Dear Mr. Calogero,
Re your enquiry for ideas and suggestions for planning in Afghanistan.
As you may know the traditional architecture of Afghanistan was shaped by rules, codes, and decision-making processes which were in turn shaped by (i) Islamic law, and (ii) local customary laws related to building and the laying out of neighborhoods and cities.
For an authentic renewal of planning activities in Afghanistan, especially at the neighborhood level where people can be involved themselves in shaping their houses, local amenities, and maintenance of streets, it is essential that a careful study and understanding of the traditional system is undertaken and understood especially by foreign consultants, and Afghans themselves who have lost this knowledge since 1979. For an understanding of these matters, may I direct you to my published studies whose regional base is the Middle East and North Africa. Nevertheless the material is applicable to Afghanistan because Islamic law was the underlying rational for the rules, codes and conduct regarding building and urbanism. And based on my own investigations over the years the system is very similar at the macro level in most of the Islamic world. Local differences at the micro level can be celebrated and in fact Islamic law sanctioned such diversity provided the broad values of Islam are not contravened. Encouragement for this diversity to occur is especially relevant to the distinct regions and cities in Afghanistan.
If you are interested to pursue this line of enquiry and willing to spend the necessary time to study before you take on any responsibilities in Afghanistan, I will be happy to provide you with a list of reading material for such study. You might also decide to share that with your Afghan colleagues.
With best wishes,
Besim S. Hakim, FAICP, AIA
Albuquerque, NM