Abstract
The increasing intensity of heat stress in urban environments has made climate-responsive design one of the key priorities of contemporary architecture and urban planning. This issue is particularly relevant for Uzbekistan, where hot-arid climatic conditions, high summer temperatures, solar radiation, and rapid urban development create significant challenges for the comfort and usability of public spaces. Small architectural forms, including shading structures, benches, pavilions, pergolas, modular landscape elements, drinking fountains, and urban furniture, can play an important role in improving thermal comfort and enhancing the functional quality of public spaces. This study examines climate-adaptive small architectural forms as design instruments for improving public spaces in the hot-arid urban conditions of Uzbekistan. The research is based on a comprehensive methodology that includes literature review, comparative analysis, classification, and design-oriented evaluation. The study identifies the main types of small architectural forms that can mitigate heat stress through shading, ventilation, material selection, vegetation integration, water elements, and ergonomic placement. The findings show that climate-adaptive small architectural forms can improve pedestrian comfort, increase the usability of public spaces, support sustainable urban design, and contribute to the formation of more resilient urban environments. The study concludes that the integration of shading, greenery, reflective materials, modular design, and context-sensitive placement should become a key principle in the design of public spaces in Uzbekistan.