Sponge City: Theory and Practice (Volumes I and II)

Synopsis: This volume represents the culmination of nearly two decades of research and practical application by Yu Kongjian and his team. From a philosophical perspective, it offers profound reflections on humanity's attitude towards rain and water since the Industrial Revolution, examines the urban ills stemming from reliance on single-purpose ‘grey’ engineering solutions, and proposes a comprehensive value system for rainwater and water. It outlines a methodological approach to addressing water-centric ecological and environmental challenges through establishing ecological infrastructure (the green sponge system). This systemically and holistically tackles urban water issues alongside broader ecological and environmental concerns, positioning the safeguarding and enhancement of ecosystem services as the core objective of sponge city development—rather than merely achieving ad hoc rainwater control targets.

This volume systematically and comprehensively defines the concept of the ‘sponge city,’ clarifying its theoretical foundations. It asserts that the sponge city constitutes both an urban form (namely, an ecological city) and a philosophical, theoretical, methodological, and technological framework for managing rainwater, water, and floodwater while addressing ecological and environmental governance. Drawing upon practical case studies from across China and globally, the author elucidates Sponge City construction methodologies at multiple scales—national, regional, urban, and neighbourhood—while integrating these approaches with China's existing statutory urban planning framework. This addresses a critical challenge in current Sponge City development: how to align Sponge City planning with existing statutory planning systems.

Drawing upon numerous internationally acclaimed built projects personally executed by the author, this volume details specific sponge city construction techniques. It elucidates how to integrate local and international approaches, drawing upon a rich heritage of sponge technologies from across time and place. Particular emphasis is placed on creatively harnessing the wisdom of China's five-thousand-year legacy in rural agriculture, township development, and indigenous hydraulic engineering. This approach fosters genuinely green sponge city construction, thereby avoiding grey ‘sponge projects’ characterised by high investment and maintenance costs.

The book emphasises the importance of integrating scientific rigour with artistic expression, merging contemporary environmental art and landscape design language with the scientific and technological principles of modern sponge city construction. This approach ensures green sponge systems not only fulfil ecological functions but also serve economic, socio-cultural, aesthetic, and everyday practical purposes. The development of sponge cities ought not to be viewed as an economic burden upon urban construction, but rather as a pathway to enhance urban value and a lever for advancing ecological civilisation.

This publication is intended for urban development decision-makers, planning designers, sponge city builders and operators, as well as relevant professionals and students.