The government of Uzbekistan has approved the ambitious masterplan by London-based firm Cross Works to expand Tashkent by 25,000 hectares, effectively creating a “twin city” named New Tashkent, or “Yangi Toshkent” in Uzbek. This transformative project will extend the capital eastward, between the Chirchiq and Karasu rivers, to accommodate an additional 2.5 million residents, nearly doubling the city’s population.
A Visionary Approach to Urban Growth
Cross Works was selected as the lead consultant following an international competition. The firm is tasked with overseeing the project’s masterplan and coordinating a global consortium of experts, including engineers, landscape architects, economists, and cost consultants, such as Buro Happold.
The primary aim of this initiative is to establish a resilient and adaptable framework for urban development, ensuring the city’s rapid growth aligns with innovative and sustainable practices. To achieve this, Cross Works has also created a digital twin of New Tashkent—a virtual model that evolves alongside the real-world city. This twin integrates 2D and 3D urban analyses, VR walkthroughs, geolocated renders, and advanced forecasting tools.
Public Engagement and Accessibility
A streamlined version of the digital twin has been made publicly accessible, revolutionizing stakeholder engagement and setting new benchmarks for transparency in urban planning. Through this platform, stakeholders, investors, and residents can visualize the evolving project in real time.
The Tashkent Code: Updating Urban Guidelines
To guide New Tashkent’s development, Cross Works has introduced the “Tashkent Code,” a modern set of urban design guidelines. This code replaces outdated Soviet-era regulations, emphasizing a flexible, principle-driven approach that supports creativity while maintaining alignment with Uzbekistan’s evolving national identity.
A Collaborative Future
As Cross Works finalizes architectural guidelines for District 1 and other areas, international architects, including Zaha Hadid Architects, are contributing designs that align with the masterplan. The project’s scale promises opportunities for hundreds of architects to shape New Tashkent’s urban fabric.
A Milestone in Uzbekistan’s Urban Evolution
New Tashkent represents a pivotal moment in Uzbekistan’s architectural and cultural evolution since its independence in 1991. The project aims to redefine the nation’s urban identity while ensuring sustainability and innovation in every aspect of its development.
With its groundbreaking masterplan and vision for collaborative growth, New Tashkent is poised to become a symbol of modernity and progress in Central Asia.
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