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.

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...

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...

Kongjian Yu, a visionary landscape architect and global advocate for sustainable urban design, pioneered the "Sponge Planet" philosophy, transforming water from a threat into a resource. His nature-based solutions harness water's flow to create resilient, eco-friendly cities. Yu's work, recognized with the Oberlander Prize, inspires worldwide adoption of innovative water management. Collaborating with Boston's Stone Living Lab, he proposed sustainable strategies for sea-level rise and wetland lo...

Kongjian Yu, a leading advocate for Sponge Cities, promotes nature-based solutions to combat climate change by integrating water management into urban design. His concept of a "sponge planet" encourages cities to absorb and manage water, rather than resist it with artificial barriers. During a recent visit to Boston, Yu shared his expertise on restoring ecological resilience through "living sea walls" and stormwater capture systems. His work, which includes award-winning projects by Turenscape, ...

Yu, a professor and founding dean of Peking University College of Architecture and Landscape and founder and design principal of Turenscape, shared his groundbreaking concept of “sponge cities” as part of the Chancellor’s Lecture Series on October 24.

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...