Building a Sponge City That Can Breathe

Abstract

Drawing on Technical Guidelines for Sponge City Construction...(Trial), this study expounds on the sponge city (absorbing, storing, infiltrating, purifying and utilizing rainwater) with "one core (LID), three components, multiple objectives". Its essence is harmonizing urbanization with resources via changing traditional construction; core goals include protecting/restoring water ecology, promoting LID, transforming drainage thinking, maintaining unchanged hydrological features. The theoretical basis is BMPs, LID and Green Infrastructure. It notes China’s shift to LID model, with future focuses on China-specific theories, integrating planning with smart water affairs. It offers a framework for China’s sponge city and green urbanization.