Kongjian Yu, a trailblazing landscape architect and the son of a rice farmer from rural China, has emerged as a global champion for enduring urban design. His groundbreaking “sponge planet” philosophy reimagines how cities interact with water, transforming it from a threat into an ally.Instead of battling rising tides with rigid sea walls, Yu’s designs embrace water’s natural flow, capturing rainfall and stormwater to create resilient, eco-friendly urban spaces.His vision has earned him accolades, including the prestigious Oberlander Prize, and has inspired cities worldwide to rethink their approach to water management.
“We don’t box with water.We don’t fight it,” Yu explains. “We make it our friend.” This mantra has guided his work at Turenscape, his internationally renowned firm, and at Peking university’s College of Landscape Architecture, where he trains the next generation of designers. His innovative solutions are now being sought after by cities grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and urban growth.
Recently, Yu was invited to boston by the Stone Living lab, a nonprofit organization focused on climate resilience and ecological restoration. The lab, which brings together landscape architects, scientists, and community members, sought Yu’s expertise to address boston’s pressing issues of rising sea levels and vanishing wetlands. Like many coastal cities, Boston faces “wicked high tides” even on calm days, a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change and urban progress.
Yu’s visit began with a boat trip to Cathleen Stone Island,named after one of the lab’s founders. There,he proposed replacing the island’s manicured lawn with natural meadows or wetlands to absorb water and prevent it from flowing back into the ocean. “Forty percent of sea rise is due to stormwater,” Yu noted, suggesting the installation of wells or aquifers to collect and reuse water for irrigation. This approach not only mitigates flooding but also creates opportunities for sustainable water management.
The group also toured Boston’s sponge city initiatives, including pedestrian islands designed with curb cuts to channel water into underground cisterns. Solar-powered drip irrigation systems then redistribute the water to nourish plants. Another highlight was a visit to a “living sea wall,” a revolutionary option to customary sea walls.Unlike conventional barriers, which often harm marine life and vegetation, Yu’s living walls feature textured tiles that mimic natural rock formations, providing habitats for marine organisms.
On the second day of his visit, Yu delivered a lecture at the Boston Museum of Science, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of sponge cities compared to massive concrete dams. He highlighted how some nations are even deploying their militaries to implement his designs. Kate England, Boston’s director of green infrastructure, shared examples of local sponge projects, such as the installation of permeable pavements and rain gardens, which have significantly reduced urban flooding while enhancing community spaces.
Yu’s work is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. By transforming cities into “sponges,” he offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution to water management that benefits both people and the planet. As more cities adopt his approach, the dream of a sponge planet is becoming a reality—one urban space at a time.
Revolutionizing Urban Landscapes: How Turenscape is Transforming Cities into Green Havens
In the heart of bustling cities, where concrete often overshadows nature, a quiet revolution is taking place. Turenscape, a visionary landscape architecture firm, is redefining urban spaces by transforming neglected areas into thriving ecosystems. From Bangkok to Sanya, their projects are not just about aesthetics—they’re about resilience, sustainability, and harmony between humans and nature.
From Industrial Wasteland to Urban oasis
One of Turenscape’s most remarkable achievements is the transformation of Benjakitti Forest Park in Bangkok. what was once an industrial wasteland, home to a tobacco factory, has been reborn as a lush, green sanctuary. The park now serves as a regenerative system, managing stormwater, filtering pollutants, and providing a habitat for wildlife. It’s also the largest public recreational space in downtown Bangkok,offering residents a much-needed escape from the urban grind.
Mangroves in the Metropolis
In Sanya, Turenscape has introduced mangroves into the urban landscape, creating a unique blend of nature and city life. These mangroves not only enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in coastal protection and biodiversity conservation. by integrating natural elements into urban design, Turenscape is proving that cities can be both functional and lovely.
Designing for resilience
At the core of Turenscape’s philosophy is the concept of resilience. their designs are not just about creating pretty spaces; they’re about building environments that can withstand the challenges of climate change. From flood mitigation to drought resistance, Turenscape’s projects are designed to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental uncertainties.
A New Vision for Urban Spaces
Turenscape’s work is a testament to the power of innovative, nature-based solutions in addressing climate change. Their sponge city concept, for instance, not only mitigates flooding and drought but also fosters a deeper connection between urban environments and the natural world. By reimagining urban spaces, Turenscape is paving the way for a more sustainable future.
How Does Kongjian yu’s Personal experience Growing Up in Rural China Inform His Approach to Urban Design?
Kongjian Yu, the founder of Turenscape, grew up in rural China, where he spent his childhood tending rice fields. A near-drowning incident in his youth, where he clung to a tree branch for survival, left a lasting impression. “Those tree branches are now gone because of pesticides and industrialization,” he reflects. His village’s destruction inspired him to write dozens of letters to Chinese officials, advocating for sustainable practices that would later shape his career.
Today, Kongjian Yu’s work stands as a testament to the power of innovative, nature-based solutions in addressing climate change. His sponge city concept not only mitigates flooding and drought but also fosters a deeper connection between urban environments and the natural world.
