Promoting sustainable development through community education on flood- and storm-resistant architecture

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Ullah, Aman and Butt, Anosh Nadeem and Shah, Mir Wali and Quddusi, Syeda Arfa and Eryildiz, Demet Irkli (2025) Promoting sustainable development through community education on flood- and storm-resistant architecture. Rural and Regional Development, 3 (4). 10014. ISSN 2959-2119 (https://doi.org/10.70322/rrd.2025.10014)

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Abstract

Pakistan is experiencing climate-induced disasters such as floods and storms with an increased frequency and intensity every single year. This study aims to explore the integration of resilient architecture into environmental education as a pathway toward sustainable development and disaster risk reduction. The research examines current levels of understanding regarding flood- and storm-resistant building practices and identifies key barriers to their adoption in high-risk regions of Pakistan. The study used a mixed-methods approach by administering surveys. These surveys were administered to 500 community members in different cities of Sindh and Punjab. The study also incorporated two in-depth case studies: the Heritage Foundation’s low-cost housing initiative in Makli, Sindh, and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat’s Safe Housing Program in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These cases provide valuable insights into effective, culturally appropriate, and scalable models of resilient construction in Pakistan. Findings of the present study reveal that public awareness of resilient architecture is below a satisfactory level, with common misconceptions. Challenges, including high costs, lack of technical knowledge, and minimal government support, were identified as significant obstacles. Despite these issues, communities showed strong interest in learning about safer building practices when exposed to practical examples and local success stories. The study recommends integrating resilient construction education into community outreach, school curricula, and builder training programs. It also advocates for greater government involvement, financial incentives, and replication of proven models to foster widespread adoption of resilient architecture for long-term sustainability.

ORCID iDs

Ullah, Aman, Butt, Anosh Nadeem ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9662-9473, Shah, Mir Wali, Quddusi, Syeda Arfa and Eryildiz, Demet Irkli;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)