Urban economics

Priority projects

general plan

public funding sources and mechanisms

detailed documentation for public and PPP (public-private partnership) urban development projects of high- and medium priority

built environment and building regulations

socio-economic policy framework

land-use scheme

economic development framework

Urban space

Novaya Labs developed a masterplan to transform the Charvak Free Trade Zone into a leading ecotourism destination.

The area includes two sites: Gate of Charvak and Yusufkhona.

Project Context

Tashkent Airport is the primary gateway for tourists and a key site for the expansion of both domestic and international tourism. Improving transport infrastructure in this region is vital to providing access and enhancing tourist experiences.

60 min

Accessibility by car to the
project site from Tashkent

120 min

Accessibility by train to the
project site from Tashkent

Existing and Future Land Use

Gate of Charvak

The site is conceived as an intermodal transport hub and offers unique investment opportunities. It unlocks tourist access to the adjacent points of interest, supporting the economics of adjacent settlements and the Charvak Special Tourism Zone.

territory 1

Yusufkhona

Designed for beach and active tourism, it offers affordable and eco-friendly retreats that are compact and commercially sustainable.

territory 2

Quality and variety of life

To promote an inclusive and just environment, we proposed several centres for education and retraining, sustainable transport, and protection of natural environments.

design principles .1

Prioritising Community and Local Culture

Public spaces and local communities

Yusufkhona, a tourist area on the southern shore of Lake Charvak, faces historic settlements on the northern coast. The circular park ensures that tourists and locals share this new public infrastructure. It creates a spatial link between existing villages and tourist areas, establishing a new system of public spaces for recreation and cultural exchange.

We ensure that local residents can easily access recreational activities by providing shared infrastructure (e.g., playgrounds and sports grounds) on the northern shore.

Green and Blue Infrastructures

The principles of green and blue infrastructures guide spatial and design solutions

Design principles .2

Protecting Local Ecosystems

Green Grid

Green and water connections incorporate the built environment and bring wildlife and natural ecosystems into it.

Green Fences

Traditionally, in Uzbekistan, fences (of all kinds) delineate plots, impacting visual continuity. Our strategy introduces design codes that promote trees and hedges to provide delineation, privacy and improved shade.

"Oases" – Integrated Transportation and Tourism Hubs

At the heart of our project is customer experience delivered through the concept of "Oases" - a system of multimodal hubs in the Gate of Charvak and Yusufkhona areas. Secondary cores located along the coast further support these hubs. The system includes regular electric bus routes and smart stops, providing a high-standard travel experience within the region.

Design principles .3

Creating Unique Tourist Experiences

Customer Experience on Every Stage

Natural and Recreational Context

Situated near Tashkent, Central Asia's largest metropolitan area and a primary entry point for tourists, the Charvak Special Tourism Zone has the potential for growth in both domestic and international tourism. Developing infrastructure and creating explicit, user-friendly access scenarios are essential for increasing tourist numbers. Road and rail, including improvements to Chinor railway station and new regular bus services, provide new access points to the area.

Strategic Location

The Project area is located in immediate proximity to Ugam-Chatkal National Park, the largest protected natural area in Uzbekistan, and a complex of three ski resorts, popular among Tashkent residents and foreign tourists.

Integrating these tourist attractions into the overall visitor offering, including new transportation infrastructure — such as the Chinor railway station — and establishing intra- and intercity mobility options is vital in creating this new destination for local and international tourists.

Entry logistics

Transportation scenario

Tourist agency

Inter- and Intra site mobility-as-a-service

Leaving the site & Feedback

Digital planning tools

On-site orientation and planning service

End-to-end logistics

Follow-up support

Local tourists

International tourists

Public-Private Partnership from the Start

As with every project, we carefully evaluated every early-stage decision through multiple consultations with local authorities and businesses. This process led to the establishment of a permanent supervisory body with defined responsibilities, ensuring successful project implementation.

Design principles .4

Working Together With Local Enterprises

Primary Development
Infrastructure Upgrade & Construction
Land Development

Local Government

Plot Sales
Asset Development

Business

Land Structure and Demarcation

An example of an outcome of the consultations is the decisions around plot sizes for Yusufkhona and the Gate of Charvak visitor centre. It identified a specific demand for relatively small plots, leading to a more effective and viable land-use strategy for the project area.

Traditional and Modern Design

The balance between traditional and modern building materials and technologies creates the area's unique aesthetics while preserving its identity.

Design principles .5

Integrating New and Traditional Architectural Designs

.1

In the rugged landscapes of Uzbekistan, complex topography dictates the arrangement and spatial structure of villages. Traditional kishlaks, often situated near water sources, naturally conform to the contours of the terrain, evolving into uniquely structured settlements over time.

Landscape and Urban Morphology

.2

Building orientation is vital for thermal comfort in Uzbekistan's harsh summer climate. Homes typically face northwards and have strategically placed terraces with wind traps, or “Evans”, to provide cooling.

Thermal Regulation

.3

Urban residential blocks in Central Asia typically adopt an enclosed configuration with a central courtyard. This design enhances community living and aligns the building along the boundary of a plot, forming an interconnected façade that resembles a local tapestry.

Urban Context

.4

Owing to their high thermal mass, selecting construction materials such as stone, fired brick, and clay is strategic in the region's dry climate. These materials absorb and transfer heat slowly, keeping indoor temperatures cooler throughout the day.

Building Material and Climate

Typology integrated into local landscape

recommended materials: stone, brick, plaster, wood, natural colour tones