IFLA: In Memoriam - Professor Kongjian Yu

Professor Kongjian Yu (1963‑2025), founder of Turenscape and a seminal figure in landscape architecture, passed away tragically on 23 September 2025 in a small plane crash in Brazil. He was the recipient of the IFLA Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award (2020), the highest honor in international landscape architecture. His lifelong work redefined landscape architecture and urban planning as “the art of survival,” most notably through his pioneering “Sponge City” and “Sponge Planet” concepts that apply nature‑based solutions to water and ecological challenges. As a mentor, educator, and global advocate, he inspired generations of planners, designers, and scholars with his warmth, generosity, and visionary practice. The passing of Professor Yu is deeply felt across the global professional community, and his legacy continues to guide efforts toward resilient, ecological, and human‑centered design.

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Source: https://www.iflaworld.com/newsblog/in-memoriam-professornbspkongjiannbspyu