Sponge Cities

Sponge Cities is an urban approach to making cities more porous to storm flooding. Its main idea is to make cities act with permeability like a sponge absorbing and storing water then reusing it efficiently. This research aims to develop a framework that applies principles for Sponge Cities approach to guide contemporary cities toward ecological development. It follows a descriptive analytical approach answering two main research questions: (1) what are the key components of Sponge City that can be integrated into urban design and planning to enhance ecological developments? (2) how can principles of Sponge Cities be established to assess its effectiveness in improving urban resilience and biodiversity, along with community involvement? The research follows a systematic literature review followed by a comparative analysis for international case studies to help identify main principles and indicators of strategies for Sponge Cities. Furthermore, the research formulates a framework to understand how Sponge Cities could achieve ecological development. The research ended by an initial approach to applying Sponge Cities framework in Egypt. This showed a way of promoting ecological and resilient practices in Egyptian cities. Integrating green infrastructure and advanced water management practices would help foster biodiversity and mitigate the impact of climate changes.

Urban drainage is a rather ancient concept, estimated to date back to around 3000 BC. The focus of this concept is on the removal of water from urban areas. However, in the last decade, the literature related to urban drainage has witnessed the development and adoption of a series of 'new' terms attempting to describe the evolution towards a more holistic approach. There has been rapid growth in the usage of terms such as Low Impact Development (LID) (DER, 1999), Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) (CIRIA, 2000), Water Sensitive Urban Design (Whelans et al., 1994), Best Management Practices (BMPs) (Schueler, 1987), Green Infrastructure (FGC, 1994), and Sponge Cities (ADB, 2015). In this study, the history, development, and environmental-social-economic functions of the most common terms associated with urban drainage have been examined and evaluated. Sustainable drainage and water management systems have been developed to address the adverse effects of urbanization on the natural water cycle and the ever-changing land cover. This is achieved by reimagining traditional and natural drainage processes using methods that include slowly storing rainfall, allowing water to infiltrate the ground gradually, filtering pollutants, controlling water flow, facilitating sedimentation, and creating recreational spaces for communities. The primary goal is to mitigate the environmental risks caused by urban rainfall and endeavor to enhance ecosystem conditions. Additionally, these systems can manage rainfall considering the impacts of climate change, improve water quality, reduce flood risks, alleviate the burden on urban sewage systems and waterways, replenish groundwater resources, and support the conservation of water bodies. Sustainability lies at the core of this drainage and water management approach, aiming to align human activities with the environment. This approach not only addresses the management of rainfall but also advocates for the use of water as a tool to achieve broader technical, environmental, social, and economic benefits.

“Hydrological Harmony – Urban Landscape Ideas to Reduce Flood Risks” explores how urban landscape design can be used as a tool to manage and reduce flood risks. Focusing on the case of Porur Wetland Park, the study proposes nature-based solutions like green infrastructure and water-sensitive urban design to restore hydrological balance, enhance resilience, and transform flood-prone areas into multifunctional public spaces.

Rapid urbanization and climate change are testing humanity’s ability to adapt
and reshape itself. Coastal cities are increasingly threatened by rising sea
levels, as well more extreme and more unpredictable weather events. These
precedented challenges call for transforming the approach in urban resilience.
From fighting the water, to consolidating it. Instead of keeping water away, you
bring into your urban spaces and help it resolve your problems. Under the large
banner of nature-based solutions many alternative flood management concepts
have emerged under different names in different countries. The largest country
pursuing this alternative model is China, under the terminology of “sponge city”.
The present thesis gives an update of the success and failures so far, by
summarizing results from different survey and studies. The results are positive,
despite insufficient funds and inaccurate planning. However, challenges remain,
especially due to the Chinese political system, where criticism is not embraced.
The studies use quantitative and qualitative data, such as remote sensing
imagery and in-dept interviews from different Chinese cities. The successful
implementation of the sponge city concept in China, will pave the foundation for
similar projects in other large countries, such as the US, India, the EU and
south-east Asian countries, which have numerous coastal cities.

In recent decades, rapid urbanization has resulted in a growing urban population, transformed into regions of exceptional socioeconomic value. By removing vegetation and soil, grading the land surface and saturating soil air content, urban developments are more likely to be flooded, which will be further exacerbated by an anticipated increase in the number of intense rainfall events, due to climate change. To date, data collected show that urban pluvial flood events are on the rise for both the UK and China. This paper presents a critical review of existing sustainable approaches to urban flood management, by comparing UK practice with that in China and critically assessing whether lessons can be learnt from the Sponge City initiative. The authors have identified a strategic research plan to ensure that the sponge city initiative can successfully respond to extreme climatic events and tackle pluvial flooding. Hence, this review suggests that future research should focus on (1) the development of a more localized rainfall model for the Chinese climate; (2) the role of retrofit SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) in challenging water environments; (3) the development of a robust SuDS selection tool, ensuring that the most effective devices are installed, based on local factors; and (4) dissemination of current information, and increased understanding of maintenance and whole life-costing, alongside monitoring the success of sponge cities to increase the confidence of decision makers (5) the community engagement and education about sponge cities.

