Imperative climate change adaptation strategies towards future sustainable architectural development

Abstract

The impacts of climate change are escalating worldwide, with developing nations in Southern Africa particularly vulnerable to its consequences. South African urban centers face the challenge of adapting to a changing climate and the associated heat stress on urban populations. Existing buildings must be retrofitted to accommodate these new demands and mitigate adverse environmental effects. This study explores specific architectural interventions that enhance the thermal adaptive capacity of buildings as strategies for climate change adaptation. By documenting these interventions, the study aims to establish a database for future research and reference. Sustainability and resilience are crucial concepts intertwined with adaptability in responding to climate change. The evolution of human adaptability throughout history demonstrates our ability to respond to changing conditions. However, the uncertain climate future presents varying perspectives on how to address climate change, creating tension between global influences and localized responses. South Africa's cities also face challenges associated with the global trend of urbanization. As urban areas continue to grow, they experience issues like insufficient housing, failing infrastructure, traffic congestion, and rising air pollution. Combining climate change adaptation and urban transition strategies is essential for creating climate-resilient urban ecosystems. The research question revolves around exploring the architectural building technologies implemented as climate change adaptation strategies that target thermal amelioration potential. Specific sub-questions address the methods used to assess thermal adaptive capacity and the reported outcomes, efficiencies, benefits, and shortcomings of these technologies. The research objectives aim to analyze and understand the current and future potential of thermal adaptation responses in the local Tshwane climate conditions. The study compares current and future climate change adaptation strategies, as well as Tshwane's current and projected climate conditions, to formulate a sustainable response to future climate changes. However, the study has certain limitations, particularly concerning the availability of data on climate change adaptation technologies within specific climate classifications. The scope of the study focuses on analyzing case studies within the climate classifications Cwa, Cwb, and Bsh, which restricts the available data. Consequently, the study draws conclusions based on existing literature evidence related to thermal amelioration.