Recast Urumqi

The central aim of the transdisciplinary project is to develop strategies and tools for the sustainable development of rapidly growing metropolises in dry areas in Central Asia (Urumqi / NW China), in order to promote the quality of life in urban areas and to safeguard it in the long term. In order to achieve this, the project involves close collaboration between scientists, local authorities and municipal practice, and businesses. As the project progresses, the real-time change processes will be monitored using feedback mechanisms within 5 years.

The project centres on environmentally sensitive, diverse and closely interlinked key cycles of water, material and energy, and how they interact. The project is therefore subdivided into three working groups (task groups): water resources, material efficiency, and energy efficiency.

In addition to the specific case study of Urumqi, the project is also expected to develop tools and technologies for sustainable growth which can be transferred to other metropolises in dry areas.