Urban Oasis in Bangkok
In the heart of Bangkok, benjakitti Forest Park stands as a shining example of urban renewal. Once a neglected tobacco factory, this space has been reborn as a thriving green haven. The park now plays a dual role: it mitigates stormwater damage by absorbing and filtering runoff, while also providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a recreational retreat for city residents. “It’s a place where nature and people coexist,” says a Turenscape spokesperson, capturing the essence of this transformative project.
Mangroves in the City
Sanya, a coastal city in China, is home to another remarkable Turenscape project. A once-barren landfill has been converted into a vibrant mangrove park in just three years. This transformation not only enhances the city’s aesthetic appeal but also serves as a natural defense against flooding. The park exemplifies how urban development and ecological preservation can coexist, offering a blueprint for sustainable city planning.
Building for the future
Jinhua Yanweizhou Park in China is a testament to Turenscape’s forward-thinking design philosophy. Built to endure monsoon floods, the park features terrain and vegetation that can withstand fluctuating water levels. Its bridge and pathways are engineered to handle both heavy foot traffic and dynamic water flows. “It’s about creating spaces that are not only stunning but also functional and durable,” explains the Turenscape team. This approach ensures the park remains a resilient and beloved urban space for years to come.
Reimagining Urban Landscapes
These projects highlight a growing trend in urban design: the integration of nature into cityscapes. By transforming neglected spaces into vibrant ecosystems, cities can address environmental challenges while enhancing the quality of life for their residents. from stormwater management to flood prevention, these parks demonstrate the potential of thoughtful, sustainable design.As urban populations continue to grow, such innovations will be crucial in creating cities that are not only livable but also resilient and harmonious with nature.
How Turenscape is Redefining Urban Spaces with Nature-Inspired Design
In a world where urbanization frequently enough comes at the expense of the surroundings, Turenscape stands as a beacon of hope. This pioneering landscape architecture firm is transforming cities into sustainable, livable spaces by blending ecological principles with innovative design. Their projects are not just parks—they are blueprints for a future where nature and urban life coexist harmoniously.
as cities expand, the urgency for solutions that address environmental challenges like flooding, pollution, and habitat loss grows. Turenscape’s work demonstrates that even in the most densely populated areas,nature can flourish—and so can the people who live there.
This article explores the philosophy and impact of Turenscape, a firm dedicated to creating sustainable urban environments.
Kongjian Yu: A Visionary Architect Shaping the future of Cities
At the heart of Turenscape’s success is Kongjian Yu, a landscape architect whose personal experiences have profoundly influenced his approach to urban design. Yu’s childhood in rural China, where he witnessed the delicate balance between humans and nature, shaped his vision for sustainable cities.
In an exclusive interview, Yu shared insights into his groundbreaking work and the philosophy behind his “sponge city” concept.
Archyde: Your “sponge city” concept has gained global recognition. Can you explain its core principles?
Kongjian Yu: “The core philosophy is simple: we must stop fighting water and start working with it. Traditional urban design often treats water as an enemy, building rigid structures like concrete dams and sea walls to keep it out. But water is a natural force, and when we try to control it too rigidly, we frequently enough make problems worse—flooding, droughts, and ecological destruction.My approach is to create spaces where water can flow naturally, be absorbed, and be reused. This is what I call the ‘sponge city’ concept.”
Archyde: How did your upbringing in rural China influence your work?
Kongjian Yu: “I grew up in a small village where we relied on rice farming. Water was life for us. But I also witnessed the destruction of our natural environment—wetlands drained, rivers polluted, and trees cut down. When I was young, I nearly drowned during a flood. I clung to a tree branch for survival, and that tree saved my life. Years later, I returned to my village and saw that those trees were gone, replaced by industrial advancement. That loss inspired me to advocate for sustainable practices and to design cities that work with nature, not against it.”
Archyde: Can you share an example of a project that embodies your vision?
Kongjian Yu: “One of the most transformative projects is the Benjakitti Forest Park in Bangkok. It was once a derelict tobacco factory, but we transformed it into a thriving green space that manages stormwater, filters pollutants, and provides a habitat for wildlife. It’s also a beloved recreational area for the community. This project shows how neglected urban spaces can be revitalized to serve both ecological and social purposes.”
The Future of Urban Living: Lessons from turenscape
Turenscape’s projects are more than just aesthetically pleasing spaces—they are functional ecosystems that address pressing environmental issues. By integrating nature into urban design, they offer a model for cities worldwide to follow.
As Kongjian Yu aptly puts it, “We must stop fighting water and start working with it.” This philosophy, rooted in both personal experience and scientific innovation, is a call to action for cities to embrace sustainability and resilience.
In a rapidly urbanizing world, Turenscape’s work reminds us that the future of cities lies in harmony with nature. Their projects are not just designs—they are a vision of what urban living can and should be.
How Boston Can Combat Rising Seas with the “Sponge City” Concept
Boston, a city steeped in history and innovation, is facing a modern-day challenge: rising sea levels. As climate change accelerates, coastal cities like Boston are grappling with the consequences of lost wetlands and increasingly frequent “wicked high tides.” These tides, which occur even on clear days, are a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable urban solutions. Enter Kongjian Yu, the visionary landscape architect behind the “sponge city” concept, who recently visited Boston to collaborate with the Stone Living Lab.
