Flood-Proof Cities Concept – Professor Kongjian Yu's Sponge Cities

How can we work with water, rather than against it, to prevent flooding? Professor Kongjian Yu of Peking University, a pioneer of the “sponge city” concept, dives into holistic, nature-based solutions that can be used in water management. He describes how water is like a beast when it’s backed into a corner: it always wins. But if we can adapt and mitigate, we can work with water to solve the problem both locally and globally. Drawing on the story of how he almost drowned as a child during monsoon season, he advocates for naturalized waterways, which can capture carbon as well as act as a sponge to absorb excess water. He envisions a world where everyone can participate in the sponge cities concept! 

Thanks to the James and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation for organizing Professor Yu's visit and for supporting this collaboration with the Stone Living Lab.

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