CAFx - There is no space for you by Elvin Abdullayev

There is no space for you

Elvin Abdullayev

Azerbaijan

Baku hosts almost 5 million citizens and there are 2 million cars on the roads. The expansion of roads and the construction of new bridges almost paralyzed traffic for the past decade and even now, after the constructions, things are not better. Mass tourist waves and the large number of people moving to Baku every year for better opportunities worsen the situation. Thus, overpopulation and bad city infrastructure leave many citizens of Baku going through a hell of traffic and congestion during rush hours. Public transport is also very packed and not so safe for many to use. The situation proves that there is a significant need for more alternative and green forms of transportation. Cycling is proven to be one of the most sustainable ways of transport and the city’s road infrastructure exclusively leaves cyclists behind. There are no bike lanes in most parts of the city, and only a few parks have them that have no point or connection points. Also, the drivers are very aggressive and impatient with the cyclists. Many drivers create very precarious situations for cyclists and the aggression is the same for those who ride motorcycles as well. Driving on big roads with no bike lane and around the sidewalks with many underground paths make things really worse for cyclists. Also, the lack of community and cycling culture kills its potential for the future. Baku needs sustainable and innovative solutions to its major urban problems and leaving the cyclists behind only challenges the situation further.

Latest films

This film is a try to show the environment, city and people from a different point of view. A view, different from the usual one and how excluding it can be if you are a bit different.

A public space of an apartment building complex in Tirana, previously used as a parking lot, is now transformed into a small park with the active participation of the local community. The project is a successful example of participatory design and creative recreation of public space. The film is produced during the CAFx Film & Architecture Workshop Tirana: Leave No One Behind.

Black and White

“Baku is a charming, progressive and clean city with all the high glass buildings, and the unique architectural hybrid from Zaha Hadid Design to social-modernist architecture” - is the thought of most privileged people who have not seen beyond the city center. City design and built environment in Baku is chaotic and unorganized, and mass instruction is always going on. There is a big contrast in design where one could see astonishing beauty on the outside, but when you look on the inside, you see all the suffering, ugliness, and disorder that has been going on since the 1990s. Baku is the biggest center of economy, trade, arts&culture, and education and is the home of the largest job market in the country. Beginning from the late 20th century, the city’s population began skyrocketing with an influx of refugees and forced migrants (due to the war), then later with the oil boom that expanded many job sectors in the region and drove many to the capital in search of work. The rapidly growing population and the economy of Baku pressured the government to advance the “image” and the city's international recognition, which led to a fast growth of infrastructure, architecture, and design. The city hosted major international events throughout the 2010s up until now. Steady growth created a pretty image on the outside but left many behind living in the surrounding neighborhoods of Baku. Most of the streets in suburban areas are in bad condition which challenges many people with disabilities. The design of the streets is relatively inclusive around the center, however, most of the ramps are almost a "décor" more than a useful tool. Other design elements in the city that are supposedly inclusive are also very ill-measured and play the role of "décor" rather than a useful tool for people with disabilities.