Sponge City: An Ecosystem Engineering Case Study | The Future of Nature

This case study clip presents a nature-based, ecosystem engineering solution designed by landscape architect Kongjian Yu for the city of Haikou, in China. Yu rewilded rivers that flow through the city, designing a landscape similar to the terraced rice paddies where he grew up. This new landscape acts like a sponge, slowing the flow of stormwater and cleaning urban runoff pollutants that were threatening the health of the Dongzhai National Nature Reserve downriver.

Students will discuss how science, engineering, and traditional practices intersected to help Yu design a solution for both short and long term benefits. Students will learn about the role of mangroves in local weather resilience and global carbon cycle balancing. Additional activities allow students to interact with a GIS data system to find their local watershed, apply sensemaking and communications skills to debate ecological engineering and nature-based solutions, and/or practice their research and evidence-based argument skills to propose a wetland rewilding solution for their community.

About the Author
Sara Kobilka owns Renaissance Woman Consulting and is a dedicated lifelong learner. She specializes in science communication in TV/radio and in STEM education and engagement in informal and formal settings (from preschool to college and beyond). As an educator, scientist, journalist, and entrepreneur, she uses all her experiences to actively cross-pollinate impactful ideas across industries and disciplines.