Abstract

This paper provides a comparative evaluation of the environmental and cultural roles in residential forms in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, focusing on the conflict between the traditional low-density "Mahalla" residential areas and modern high-density buildings. As Tashkent rapidly urbanizes vertically, assessing the trade-offs between social cohesion and ecological resilience is crucial for sustainable urban governance. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative metrics, such as Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), collected using remote sensors, and qualitative surveys on social interaction frequency and heritage preservation. The findings reveal clear differences in the performance of the two types of development. Low-density neighborhoods sustain 15-20% higher NDVI levels than high-rise districts, which helps alleviate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect through personal gardens and mature trees. In contrast, high-density developments exhibit 30% higher land-use efficiency, providing a viable model for controlling urban sprawl. Culturally, the transition to high-density living results in a 25% reduction in neighborly cohesion compared to the Mahallas. While modern complexes offer better infrastructure, the traditional Mahalla remains key to preserving cultural heritage and social support systems in Tashkent. The research highlights a sustainability paradox in Tashkent's urban planning: increasing land efficiency often leads to a loss of cultural identity and disruption of microclimate cooling. This paper advocates for the Hybrid Urbanism approach, which proposes incorporating green corridors in high-density areas and modernizing low-density Mahalla infrastructures. This balanced strategy is essential for developing a residential landscape that is both ecologically sustainable and culturally sensitive.

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