Future Green City: Kongjian Yu-The Visionary Behind Sponge Cities

This article explores the visionary ideas of Kongjian Yu, the pioneer of the "sponge city" concept, which addresses climate change through nature-based solutions rather than high-tech fixes. Drawing from his experiences growing up in a monsoon climate in China, Yu advocates for the integration of green and blue infrastructures in urban design to manage water effectively. He emphasizes that conventional approaches, like concrete walls, are inadequate in preventing flooding, as evidenced by frequent disasters in major cities. By utilizing elements such as terraces and retention basins, Yu's designs aim to enhance urban resilience and property value while promoting a new aesthetic that celebrates nature. He calls for global cooperation to implement these strategies, particularly in regions struggling to cope with climate challenges, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices in landscape architecture.

.......

Source: Ralph Mens. (2024).Kongjian Yu, geestelijk vader van de sponsstad:’Klimaatprobleem kun je niet met hightechoplossingen tegengaan’.Future Green City, pp. 14-15.