Last year, 16 cities across China were designated as so-called "sponge cities" in a pilot scheme aimed at harvesting more rain water. The program's architects are now calling out for innovative urban design, and participation from the private sector.
Just as the name suggests, these sponge cities are to effectively absorb, filter, collect and use rain fall. So far, 16 cities have been shortlisted as pilot cities, and about 130 across the country have mapped out plans to join them in the future.
For city planners, it's been a big headache to overcome water shortages and urban flooding. That's why they need the help of new urban designers, such as Zou Yubo.
"Building sponge cities shows more emphasis on utilizing natural resources and sustainable development. It requires urban designers and builders to raise efficiency and reduce costs," Zou Yubo, president of Up+S Architecture Design Company, said.
Zou and his team built their own rain garden. Their design and technology illustratrate the basic ideas of sponge cities.
"Rain garden can absorb downpour from road, rooftop, or even condensed water from the air conditioner," Zou said.
The water is filtered by gabion wall and gravel, and is then infiltrated under the ground. Extra water is saved in the cisterns buried below the street. The rain garden ensures rainwater becomes available for plants.
Establishment of the sponge cities has spurred innovation and demand for urban design. However, huge investments are required to make them a reality.
In the coming three years, China will allocate between 400 million and 600 million yuan annually to the pilot cities for infrastructure building. But experts say it still needs the active participation of the private sector.
"It requires the transformation from traditional procurement to Public Private Partnership. The PPP form will introduce private sector technology and innovation, provide better public services, and deliver projects in time and within budget," Jin Yongxiang, general manager of Dayue Consulting Company, said.
With innovative urban designs, and most importantly, with efficient cooperation between the government and private sector, China is going to up its game in utilizing one of the most precious natural resources.
