Urban Planning Portfolio
Recent Projects
Dr. Robert J. Platt
18 February 2009

Urban Design
Business Bay, Dubai
This master plan for a new CBD for Dubai was prepared on
behalf of a government entity set up to spearhead
development growth in Dubai. It includes an 15km.
extension of the existing Dubai Creek, wrapping it through
the site and connecting it to the Arabian Gulf.
My role was that of project manager, and senior urban
designer responsible for urban p
g p planning and development
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regulations.
perspective rendering by others

Urban Design
The Lagoons, Dubai
This master plan for a life style project at the head of the
Dubai Creek includes some 90million sq.ft. of primarily
residential development, with a major waterfront living
component supported by a mixed use high street
environment.
My role was that of project manager, and senior urban
designer responsible for urban p
g p planning and development
g p
regulations.
3D modelling and rendering by others

Urban Design
New City Plan, Dubai
This master plan for a new city of some 250,000 people was prepared in 2003 for the Dubai Municipality.
The it is
Th site i an area of some 60 k
f 60sq.kms. Of coastal l d at th western end of the Emirate.
t l land t the t d f th E i t
Following the development of a framework plan for the entire area, a detailed master plan for a notional
phase one was produced.
My role was that of senior urban designer responsible for urban planning and development regulations.
3D modelling of Phase 1 by others

Urban Design
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Internet City Free Zone is a mixed use
development for E-Commerce and Media activities. It
p
will house 70,000 employees and 15,000 residents at
completion.
The Masterplan was completed in April 2001, with a
subsequent study assessing the impact of high-rise
buildings on the design concept being completed in
October 2001.
2001
Demand for development has exceeded expectations
and the Masterplan is due for a review in January 2002.
My responsibility was that of senior urban designer,
developing early concepts (by others) into land use
p
plans and sub-division layouts, and producing
y , p g
comprehensive Development Guidelines for the entire
site. I worked closely with landscape architects and
infrastructure engineers, and assisted in the production
of Town Planning Regulations for the project.
I subsequently project managed a complete review of
the original master plan necessitated by the need to
plan,
respond to changing market patterns investor demand..

Urban Design
Hill Station, India
St ti I di
During the days of British rule the Indian Hill Stations were
developed as places for escaping the fierce humidity of the
coastal areas. Boarding schools also flourished in these areas
as parents wanted their children to spend time away from the
heat and unhealthy environments of the cities.
There has recently been a resurgence of interest amongst the
wealthier Indian families in this concept, and there is increasing
p g
demand for boarding schools and weekend retreats.
The project was submitted in competition with other international
practices, and encompasses the development of a new Hill
Station and ancillary facilities on the edges of a major dam.
I was responsible for the design of the new town, and the layout
of a number of resort areas in the valleys of the surrounding
hills.

Urban Design
Vista Technology Park Singapore
This was a concept design competition for a mixed
use project with a technology focus, located in the
Academic area of Singapore.
Singapore
Working with a team of architects from Singapore,
my input included assisting with the development of
the Vision, and various detailed design studies to
project this image.

Urban Design
Tourism Framework Plan, Dubai
3D modelling by others
I was the senior urban designer for this project – a
framework plan to create a regional tourism and
entertainment centre. The project was for the Dubai
Executive Office, and was launched in 2004 as
Dubailand.
My role included planning, site layouts, urban design
studies and the creation of development guidelines.
The project entailed extensive interaction both with
t e client, a d t pote t a
the c e t, and with potential investors, a d included
esto s, and c uded
presentations to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed.

Urban Design
Khor Qurm Ras al Khaimah
I had the role of Project Manager and lead urban designer
j g g
for this resort development on the Ras Al Khaimah coast. It
comprises plots for resort hotels, a major theme park, local
retail, and apartment buildings, and is notable for its
relationship with an adjacent wetlands conservation project.

Urban Design
San Fernando Trinidad
San Fernando is the second largest town in Trinidad. In the year 2000 the
Waterfront area was identified as an Action Plan area in an attempt to re-
vitalise an aging and rundown location to make it attractive to locals and
tourists.
I was responsible for site analysis and for the production of urban design
concept plans for the area, which included upgrading and re-use of existing
historic warehouse buildings, the creation of a new tourist plaza, and
pp
proposing a series of small islands off-shore for building high-value villas and
g gg
condominiums.
The project also has to make provision for a major transportation interchange
and a coastal ferry service.

Urban Design
Melrose Arch
Melrose Arch is a re-development in the suburbs of Johannesburg. It is
planned using New Urbanist techniques to be a series of mixed use
perimeter bl k b ildi
i t block buildings f ti a Hi h St t and T
fronting High Street d Town S Square. It i
is
unique in the South African context, where development generally follows
segregated land use planning principles, and where shopping takes places
at giant indoor malls.
I was responsible for urban design matters, and for the design and delivery
of the urban fabric. I also undertook the production of Design Guidelines
for the numerous architectural practices who were commissioned to
design the buildings for Phase 1.
The project received an urban design award from the Institute of South
African Architects, with special mention for the clarity and practicality of the
Design Guidelines.

Urban Design
Hillcrest Village The Village is typical of small towns that have lost
their hearts due to commercial strip development
and increasing traffic congestion on the main
access roads.
d
The projects aimed to re-vitalise the Centre by
creating a new mixed-use heart comprising retail,
commercial and residential functions around a
new town square.

Urban Design
University of Zululand - Umlazi Campus
The masterplan for a new campus for 5,000 students. My role was assistant master planner for the academic
facilities complex (shown in these images).