This paper suggests a framework for integrating climate change into the design of public spaces in developing countries. The aim is to explain the urgent need for public-space design codes in developing countries that factor in global warming and climate extremes. The paper argues that environmental considerations must form an integral part of such design to ensure human wellbeing. It suggests a regionally-sensitive conceptual model capable of managing the growing challenges, including rapid urbanisation, growing slums and ineffective planning policies. Present policy and urban development is often limited by rigid frameworks, which are unsuitable to managing such an informal and dynamic system.The report suggests a generic conceptual framework for developing regional design codes for public spaces called the ‘Regional Codes for Outdoor Spaces Model’. Taking account of residents' daily lives, it incorporates community participation in both the development of the codes, as well as the maintenance of the space itself.The model includes three key steps:

Analytic – This step involves investigating the relationship between the physical and cultural, both on a psychological level (place-related identity, attitude to public space, etc.) and a practical one (traditional clothing, comfort, etc.). This is important since cultural factors can directly affect one's perception of thermal comfort, meaning that perception cannot be neatly correlated with temperature metrics.
Evaluative – Consisting of interviews and observation, this crucial step should carefully consider both the length of stay and space typologies, dividing analytic results accordingly.
Regulative – This includes the development of design guidelines focused on shading, vegetation, wind and ventilation, water use, and materials. All of these factors impact thermal comfort, though it is important that implementation is context-sensitive.

The authors note a paucity of studies on micro-climate and thermal comfort in developing countries, especially with regard to the impacts on social dynamics.