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 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...

This article explores the visionary ideas of Kongjian Yu, the pioneer of the "sponge city" concept, which addresses climate change through nature-based solutions rather than high-tech fixes. Drawing from his experiences growing up in a monsoon climate in China, Yu advocates for the integration of green and blue infrastructures in urban design to manage water effectively. He emphasizes that conventional approaches, like concrete walls, are inadequate in preventing flooding, as evidenced by freque...