In recent years, floods and climate-induced cataclysms have caused significant annual damage to livelihoods worldwide, with limited research on their vulnerability, impact, resilience, and long-term adaptation strategies in developing countries. In the South Indian State of Kerala, the major flood in 2018 caused immense economic losses in the low-lying and densely populated Alappuzha District. While the region has a heightened risk of periodic flooding, the considerable destruction of buildings and infrastructure highlights the need for effective solutions for flood resilience in the existing housing stock and new construction. In this context, this study examines flood resilience in the built environment of Alappuzha, focusing on flood vulnerability, building practices, and potential approaches suitable for the region that the current literature does not address. This study employs a qualitative research approach to understand current trends in adaptation strategies and the influencing socioeconomic and cultural factors. The study employs various data collection methods, including interviews, site observations, and content analyses of existing government reports, journal articles, and popular media sources. The findings indicate that although there are three types of established flood resilience techniques (static elevated, floating, and amphibious structures), their suitability for the low-lying areas of Alappuzha depends on the geographic, climatic, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts. Stilted houses have become the most common construction method, in response to climatic and socioeconomic conditions. In addition, the findings highlight the bounce-forth resilience quality of amphibious building techniques and suggest further exploration by integrating them with local technologies and materials. The study concludes that a comprehensive approach is needed that integrates traditional and modern knowledge and practices in disaster risk reduction and management to enhance the resilience of the built environment to flooding.

Purpose: This study explores the enhancement of the building permitting process through the introduction of dynamic building codes, enabled by an adaptive digital technology framework. By leveraging innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and integrated digital twins, the framework enables real-time monitoring and updating of building codes to address the complexities of modern urban environments and support climate change adaptation in smart, sustainable cities. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a qualitative approach to develop a conceptual framework based on an integrated literature review of the key themes. The framework developed is structured into three interconnected layers and five distinct aspects. The role of each layer and its integration within a smart city environment is explored in the framework development section. The conceptual framework is demonstrated through an illustrative scenario in Lusail, Qatar, a state-of-the-art smart city. The proposed framework operationalizes adaptability within regulatory systems, contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 by promoting resilient urban development. Findings: The findings suggest that emerging technologies can significantly improve sustainability compliance and climate adaptation. It reimagines building permitting as an ongoing process rather than a one-off process to strictly ensure the buildings' continued sustainability compliance throughout their existence. The sequence and logic of the proposed system are explained using an example of temperature rise. Key challenges identified include data interoperability, information security risks and resistance to regulatory change. Practical implications: This approach improves institutional capacity for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The research proposes an innovative technological approach building on the latest advancements in the industry that can effectively result in consumption optimization throughout the life cycle of the building, further promoting SDG 12. Originality/value: The study proposes future research directions to address current gaps in digital sustainability tracking and to advance the implementation of dynamic building codes for truly resilient urban environments.