GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN HOT CLIMATE AREAS: CASE STUDY OF KUWAIT

Abstract

Green infrastructure is a challenge for cities in hot climate areas due to the heat, climate change, policy, nature of existing GI, and deficiency of resources. Kuwait is one of many countries that suffers from several challenges due to its desert-type climate. It lacks natural greenery and does not have adequate built green infrastructure yet. Due to it being a relatively new country compared to others in the same region it won’t be difficult to re-establish its urban design layers. The current response to urban heat island effects push designers towards indoor green infrastructure. This study aims to investigate the effects of increased outdoor GI, to show that outdoor green infrastructure is preferred in Kuwait and proposes changes in city planning. Variables of success are dynamic and in the context of Kuwait don’t look the same as variables of success elsewhere, namely where green infrastructure has been a core part of urban design. Architects and planners in Kuwait advocate for greener urban areas and cities. Their claim is that green infrastructure is, in fact, applicable in hot climate areas if the investment was put towards the correct resources. This study aims to push forth and encourage the addition of green infrastructure in hot climate areas and more importantly encourage future and current planners and designers to act towards greener cities.