It is with immense sorrow and a profound sense of loss that the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) announces the passing of a true visionary and one of the most influential figures in our field, Professor Kongjian Yu. He tragically died on September 23, 2025, in a small plane crash in the rural area of Aquidauana, in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, where he was attending the 14th International Architecture Biennale of São Paulo. He was 62 years old.
Kongjian Yu dedicated his life to redefining landscape architecture and urban planning as "the art of survival." His ground-breaking "Sponge City" concept, first proposed in China, emphasises nature-based solutions for urban water management, using wetlands, permeable surfaces, and green spaces to absorb, filter, and store rainwater. This philosophy, rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom, has influenced national policies in China and has been applied globally, advocating for an "ecological security pattern" that prioritises resilience, functionality, and sustainability over purely ornamental aesthetics. Professor Yu also expanded this concept to a "Sponge Planet" approach, promoting the ecological restoration of wetlands, rivers, and coastal zones worldwide.
A recipient of numerous international accolades, including the IFLA Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award (2020), his work includes celebrated projects like Yanweizhou Park, Qunli Stormwater Park, and Red Ribbon Park.
Members of our IFLA community fondly recall his captivating speeches, his willingness to engage with students and professionals alike, and his vibrant spirit, even just weeks before his untimely passing at events like the IFLA World Congress in Nantes and meetings in Brazil. He had a unique ability to inspire, making complex ecological principles accessible and urgent.
We, as the IFLA family, are committed to continuing his vital work and ensuring his vision for a "Sponge Planet" endures.
May his memory be a blessing, and may his contributions to landscape architecture continue to inspire future generations to build a more resilient and harmonious world.
