As a response to the challenge of rapid growth of urbanization and lack of reliable data for urban planning and management, especially in the developing countries, this paper evaluates land use change and urban spatial expansion, from 1970's to 2018, in Kabul city, the capital of Afghanistan, using satellite images, field observation and socioeconomic data. The city is highly representative of Afghanistan's rapid urbanization process. As the city rapidly expands, there are enormous challenges to the sustainable use of land and resources. The discussion covers the increase in rural-to-urban land conversion, the delineation of urban growth boundaries, urban upgrading, and the investigation of illegal construction. This study considers the aspects of urbanization and land management systems in Afghanistan. Efficient frames are outlined in Kabul for the following elements: governmental self-restraint and policy modification. The results indicated the necessity of appropriate policies and regulations particularly for limiting linear sprawl along the main roads. The conclusion seeks to synthesize land-use interventions into an agenda for Kabul's sustainable development which can also provide a reference for other cities in Afghanistan.

During Afghanistan’s rapid urban growth, development diversified from state-run initiatives to ones led by local municipalities or nongovernmental entities such as private enterprises. Owing to these various efforts, cities face environmental challenges, squatter settlements, and unbalanced development. Responding to these interconnected challenges, cities need to increase their resilience to deal with the combined effects of urbanization, changing geopolitical contexts, and culture. In this study, we focused on dimensions of culturally responsive solutions for the built environment in Kabul, Afghanistan. Culture, as a key element in the concept of sustainable development, refers herein to the relationship between Afghan customs and belief systems as it influences and shapes the architecture of the urban environment. Initially, the study provides a conceptual understanding of sustainable urban development and the importance of culture. We have attempted to approach urban segregation in Kabul based on socioeconomic factors and address the essential role of culture in this unique context. Such segregation can be hazardous to both the current and future sustainability of urban development. To conclude, we provide in-depth insights into the contribution of culture and propose culture as a possible dimension of sustainability and an integral part of environmental, economic, and social dimensions of development.

No abstract