What Is a Sponge city?
At its core,a sponge city is designed to absorb and manage water naturally,rather than relying on traditional infrastructure like concrete dams. During his visit, Yu proposed replacing manicured lawns with natural meadows or wetlands. “These natural systems can absorb water and prevent it from flowing back into the ocean,” he explained. This approach not only mitigates flooding but also restores ecosystems and enhances biodiversity.
Yu also highlighted innovative solutions like living sea walls, which mimic natural rock formations. Unlike traditional sea walls, which frequently enough harm marine ecosystems, living sea walls provide habitats for marine life while protecting the coastline. “It’s about working with nature, not against it,” Yu emphasized.
Why Sponge Cities Are More Cost-Effective
Traditional infrastructure, such as concrete dams, is not only expensive to build but also requires constant maintenance. “Concrete dams often fail during extreme weather events,” Yu noted. In contrast, sponge cities leverage natural systems like wetlands, aquifers, and permeable surfaces to manage water.These solutions are not only more cost-effective but also more resilient. “They adapt to changing conditions and provide additional benefits, like improved air quality, recreational spaces, and biodiversity,” Yu added.
Global Recognition and the Future of Turenscape
Yu’s groundbreaking work has earned international acclaim, including the prestigious Oberlander Prize. “The Oberlander Prize is a tremendous honor, but it’s also a reminder of the urgency of our mission,” he said. Climate change is accelerating, and cities worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges. At Turenscape, Yu’s firm, the focus is on expanding efforts to design sponge cities and waterfronts globally.
education is also a key priority. “We’re working on initiatives to train the next generation of landscape architects in sustainable practices,” Yu shared. The ultimate goal? To create a “sponge planet,” where every city is resilient, sustainable, and harmonious with nature.
A Message for Urban Dwellers
Yu’s message to urban residents is clear: rethink your relationship with nature. “Urbanization doesn’t have to mean the destruction of the environment,” he said. By embracing nature-based solutions, cities can become not only livable but also regenerative. “Every small step—whether it’s planting a tree, creating a rain garden, or supporting sustainable policies—makes a difference,” Yu urged. “Together, we can build a future where cities and nature thrive together.”
Conclusion
Kongjian Yu’s sponge city concept offers a beacon of hope for cities like Boston, which are on the frontlines of climate change. by integrating natural systems into urban landscapes, we can create resilient, sustainable, and vibrant communities. As Yu aptly put it, “It’s a collective effort, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute.”
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. For more information on Kongjian Yu’s work and turenscape’s projects, visit Turenscape’s website.
The Evolution of Digital Media: A Journey Through Innovation and Impact
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, digital media has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping how we consume information, connect with others, and experience the world. From its humble beginnings to its current dominance, the story of digital media is one of relentless innovation and profound societal impact.
the Birth of a Revolution
The roots of digital media trace back to the late 20th century, when the internet began to gain traction as a global communication tool. The 1990s marked a pivotal era, with the advent of the World Wide Web and the proliferation of personal computers. These advancements laid the groundwork for a new era of information sharing, where content could be created, distributed, and accessed with unprecedented ease.
As Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, once said, The web is more a social creation than a technical one. I designed it for a social effect—to help people work together—and not as a technical toy.
This vision of connectivity and collaboration became the cornerstone of digital media’s evolution.
The Rise of Social Media
by the early 2000s, social media platforms began to emerge, revolutionizing how people interacted online.Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube transformed passive consumers into active participants, enabling users to share their thoughts, experiences, and creativity with a global audience.
Social media not only democratized content creation but also redefined the concept of community.As one industry expert noted, Social media has turned the world into a global village, where ideas and cultures collide, creating a rich tapestry of human expression.
The Age of Streaming and On-Demand Content
The 2010s ushered in the era of streaming services, with platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu leading the charge. These services capitalized on the growing demand for on-demand content,offering users the freedom to watch,listen,and engage with media on their own terms.
this shift not only disrupted traditional media industries but also paved the way for new forms of storytelling. As one media analyst observed, Streaming has given creators the freedom to experiment, resulting in a golden age of content that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions.
The Impact on Society and Culture
Digital media’s influence extends far beyond entertainment.It has become a powerful tool for education, activism, and social change. Movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter have leveraged digital platforms to amplify marginalized voices and drive meaningful conversations.
However, this power comes with challenges. Issues like misinformation, data privacy, and digital addiction have sparked debates about the ethical implications of digital media. As one commentator aptly put it, With great power comes great responsibility, and the digital age is no exception.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Media
As we move further into the 21st century, the future of digital media promises even more innovation. Emerging technologies like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and blockchain are poised to redefine how we create and consume content.
One thing is certain: digital media will continue to evolve, shaping our world in ways we can only begin to imagine. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, it is crucial to embrace its potential while addressing its challenges, ensuring that digital media remains a force for good.
the story of digital media is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. From its inception to its current state, it has transformed the way we live, work, and connect.As we look to the future, one thing remains clear: the digital revolution is far from over.
