The increase in intense rainfall In various regions of the world, this is forcing a rethinking of the way urban spaces are designed. Faced with this scenario, an alternative emerges that combines environmental knowledge, design, and citizen participation: sponge landscapingThis strategy redefines how rainwater is managed, moving away from the traditional model that prioritizes immediate diversion and channeling of water. Landscaping in cities It is also adapting to respond to these climate challenges, promoting sustainable and resilient solutions.
This approach proposes urban spaces capable of absorbing, retaining and releasing water gradually., preventing flooding and promoting water balance. Instead of relying solely on impermeable surfaces, priority is given to green areas, green roofs, infiltration gardens, and other solutions that allow for more effective management of extreme weather events.
A change of logic in urban design
The so-called 'sponge landscape' proposes designing infrastructures that imitate natural processes., using the terrain to capture water where it falls, slow it down, and temporarily store it. This approach is applied to urban gardens, schoolyards, parks, and streets, transforming them into climate-resilient environments.
The approach is based on three fundamental principles: intercept the rain at the point of fall, slow down its runoff, and store part of the flow in a controlled mannerThese actions reduce the effects of storms and contribute to the environmental regeneration of neighborhoods. For a deeper understanding of water management techniques in landscaping, you can consult Advances in water supply systems.
In addition to their hydraulic functionality, these interventions promote the biodiversity, improve urban comfort and strengthen people's bond with nature.
Inspiring examples: from Denmark to Argentina
A featured project is located in Copenhagen, in the Nordvest neighborhood. There, the SLA studio transformed a 20.000 m² park into a multifunctional area capable of absorbing up to 3.000 m³ of water. The redesign included slopes, channels, and infiltration ditches that allow rainwater to be contained naturally. Reclaiming spaces through sponge landscaping can also be considered in projects urban ecological conservation.
When it's not raining, the park looks like a succession of interactive hills with play and rest areas. But during the rainy season, it becomes a temporary wetland that benefits both people and the flora and fauna of the place. More than 4 million seeds of native species and 149 trees of different varieties, promoting ecological balance.
In Sweden, the Link Arkitektur studio designed a school in Torslanda where water is integrated into the landscape as a pedagogical element. In its courtyard, a small "river" collects water and guides it to a natural area with wetlands and diverse vegetation, teaching students about water cycles through direct experience.
Community action and local solutions
The sponge landscape model is not limited to the northern hemisphere. In Claypole, Buenos Aires, neighbors organized under the platform Claypole Habitat They have been working for years to recover a section of the San Francisco Stream. His aspiration: to build a park that mitigate flooding and restore ecological functionsImplementing landscaping techniques can have a positive impact on communities like this one, promoting sustainable water management.
With the support of the Bulla studio and the Rearc Institute laboratory, the project was presented as a sustainable alternative, based on the integration of ecology, infrastructure and community. The proposal bets on a vision that sees water as an ally, and not as a problem to be eliminated.
This view had repercussions in other contexts. In Vancouver, Canada, a competition entitled “Life Between Umbrellas” promoted the design of rain-friendly public spacesThe city, which endures several rainy months a year, thus managed to bring together innovative ideas that prioritize the coexistence of urban planning and climate.
Projects like these not only help prevent natural disasters, but also encourage citizen participation and the transformation of neighborhoods into more livable, resilient, and sustainable places.
The increasing frequency of heavy rainfall in cities around the world makes it increasingly urgent to rethink how urban spaces are managed. Greening presents itself as a promising option, combining intelligent design, respect for nature, and community engagement. From large parks to schoolyards to rehabilitated neighborhoods, these green solutions demonstrate that it is possible. living with water in harmony, reusing it as a resource and enhancing urban ecosystems.
