Urban Design, Hazard Mitigation
Sponge City Program
Wuhan, China
Active Period
Launched in 2015, with ongoing implementation and expansion.
Description
In 2015, the State Council of China issued the Guideline on Promoting the Construction of Sponge Cities7, which would enable urban areas and infrastructure, like parks, streets, and buildings, to “act like sponges”. The sponge city concept refers to a way of urban management that allows cities to naturally absorb, store, and purify rainwater to resolve waterlogging issues, prevent urban flooding, improve water storage and discharge capacity, enhance water quality, and alleviate heat island effects through nature-based and grey solutions.
Guided by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD), the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Water Resources, the Sponge City pilot programme selected 16 pilot cities in 2015, followed by another 14 pilot cities in 2016.
Outstanding Features
The Sponge City Programme is an example of how cities can integrate climate resilience into urban planning through nature-based solutions. By allowing infrastructure to mimic natural water absorption processes, Wuhan has significantly reduced its vulnerability to flooding, while simultaneously improving water conservation and ecological health. The program is a model of sustainability, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid infrastructure that combines modern engineering with ecological design.