Natural events and human activities are believed to be contributing to an increase in average global temperatures. Climate change has become a global concern, and its impact has continued to affect and threaten human life and, to a large extent, and the livelihood of most people across the globe. The study examined climate change and building sustainability in Nigeria, its implications, and the way forward. The paper focused on the implications of climate change on buildings, the economic impacts of climate change in Nigeria, and strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on buildings. The study also revealed that Buildings contribute significantly to climatic changes and their impacts on the natural environment. Sustainable buildings can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize energy consumption, conserve water resources, and enhance resilience to climate-related risks. On this basis, the study concluded that the issue of climate change and building sustainability has significant implications for the environment, society, and economy. Nigeria, like any other country is experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, including increased temperatures, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. These impacts pose a threat to human health, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Addressing climate change through building sustainability in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach involving awareness, policy, finance, collaboration, research, and community engagement. One of the recommendations made was that there is a need for increased awareness and education about the importance of sustainable buildings and their role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. This can be done through public campaigns, training programs, and educational initiatives targeting architects, engineers, policymakers, and the general public.

World has already become urban dominated entity living more than 50% of the world's population in cities (set to reach 60% by 2030 and more than 70% by 2050). But, the cities have developed as centers for the secondary (industry) and tertiary (service oriented) economic activities without proper care for primary (basically agriculture) economic activities. The expanding urbanized society is therefore continuously consuming more and more resources and uses the rural lands and rivers/oceans as its waste sinks. Hence, present cities act like parasite, growing and being transformed over the years, consuming resources from nature without giving anything back in return becoming more and more unsustainable. A tool developed by William Ree's called 'Ecological Footprint' is gaining popularity as a means of getting conceptual idea of level of sustainability. Higher the use of resources for providing food and energy in a city, the value of Ecological Footprint of the city will be higher and vice versa. Resources use in providing food to the city dwellers measured by Food Footprint is one the major component of the Ecological Footprint. Thus, if we want to lower the Ecological Footprint of a city, it is very important to lower the Food Footprint. How can our city become self sufficient in terms of food so that we can lower the Food Footprint? Then, Ecological Footprint will be lower, which means that the place will be more sustainable.

Paris Agreement of December 2015 was the last official initiative led by the United Nations (UN) as the driver of climate change mitigation. Climate change was hence linked with an increase in the occurrence of natural hazards. A variety of initiatives were consequently adopted under different themes such as sustainable cities, climate-friendly development, and low-carbon cities.  However, most of the initiatives targeted by global cities with urban areas being the focus in terms of taking action against global warming issues.  This is due to the structural and environmental features of cities characterized by being populated, as such, they not only generate a large number of carbon emissions but also happens to be the biggest consumer of natural resources. In turn, they create a microclimate, which contributes to climate change. Masdar City, for example, was designed as the first fully sustainable urban area, which replaced fuel-based energy with electric-based energy. China, as an...

This paper presents a framework of objectives and indexes for sponge cities implementation in China. The proposed objectives and indexes aims to reflect whether the city is in accord with the sponge city. Different cities have different objectives and indexes as each city has its own geologic and hydrogeological conditions. Therefore, the main problems (e.g., water security and flood risks) in the central urban area of Changzhou city, China were evaluated scientifically. According to the local conditions, four objectives and eleven indexes have been made as a standard to estimate the sponge city and set a goal for the city development to reach the goal of sustainable urban development. The strategy of process control was implemented to improve the standard of urban drainage and flood control facilities, regulate total runoff and reduce storm peak flow, and the ecological monitoring of the function of the rivers and lakes. The objectives of sponge cities include water security, water...

World has already become urban dominated entity living more than 50% of the world's population in cities (set to reach 60% by 2030 and more than 70% by 2050). But, the cities have developed as centers for the secondary (industry) and tertiary (service oriented) economic activities without proper care for primary (basically agriculture) economic activities. The expanding urbanized society is therefore continuously consuming more and more resources and uses the rural lands and rivers/oceans as its waste sinks. Hence, present cities act like parasite, growing and being transformed over the years, consuming resources from nature without giving anything back in return becoming more and more unsustainable. A tool developed by William Ree's called 'Ecological Footprint' is gaining popularity as a means of getting conceptual idea of level of sustainability. Higher the use of resources for providing food and energy in a city, the value of Ecological Footprint of the city will be higher and vice versa. Resources use in providing food to the city dwellers measured by Food Footprint is one the major component of the Ecological Footprint. Thus, if we want to lower the Ecological Footprint of a city, it is very important to lower the Food Footprint. How can our city become self sufficient in terms of food so that we can lower the Food Footprint? Then, Ecological Footprint will be lower, which means that the place will be more sustainable.

