Climate-resilience
Discussions around climate impact on the environment have intensified, and so have concerns on how they are shaping the built environment. As Ar. Dikshu C. Kukreja, Architect, Urban Planner & Environmentalist, puts it: “Conversations around sustainability, climate resilience, and responsible development continue to gain momentum. There is a growing need to rethink the relationship between human progress and the natural systems that sustain it.

“The environmental issue of our time isn’t just about conservation; it’s about how we redefine the link between human progress and the natural systems that support us. For way too long, development was all about what we could take, use, and build. Moving forward, though, it’ll be about crafting economies, cities, and structures that work inside ecological boundaries while making life better for people. Taking care of the environment isn’t some sideline issue; it’s central to having a responsible society. We must remember that resilience, prosperity, and sustainability go hand in hand, and the decisions we make now will decide the planet’s condition for future generations.”

We present a compilation of views, projects, perceptions, and insights by the architecture and construction fraternity on sustainability and environmentally responsive design, and their positive contribution to urban and ecological issues through ecological awareness and biophilic principles for creating climate-conscious environments that enhance daily life. It also draws focus on materials and products that can withstand extreme weather conditions like hailstorms, earthquakes, and even fire breakouts. Products include climate-responsive facades, window systems, and elevators.

The aim of this compilation is to view how design and materials can engage more meaningfully with nature, climate, and to rethink how design and ecology can help create greater environmental value.