DHA City Karachi project: basic parameters, design requirements discussed

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

KARACHI (September 28, 2010) : A meeting of the consortium of renowned master planning and urban architectural firms tasked with the master/town planning of DHA City Karachi project was held at DHA's Main Office here on Monday. The meeting chaired by Administrator DHA Brigadier Aamer Raza Qureshi discussed the basic parameters and the design requirements of the newly launched residential scheme on the Super Highway, DHA City Karachi.

The consortium of experts undertaking the most challenging task of master planning comprises renowned firms Doxiadis Associates from Greece (master planners of Islamabad City), globally leading urban architectural firm RMJM architects from UK and national consultancy firm Usmani and Co Ltd.

Administrator DHA Brigadier Aamer Raza said that the development strategy of the new city would flow from the broader planning concepts clearly outlining the essentials and desirable of the planning which focus on the development of the basic facilities and amenities as a prerequisite. He stressed on the need of following pragmatic, holistic and nouveau approach of development planning and of strict adherence to the time lines. He added that the basic parameters of planning would be finalised in Oct' 10 followed by progressive master planning of the project.

Brigadier Raza said that the new satellite city of Karachi would be developed progressively incorporating the contemporary town planning concepts envisaging phase wise development of basic amenities, ensuring sound engineering works with no compromise on quality, economy of effort and sustainable development policy. He said that DHA City Karachi would be developed as a modern and vibrant city of 21st century looking into the future, which would be an example for others to follow.

Dr Pollalis of Doxiadis Associates, who is a professor of architectural designing at Howard University USA and the chief designer of the project, described DHA City Karachi as a most unique and exciting project of the modern time which presents formidable challenges of planning and designing. He said that the basic contours of master planning of the project were being developed on progressive lines envisaging infrastructure development of roads, water sources, renewable energy and sewerage of international standard.

The master planning process of DHA City Karachi has started on a fast track basis and the initial master-planning model would be ready by April 2011 initiating tendering procedure for construction of major roads. Modern Geographic Information System (GIS) and satellite imagery have been used in master planning and the detail designing work would be completed by December 2011.

Dr Pollais stressed that in the initial phase, theme park, convention centre and farm houses would be developed to attract visitors to the area. He said proximity of upcoming education city spread over 9,000 acres, main gas line and the plans to develop a modern transit system unto the Super Highway were the most remarkable and encouraging features for the future development of new city.-