Baku: Marcelina Zielinska, Group Board Director at the UK-based urban planning and architecture firm Chapman Taylor, has expressed her admiration for the rapid pace of development in Azerbaijan. In a recent interview, Zielinska praised the Azerbaijani government’s innovative and forward-thinking strategies.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Zielinska commended the country’s significant investments in youth and education, as well as its openness to international expertise and willingness to experiment with new approaches. She believes these factors are key contributors to Azerbaijan’s swift economic progress.
Zielinska specifically highlighted the remarkable speed of reconstruction efforts in the Karabakh region. She recalled her first visit to the site of Fuzuli International Airport, noting the transformation from an empty site to a fully operational airport in just a few months-a development pace she describes as rare. She further mentioned the residential developments in cities such as Shusha, Jabrayil, and Fuzuli, where people are now returning to newly built homes. Chapman Taylor played a significant role in designing many of these residences, with support from President Ilham Aliyev, facilitating the rejuvenation of these areas. Infrastructure advances, including highways, 39 tunnels, and new residential neighborhoods, have also been noteworthy.
Zielinska also emphasized the unique cultural strengths of Azerbaijan, highlighting the warmth and hospitality of its people, which she attributes as central to the country’s appeal. Chapman Taylor has been actively involved in preparing master plans for the cities of Shusha and Jabrayil and is currently working on a master plan for Nakhchivan.