This article discusses the concept of "sponge cities" as a solution to urban flooding and climate change. Highlighting the work of Kongjian Yu, a leading landscape architect, it explains how his designs integrate natural water management systems, such as permeable surfaces and green spaces, into urban environments. Yu’s approach promotes resilience by allowing cities to absorb and manage rainwater, reducing flood risks and supporting ecological balance. His vision of "ecological civilization" of...

The "sponge city" concept, developed by architect Kongjian Yu, integrates natural systems into urban design to manage water sustainably. It uses green spaces, permeable materials, and features like rain gardens and wetlands to absorb and store rainwater, mitigating floods and droughts. Widely implemented in China and globally, this model reduces reliance on traditional drainage, enhances resilience to climate change, and improves ecological and public health outcomes​.

Sponge Planet: Architecture for Survival

Kongjian Yu's "sponge city" concept addresses urban flooding and water scarcity by integrating green infrastructure to absorb, store, and gradually release water in cities. Through sustainable design, the sponge city model emphasizes natural landscapes, permeable surfaces, and wetlands to manage rainfall, reduce pollution, and enhance urban resilience. This approach aligns with ecological principles, aiming to create cities that are adaptive to climate change while fostering biodiversity and imp...

Sponge Cities and Sponge Planet

Sponge Cities and Sponge Planet

The Future of Sustainable Urban Design

Sponge Cities and Sponge Planet

The article "Sponge Cities: The Flood-Proof Architecture of the Future?" discusses the concept of "sponge cities," which aim to address urban flooding exacerbated by climate change. This approach focuses on making cities more absorbent by using permeable surfaces, green spaces, and water management techniques like bioswales and rain gardens. Inspired by traditional water preservation methods, the idea was popularized by Chinese landscape architect Kongjian Yu and has gained international tractio...