Paris Agreement of December 2015 was the last official initiative led by the United Nations (UN) as the driver of climate change mitigation. Climate change was hence linked with an increase in the occurrence of natural hazards. A variety of initiatives were consequently adopted under different themes such as sustainable cities, climate-friendly development, and low-carbon cities.  However, most of the initiatives targeted by global cities with urban areas being the focus in terms of taking action against global warming issues.  This is due to the structural and environmental features of cities characterized by being populated, as such, they not only generate a large number of carbon emissions but also happens to be the biggest consumer of natural resources. In turn, they create a microclimate, which contributes to climate change. Masdar City, for example, was designed as the first fully sustainable urban area, which replaced fuel-based energy with electric-based energy. China, as an...

The city of Istanbul has been increasingly suffering from flashfloods and floods leading to loss of life and property for the last few decades. In this study, the causes of flashfloods and floods occurring in Istanbul were investigated from the perspective of the natural drainage system and urban development. Using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, the natural flow accumulation, flow directions based on current slope characteristics, and contemporary aspects of the city were determined. Current constructions, and the characteristics of their distribution in Istanbul, were then associated with the results of the analysis. Constructions in Istanbul have played a major role by changing the natural character of the natural flow accumulation and flow direction, blocking the runoff, reducing water loss, and increasing the flow rate. Due to this, extraordinary rainfall occurring in Istanbul and its close vicinity causes flashflood and flood disasters directed and channelled by the many forms of construction in the city. To prevent future disasters or reduce their damage, the following solutions can be suggested. That all constructions interfering with the surface flow must be reclaimed with revised planning applications. The water-carrying capacity of drainage channels must be restored to their natural levels. That additional drainage channels taking into account natural slope conditions should be built. That aggregation of a huge water body which will cause flashfloods and floods must be prevented by means of a single channel.

Paris Agreement of December 2015 was the last official initiative led by the United Nations (UN) as the driver of climate change mitigation. Climate change was hence linked with an increase in the occurrence of natural hazards. A variety of initiatives were consequently adopted under different themes such as sustainable cities, climate-friendly development, and lowcarbon cities. However, most of the initiatives targeted by global cities with urban areas being the focus in terms of taking action against global warming issues. This is due to the structural and environmental features of cities characterized by being populated, as such, they not only generate a large number of carbon emissions but also happens to be the biggest consumer of natural resources. In turn, they create a microclimate, which contributes to climate change. Masdar City, for example, was designed as the first fully sustainable urban area, which replaced fuel-based energy with electric-based energy. China, as another example, introduced the Sponge Cities action, a method of urban water management to mitigate against flooding. Consequently, architects and urban planners are urged to conform to the proposals that would mitigate global warming. This paper, as a result, examines some of the models that have been internationally adopted and thereafter provide recommendations that can be implemented in large urban areas in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Paris Agreement of December 2015 was the last official initiative led by the United Nations (UN) as the driver of climate change mitigation. Climate change was hence linked with an increase in the occurrence of natural hazards. A variety of initiatives were consequently adopted under different themes such as sustainable cities, climate-friendly development, and lowcarbon cities. However, most of the initiatives targeted by global cities with urban areas being the focus in terms of taking action against global warming issues. This is due to the structural and environmental features of cities characterized by being populated, as such, they not only generate a large number of carbon emissions but also happens to be the biggest consumer of natural resources. In turn, they create a microclimate, which contributes to climate change. Masdar City, for example, was designed as the first fully sustainable urban area, which replaced fuel-based energy with electric-based energy. China, as another example, introduced the Sponge Cities action, a method of urban water management to mitigate against flooding. Consequently, architects and urban planners are urged to conform to the proposals that would mitigate global warming. This paper, as a result, examines some of the models that have been internationally adopted and thereafter provide recommendations that can be implemented in large urban areas in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Paris Agreement of December 2015 was the last official initiative led by the United Nations (UN) as the driver of climate change mitigation. Climate change was hence linked with an increase in the occurrence of natural hazards. A variety of initiatives were consequently adopted under different themes such as sustainable cities, climate-friendly development, and low-carbon cities.  However, most of the initiatives targeted by global cities with urban areas being the focus in terms of taking action against global warming issues.  This is due to the structural and environmental features of cities characterized by being populated, as such, they not only generate a large number of carbon emissions but also happens to be the biggest consumer of natural resources. In turn, they create a microclimate, which contributes to climate change. Masdar City, for example, was designed as the first fully sustainable urban area, which replaced fuel-based energy with electric-based energy. China, as another example, introduced the Sponge Cities action, a method of urban water management to mitigate against flooding.  Consequently, architects and urban planners are urged to conform to the proposals that would mitigate global warming. This paper, as a result, examines some of the models that have been internationally adopted and thereafter provide recommendations that can be implemented in large urban areas in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul.