North South University

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

CEE 260
Assignment

Submitted To:
Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam
CEE & Director of CIRS

Submitted By:
Argha Kubi
212151302
 Sponge Cities
Emerging Methods, Obstacles, and Opportunities

Introduction:
A sponge city is characterized by its ability to function like a sponge, capable of
absorbing, infiltrating, purifying, and storing storm water. This innovative urban design
offers a compelling solution to address water scarcity in the rapidly urbanizing world.
Despite the benefits, some sponge cities still grapple with urban floods, particularly
during periods of intense rainfall. The Sponge City concept is emerging as a new kind of
integrated urban water system, which aims to address urban water problems.

This assignment focuses on an analysis of Sponge City approaches and Sponge City
model that functions well. It will be clarify emerging challenges and opportunities of
Sponge City model development and suggest future possibilities on the Sponge City
model.

Goal of a Sponge City:

The primary goal of a sponge city is to revolutionize urban water management by
creating resilient, sustainable, and water-sensitive urban environments. By mimicking
natural hydrological processes, the aim is to enhance the city's capacity to absorb,
infiltrate, purify, and store storm water. This innovative approach addresses water
scarcity challenges, mitigates urban flooding, and promotes a harmonious coexistence
between urban development and the natural water cycle. The overarching objective is to
create cities that efficiently manage water resources, adapt to climate change, and
prioritize environmental sustainability, ultimately fostering a more resilient and livable
urban future.
 Figure: Goal of a sponge city

Model of a Sponge City:

A model of a sponge city involves a holistic and integrated approach to urban planning and
water management. The design and implementation of a sponge city model typically include
several key components:
Figure: Model of a sponge city
1. Permeable Pavement:
Permeable pavement is a type of surface that allows water to pass through,
promoting natural drainage and reducing surface runoff. Implementation of
permeable pavements, roads, and walkways that allow water to infiltrate the
ground rather than contributing to surface runoff.

2. Green Belt:
A green belt typically refers to an area of open land, often consisting of parks,
forests, or agricultural spaces, that serves as a buffer zone or a barrier between
urban and rural areas. The primary purpose of a green belt is to limit urban
sprawl, protect natural landscapes, and provide recreational spaces for residents.
These areas are intentionally preserved to maintain environmental quality,
support biodiversity, and offer a range of ecosystem services. Green belts
contribute to sustainable urban planning by helping to control the expansion of
cities, enhance air quality, and create a balance between built-up areas and
natural environments.

3. Green Roof:
A green roof, also known as a living roof or vegetated roof, is a roofing system
that incorporates vegetation, growing medium, and a waterproofing membrane
on the rooftop. Instead of the traditional roofing materials, a green roof is
designed to support the growth of plants, ranging from grasses and sedums to
small trees and shrubs.

4. Bioretention:
Bioretention is a key component of sponge city design, contributing to the
overall goal of managing storm water in an environmentally sustainable manner.
In the context of a sponge city, bio retention refers to the use of engineered
systems that mimic natural processes to capture, treat, and manage storm water
runoff. These systems typically include vegetated areas designed to slow, filter,
and infiltrate storm water.

Emerging Methods in Sponge City

Development:
 Figure: Overall development of sponge city
1. Absorption and Infiltration Techniques:
Exploring the various methods employed to enhance a city's capacity for water
absorption and infiltration.
2. Purification Technologies:
Investigating the technologies utilized to purify storm water within the urban
environment.
3. Storage Solutions:
Assessing the different approaches to storing storm water efficiently and sustainably.

Benefits of Sponge City Implementation:

1. Water Scarcity Mitigation:
Discussing how sponge cities contribute to mitigating water scarcity challenges,
especially in urbanized areas.
2. Flood Risk Reduction:
Exploring the role of sponge cities in managing and minimizing the risk of urban
flooding.
3. Environmental and Ecological Benefits:
Examining the positive impact of sponge city initiatives on local ecosystems and
biodiversity.
Obstacles Faced By Sponge Cities:
1. Urban flooding:
Some sponge cities still experience challenges in effectively managing and
preventing urban flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall,
highlighting the need for improved storm water control mechanisms.
2. Cost and Resource Constrains:
The implementation of sponge city infrastructure, including permeable surfaces,
green spaces, and advanced water management technologies, often involves
significant financial investments. Limited resources can impede widespread
adoption and execution.
3. Community Awareness and Participation:
Achieving successful sponge city outcomes depends on community
understanding and engagement. Overcoming the obstacle of low awareness and
participation requires effective education and outreach efforts.
4. Maintenance Challenges:
Sustaining the functionality of sponge city infrastructure over time requires
regular maintenance. Insufficient maintenance can compromise the effectiveness
of storm water management features.
5. Land Use and Space Constrains:
In densely populated urban areas, finding adequate space for implementing
green infrastructure and water management features can be challenging,
requiring creative solutions to optimize available land.

Opportunities for Advancement:

1. Integration into Urban Planning:
Highlighting the potential for mainstreaming sponge city principles into
decentralized urban plans and designs.
2. Adaptive Technologies:
Exploring advancements in technology that can enhance the adaptability and
effectiveness of sponge city initiatives.
3. Collaborative Partnerships:
Discussing opportunities for collaboration between government bodies, urban
planners, and environmental organizations to promote sponge city development.

Case Studies:
The severe floods experienced by 24 provinces in China since June 2021, affecting
over 443 rivers, underscore the impact of unprecedented urbanization and
climate change. With 67% of China's population residing in flood-prone areas,
the government has introduced the concept of sponge cities as a proactive
solution. These cities are strategically designed to absorb excess water,
preventing urban flooding and conserving it for future use. The integrated
approach involves the amalgamation of storage tunnels, rain gardens, wetlands,
and bios wales.
 Figure: Sponge cities of china

China's ambitious plan involves constructing 30 sponge cities, each tailored to its
specific region, with the goal of enabling 80% of urban areas to absorb and reuse
at least 70% of rainwater by 2030. A notable example is Lingang, a planned
sponge park in Shanghai's Pudong district. This innovative development
incorporates water-absorbent bricks and central reservations designed as rain
gardens, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to sustainable urban water
management. As China strives to address the challenges posed by increasing
urbanization and changing climate patterns, the emergence of sponge cities
stands as a promising solution to enhance resilience, mitigate flooding, and
promote responsible water use across the nation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, sponge cities offer a promising solution to urban water challenges
by incorporating innovative methods for storm water management. While
obstacles exist, such as urban flooding and implementation challenges, the
opportunities for advancement, integration into urban planning, and
collaborative partnerships underscore the potential for the widespread adoption
of sponge city principles. As cities continue to grapple with water-related issues,
the evolution of sponge cities represents a critical step towards sustainable and
resilient urban water management.
 References:
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