Resilient Urban Future: Climate-Responsive Design and Sustainable Construction in Afghanistan’s Varied Climate Zones

Abstract

This study examines the broad impact of climate change on global urban growth and construction dynamics, with a particular focus on the diverse climatic zones within Afghanistan. It addresses a critical research gap: the significant disparity between the adoption of modern construction methods and the limited use of climate-responsive techniques in the region. The research employed a mixed-methods methodology, analyzing survey data from 300 respondents across three cities representing Afghanistan's major climate zones: Kabul (cold continental), Jalalabad (arid), and Asadabad (temperate). The findings indicate a considerable transformation in construction methods towards contemporary global standards; however, they also reveal a critical misalignment with local climates. Key quantitative results show low awareness of climate-responsive principles and notable urban deficiencies, including widespread energy inefficiency (reported by up to 45.1% of respondents in city planning) and a severe lack of green zones (deficient in 75.2% of Kabul). Furthermore, the study identifies a predominant reliance on low-cost materials (over 64% across all zones) and poor building alignment. The study concludes that urban growth, marked by an absence of formal planning, intensifies these challenges. We advocate for tailored climate strategies and enhanced planning, specifically recommending zone-specific building codes, mandatory climate-responsive design integration, and targeted urban greening programs to effectively address these complex challenges.