Reimagining the Flow of Nature: Sponge Cities and a Resilient Planet

Conventional wisdom regarding stormwater mitigation dictates that developers prioritize so-called gray infrastructure – concrete and steel construction that works to reroute flooding in order to minimize loss of life and property. But what renowned landscape architect Kongjian Yu has insisted for years now is that nature itself actually has many of the answers we seek in regard to flood preparedness.

Cities across the world are grappling with the escalating challenges of urban flooding and climate resilience. Traditional grey infrastructure such as concrete flood channels, drainage pipes, and embankments often proves insufficient in the face of extreme weather events.

This article explores how China is addressing flood challenges by developing "sponge cities." It begins with the childhood experiences of Yu Kongjian, describing how his village used rice fields to store rainwater and how the subsequent construction of concrete channels and dams failed to effectively prevent flooding. The article further analyzes the concept of "sponge cities" and its application in urban planning, emphasizing the use of natural methods to manage rainwater, reduce flood risks, a...

A recently published paper in Nature Water, authored by Kongjian Yu, Erica Gies, and Warren W. Wood, advocates for restoring our “Sponge Planet.” The article, titled To Solve Climate Change, We Need to Restore Our Sponge Planet, discusses an approach to tackling climate change by emphasising the importance of the water cycle. The authors argue, “Climate strategies focus primarily on carbon, largely ignoring the destabilized water cycle that’s amplifying disasters and accelerating climate change....

As urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies, cities worldwide face increasing risks from flooding. The once-traditional concrete jungles, designed with impermeable surfaces and car-centric infrastructure, have now become part of the problem. Rainwater, unable to seep into the ground, accumulates rapidly, leading to flash floods, overwhelmed drainage systems, and devastated urban landscapes. But a new and exciting solution has emerged on the global stage, offering hope for a more s...