Abstract:

Urban infrastructure is the backbone of modern cities, yet it is increasingly challenged by rapid urbanization, climate change, resource constraints, and evolving socio-economic demands. The twin concepts of resilience and sustainability have emerged as critical paradigms for rethinking the design, operation, and governance of infrastructure systems. Resilience emphasizes the capacity of urban infrastructure to anticipate, absorb, recover from, and adapt to disruptions, while sustainability focuses on meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to thrive. Their intersection is vital for developing infrastructure that is robust, adaptive, and equitable. This review explores recent research and global best practices to explore how resilience and sustainability can be integrated into civil engineering and urban planning. It examines conceptual foundations, drivers of change, and the environmental, social, economic, and technological dimensions shaping infrastructure transitions. The article further evaluates key strategies, including nature-based solutions, digital innovations, circular economy principles, and integrated planning approaches. Case studies from diverse regions illustrate practical applications in transport systems, energy grids, water management, and post-disaster recovery. Despite progress, significant barriers remain, such as fragmented policies, funding gaps, technical limitations, and governance challenges. Looking forward, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and blockchain combined with cross-sectoral governance and refined performance indicators, offer opportunities to advance climate-adaptive and net-zero urban infrastructure. By consolidating insights across disciplines, this review provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to align resilience and sustainability as complementary pathways toward more livable, future-ready cities.