ARCHITECTURAL MODERNIZATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AS A FACTOR IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT: THEORETICAL ASPECTS AND REGIONAL PRACTICES

In the context of global urbanization and climate change, the modernization of residential buildings becomes a key factor in improving the quality of the urban environment. This article examines how architectural modernization influences environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and visual harmony in urban spaces. Special attention is given to regional practices using Kazakhstan as a case study, where a significant portion of the housing stock, built during the Soviet period, urgently requires renovation. The author proposes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates architectural analysis, environmental audits, and sociological studies to assess not only the technical but also the socio-environmental effects of modernization. Key aspects such as energy efficiency, building greening, and the preservation of architectural heritage in the harsh continental climate of Central Asia are considered. Based on the analysis, recommendations are proposed for the development of comprehensive modernization programs that take regional specifics into account and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.