This special issue examines how urban planning and design can respond to escalating climate stress in high-density urban contexts. It focuses on the interrelated dynamics of heat intensification, urban flooding, rising energy demand, and informal urbanisation, positioning these not as isolated challenges but as outcomes of evolving urban form, architectural configurations, and socio-spatial structures. Particular attention is given to cities in China, India, and other comparable contexts where rapid densification, infrastructural transitions, and governance complexities amplify climate vulnerabilities.

The issue advances an integrated planning perspective that links thermal environments, hydrological processes, and energy systems with land-use patterns, built form, and cultural practices. Contributions are encouraged to engage with spatial analytics, remote sensing, modelling approaches, and design-led strategies to generate transferable insights for climateresponsive, inclusive, and resilient urbanism.