from that the global temperature will raise approximately 1.5 degrees in 2030, it was decided to installed solar panels on the roof of the building. Landscaping and renovations works have been implemented around the building; modern infrastructure was created.
The Business Center houses 150 offices. Business representatives will be able to use individual cooling systems, natural ventilation, central heating, balconies, 386 underground and 62-car open air parking lots, 3-meter high offices, natural lighting for parking lots, power charging for electric vehicles, free parking for bicycles and other amenities.
A Data Center was created within the building with the view of utilizing sustainable information technologies. Thus, the workers may use reliable e-mail, IP telephony, wireless network, audio-video conference, IPTV, video surveillance systems. The technical utilization of the building will be carried out via a modern Building Management System.
The entrance to the building was decorated by a specially tailored bronze medallion. The first floor of the building is allocated for catering facilities.
It should be outlined that a photo exhibition, depicting the transformation of the Black City into White City is on display in a spacious hall, always accessible for the passengers. The lobby also features models of various modern buildings, designed by the leading architectural companies of the world.
During the design phase of new buildings, a special attention was paid to the alignment of the White City with the green building, energy saving principles and international BREAM, LEED certifications keeping in mind the environmental traditions and modern environmental requirements.
A public space consisting of various trees, which were adapted to the local climate, were created around 2020 business center for green parking and recreation. Unique olive trees with the age of over a thousand years were planted among the greenery.
The 8th floor of the building underwent overhaul according a special design and comfortable working spaces were created here. Stands depicting future works and environmental measures to be implemented in the White City were installed here. A porcelain tabletop statue of a Qarabagh horse, by famous Spanish company Lladro is on display here, intended for promotion of Qarabagh horses in the world. To create the statue of one of the national symbols of Azerbaijan, Qarabagh horse, the specialists of the company travelled to various parts of Azerbaijan, met with the experts specialized in the breeding of pedigree horses, consulted with the representatives of Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan.
According to the ancient traditions, the horses were covered with famous Qarabagh carpets, featuring one-of-a-kind patterns. Specialists of Azerkhalcha OJC rendered support to the company, in order to fully reflect these unique patterns. The saddle on the horse was decorated with floral gold patterns. The bridles and stirrups were produced of gilded copper, and the reins are made of natural leather. The porcelain statue is a limited collection item and will be sold through the company’s wide network, covering more than 100 countries.
Along with local experts, ATKINS (UK), Fosters + Partners architectural company, which was founded by legendary Norman Foster, and F+A Architects (USA) architectural bureau, a company with the immense experience in the organization of commercial spaces, UNStudio, CallisonRTKL, Gensler and other companies have worked on the design of Baku White City project. Baku White City project was deemed worthy of many international and local awards, including “The Best Future Project in Central and Western Asia” nomination in “MIPIM Asia Awards 2011” of Hong Kong, “The Best Urban Planning project” in “Cityscape Global” of Dubai and other exhibitions.
Baku White city project, implemented according to the respective executive order of President Ilham Aliyev is well known in the entire world as a successful large-scale environmental project and the works carried out here gained the trust of Baku residents.
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