In this context, the work of Beijing-based architect Kongjian Yu, founder of the landscape architecture firm Turenscape, has gained international visibility and recognition, which included receiving the 2023 Cornelia Hahn Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize (“Oberlander Prize”). His "sponge cities" concept, designed to address and prevent urban flooding in the face of accelerated climate change, was adopted as national policy in China in 2013. This approach prioritizes large-sc...

Earlier this February, two atmospheric rivers brought extensive flooding to parts of California, as record rainfall swept through multiple areas, leading to a declaration of emergency in several counties.

Kongjian Yu hat viele Facetten. Von manchen wird er als „Olmsted Chinas“ betitelt, in Anlehnung Frederick Law Olmsted senior, der nicht nur die Landschaftsarchitektur in den Vereinigten Staaten maßgeblich beeinflusste, sondern auch als Mitgestalter des Central Parks in New York City bekannt ist.

The Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum Award winner talks to METROPOLIS about our changing planet, his “Sponge City” concept, and nature-based solutions to urban planning.

1. Project Statement Located in fenghuang county, xiangxi, hunan province, the project is located 1 km away from fenghuang ancient city and 3 km away from nanhuashan national forest park. The research area of this project is 49.5 hectares (742 mu) and the planned area is 31.8 hectares (477 mu). The north of the southern bank of tuojiang river, east, south to fengmu highway, west to natural mountain as the boundary. Red line (317957 ㎡) within the range of land use planning from northeast to ...

1.Project Statement The project landscape is based on the beautiful surroundings and large space, making full use of abundant natural resources. Following the design principles of minimal intervention, camouflage, and safety, the landscape blends and hides within nature, aiming to protect the existing environment to the greatest extent. With a focus on people, it reflects delicacy within the natural charm, creating a garden atmosphere reminiscent of the idyllic Taohuayuan, where "scenery is...

The purpose of this page is to introduce non-specialists in landscape design to the work of Kongjian Yu, founder and dean of the Graduate School of Landscape Architecture at Peking University and founder of the planning and design office Turenscape in Beijing. Professor Yu received the Cobb Common Good Award in 2021. His work is immensely important to those of us in the worldwide process community who are committed to the ideals of Ecological Civilization. In designing our cities and working ...

Cities in China are increasingly embracing nature and becoming “sponge cities” to prevent flooding, informs Deutsche Welle. The term sponge city refers to a nature-based solution which uses the landscape to retain water, slow down runoff and improve water quality throughout the process. It moves away from levees and channels to control water, and is akin to similar strategies by different names in all corners of the world, such as green infrastructure, sustainable urban drainage systems and low-...