Imagine a city that can breathe—absorbing rain, reducing floods and keeping its streets cool. That vision is becoming reality in Bishan District in Chongqing on the Chinese mainland, where an innovative 'sponge city' design is rewriting the rules of urban drainage.
At the heart of this approach are permeable bricks laid across sidewalks and plazas. Instead of sending rainwater directly into sewers, these bricks let water seep into the ground, recharging local aquifers and preventing surface runoff.
Meanwhile, rain gardens—planted depressions that collect and filter stormwater—serve as natural reservoirs scattered throughout the district. During heavy downpours, they capture excess water and release it slowly, cutting peak flows that often lead to urban flooding.
Even school rooftops are getting a makeover. By adding layers of soil, native plants and advanced waterproofing, these green oases soak up rain and help moderate indoor temperatures. Students now learn and play under a living canopy that doubles as a climate buffer.
Early signs show Bishan's sponge city measures are paying off with fewer flooded streets and a cooler microclimate in summer months. For young global planners, entrepreneurs and eco-minded travelers, Bishan is a live case study in how smart urban design can tackle extreme weather.
As more metropolises wrestle with climate change and rapid urbanization, Bishan's model offers a blueprint: build with nature and let the city breathe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
