KHARKHORUM – A Vision for a Sustainable City

Kharkhorum represents a model of modern, sustainable urban living, prioritizing environmental respect and self-sufficiency. The city’s design emphasizes natural resource conservation, health, and quality of life, integrating architecture with blue-green infrastructure for dynamic, eco-friendly experiences.

Vision of urban structure for Kharkhorum is a compact city divided into two zones: an agricultural zone (6,500 ha) west of the Khogoshin Orkhon River, capable of feeding 500,000 people, and an urban zone (16,000 ha) to the east. Its modular road network includes 5 main avenues (70 km/h) and  8 streets (40 km/h), adaptable for emergencies.

Master Planning Concept include:

1. Green-Blue Integration: Natural landscapes like linear parks, agricultural areas, and the Khogoshin Orkhon River are central to city design, promoting organic food production and recreation.
2. People-Centric Design: The city prioritizes walking and cycling with extensive pedestrian paths, parks, and integrated public transport (underground metro and bus networks).
3. Modular Development: About 60 districts, each with traffic-free centers and linear parks, encourage community interaction and safety.

Urban Planning Principles:

1. Environmental Respect: The city harmonizes with Mongolia’s natural and cultural heritage, including steppe ecosystems and agricultural traditions.
2. Mixed-Use Development: Diverse zones support varied densities, blending urban and rural elements to reflect Mongolia's nomadic roots.
3. Pedestrian Priority: Essential services are within 5-15 minutes' walk, reducing reliance on cars and promoting healthier lifestyles.
4. Cycling Infrastructure: City-wide bike paths enhance mobility and well-being.
5. Connectivity: Robust pedestrian, cycling, and transport networks ensure resilience and accessibility.
6. Efficient Public Transport: A shallow metro system (5 lines) and bus routes enhance mobility, with frequent stops and high accessibility.
7. City Center: Located at the geometric heart, it symbolizes civic identity with administrative, residential, and business facilities in high-density zones.

Kharkhorum exemplifies a sustainable, people-focused urban future, balancing modern needs with environmental and cultural preservation.

Planning a Sustainable Farm for Kharkhorum

Designing a sustainable agricultural system for Kharkhorum, Mongolia’s future capital, involves a holistic approach that balances food production with environmental conservation. Spanning 6,300 hectares, the plan aims to supply food for 500,000 people annually, focusing on eco-friendly farming to support health and well-being. Key areas include crop and livestock selection, land allocation, nutritional requirements, storage, irrigation systems, and precision agriculture techniques.

This sustainable farm will be pivotal in securing food for Kharkhorum’s 500,000 residents. By utilizing eco-friendly methods and strategic land management, it will promote population health and environmental preservation. While additional food sources will be needed, the farm will be central to the city’s food security.

KHARKHORUM ENERGY PLAN

A city is being built for 500,000 people, so it is necessary to assess their energy needs and determine appropriate production capacities. The construction of a thermal power plant, solar power plant, wind farm, pumped storage hydroelectricity and waste-to-energy (WTE) plant is proposed. According to the document “The Mongolian electricity sector in the context of international climate mitigation efforts” and based on data from the Mongolian electricity sector and the Ministry of Energy, scenarios for installed capacities by 2050 have been developed. These scenarios are a result of decarbonizing Mongolia’s electricity grid, inalignment with the Paris Agreement.