Sponge city

An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about sponge city

Project • By Sponge Collaborative • Parks/Gardens

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Wetland Eco Sponge Park

Not just a Public Park, but an Integrated BLUE, GREEN and SOCIAL Infrastructure  Like many Indian cities, Chennai has rapidly expanded at the expense of its natural landscapes, resulting in the degradation of nearly 85% of its wetlands over the past three decades. This has significantly reduced the city’s natural sponge systems, increasing vulnerability to floods, droughts, aquifer depletion, and urban heat island effects. Conventional concrete stormwater drains and grey infrastructure are proving inadequate against climate change induced extreme rainfall, often failing to mitigate flooding or support groundwater recharge. Simultaneously, shrinking green cover has constrained the city’s capacity to absorb heat, sequester c... More

Project • By Sponge Collaborative • Parks/Gardens

Kalaignar Centenary Climate Park

‘From Degradation to Regeneration’ Like many rapidly urbanizing Indian cities, Chennai has witnessed extensive loss and degradation of its natural green cover over the past three decades. During this period, the city’s built-up area is estimated to have increased from nearly 48% to over 74%, steadily replacing forests, scrublands, wetlands and open landscapes that once acted as natural green lungs. This large-scale transformation has accelerated land degradation, increased the risk of desertification, intensifying climate risks such as extreme rainfall, urban flooding, droughts, aquifer depletion and urban heat island effects. Among the most critical ecological systems of the Chennai region are its native biomes—for... More
Siteplan

Project • By Beta Realities • Residential Landscape

Oberer Schaltengarten Neuendettelsau

Design Concept: Harmonious Integration of Block Structure and Nature Objective This project aims to create an innovative neighborhood that merges urban density with the quality of surrounding natural spaces. A key focus is the establishment of a car-free community, supported by modern mobility solutions and centralized infrastructure. Block Structure and Development The urban design is based on a block structure inspired by the existing neighborhood. This ensures a clear and organized development that integrates seamlessly into the city's existing layout. The block structure allows for efficient land use and provides space for communal facilities and residential buildings. Additionally, the green spaces and cycling paths are integrated... More

Project • By Arsomslip Community and Environmental Architect • Masterplans

Benjakitti Forest Park

Benjakitti Park is an urban park located in the former Tobacco factory area, owned by The Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance. The site covers 720,000 sq.m. After The Tobacco factory was relocated, the site was developed to become an urban park in Bangkok. Royal Thai Army - 1st Development Division The design concepts are, firstly, to improve public understanding and knowledge about the ecology, forest, hydrology, and environment to the urban community. Secondly, to become ‘Initiative’ of Ecological Park Development. Lastly, to serve the urban communities and preserve the ecological environment of the city retaining the 128,000 cu.m. of water in the rainy season and producing clean water 1,600 cu.m./ day. Royal Tha... More

News • News • 31 Oct 2023

Archi-Tectonics completes a dynamic hybrid stadium concept for the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023

Designed as an architectural focal point at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 Park, the Hybrid Main Stadium by Archi-Tectonics is a 35,000 square meter structure with a seating capacity of 5,000. Featuring intersecting ellipses that create fluid connections between interior and exterior spaces, the proposal accommodates not only sports events but also concert hall/event spaces intended to serve Hangzhou long after the Games are finished.   SFAP Alongside its distinctive geometry, the project prioritizes sustainable practices and material choices. This includes utilizing renewable or recycled materials such as repurposed brass for the exterior façade and bamboo cladding throughout the stadium’s interior. The use of br... More

News • News • 14 Sep 2023

Archi-Tectonics and !melk complete an Eco Park Master Plan for Hangzhou 2022 and beyond

New York-based firms Archi-Tectonics and !melk, in collaboration with the Local Design Institute at ZIAD in Hangzhou, have completed a master plan that forms part of the 19th Asian Games: Hangzhou 2022. Postponed due to Covid-19, the Asian Games 2022 take place in Hangzhou, China, from 23rd September to 8th October 2023. (The Games are a huge undertaking and constitute the second-largest international athletics competition after the Olympics.) SFAP: Shao Feng Photography Shanghai Located on a 116-acre (47-hectare) site, the master plan consists of seven buildings and an eco park, set amidst Hangzhou’s dense and fast-growing urban fabric. When designing the buildings and park, architectural studio Archi-Tectonics and lan... More