# Sponge city urban planning implementation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sponge-city-urban-planning-implementation
> Updated: 2026-10-17T05:01:57.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The ‘sponge city’ urban planning model is being utilized to address extreme weather fluctuations, such as heavy storms and severe droughts, in European and Chinese cities.

Developed in China by landscape architect Kongjian Yu, the model involves retrofitting urban areas with permeable surfaces, green spaces, wetlands, and ponds. These features aim to absorb rainwater to reduce pressure on drainage systems while providing water for irrigation and groundwater recharge during dry periods. The model also offers secondary benefits, including cooling streets during heatwaves and providing moisture to protect against wildfires.

In France, municipalities are adopting these concepts to combat flooding and heatwaves. In Illkirch-Graffenstaden, the local government has launched a ‘Green Book’ initiative to prepare for climate impacts by cooling public buildings, increasing tree canopy coverage, and protecting vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, China has set a goal to have 80 per cent of its built-up urban areas functioning as sponge cities by 2030.

## Claims

- Justin Abbott suggests cities can adapt by treating rainfall as a resource rather than waste. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The sponge city model was developed in the early 2000s by Chinese landscape architect Kongjian Yu. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The sponge city model uses green spaces, permeable surfaces, and water storage to absorb and reuse rain. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sponge city features like wetlands and ponds can help cool streets during heatwaves and protect against wildfires. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In 2012, catastrophic flooding in Beijing resulted in 79 deaths. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- China adopted national guidelines for sponge city development in 2014. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- China aims to have 80 per cent of its built-up urban areas functioning as sponge cities by 2030. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Sponge city model offers urban flood and drought resilience

The sponge city model, pioneered in China, uses green spaces and permeable surfaces to manage floods and droughts, offering a potential climate adaptation strategy for European urban areas.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sponge-city-model-offers-urban-flood-and-drought-resilience

### 2026-10-12: French cities adopt sponge city models to combat climate change

French cities are transitioning toward ‘sponge city’ models to manage water and heat. Illkirch-Graffenstaden is engaging residents to prioritize urban cooling and biodiversity projects.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-cities-adopt-sponge-city-models-to-combat-climate-change

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Cite as: Sponge city urban planning implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sponge-city-urban-planning-implementation