The Oyu Tolgoi (OT) mine is among the largest copper mines in the world and the largest financial undertaking in Mongolia’s history. With an anticipated lifespan of 50-70 years and a projected work force of 5,500 permanent staff, OT is exploring options for the development of a town to accommodate its employees and a Business Park to support contractors, suppliers and mine-related businesses.

SvN and previously affiliated firm rePlan developed a strategy for the new town and business park including a comprehensive vision; population forecasts; town and business park plans; and options for housing, infrastructure and social facilities. The firms also prepared cost estimates, social and environmental impact assessments, and strategies for stakeholder engagement, governance and land acquisition.

The town is conceived as a means of respecting Mongolian urban planning traditions -- a long, public amenity corridor creates defensible multi-purpose space promoting social cohesion, spatial logic and efficiency while maximizing solar exposure. The program along the amenity corridor includes kindergartens, schools, public buildings, playing fields, community gardens, a pedestrian and cycling network, transit stops, and retail. Extensive interviews through informal discussion groups and official questionnaire took place with each worker to establish current housing tenure arrangements. This assisted with designing the ideal housing density mix, building in flexibility around infrastructure provision and determination of private and communal spaces.

In addition, the phasing of the town allows for incremental construction, putting in place the essential social services at the outset.