METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORKS FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL SETTLEMENT PLANNING IN UZBEKISTAN: INTEGRATING LOW-RISE COURTYARD HOUSING AS A CASE STUDY
Abstract
Sustainable rural development in Uzbekistan requires integrated and scientifically grounded planning approaches that combine legislative reform, participatory governance, spatial analysis, and context-sensitive housing design. This study examines methodological frameworks for rural settlement planning with specific integration of low-rise courtyard housing as a sustainable rural development model. Existing studies primarily address rural planning components separately and lack a unified methodological framework. The research applies document analysis, GIS-based spatial assessment, program evaluation, and case studies from the Andijan and Khorezm regions. Results show that more than 1,020 mahalla citizen assemblies received planning documentation between 2020 and 2022, while integrated courtyard housing models reduced infrastructure costs by 22%, increased community participation to 89%, and supported significant growth in rural mortgage investment. The study concludes that combining legislative reform, GIS-supported planning, participatory governance, and low-rise courtyard housing provides an effective framework for sustainable rural development in Uzbekistan.