Yu Kongjian

Yu Kongjian was a renowned Chinese urban planner and architect, best known for his innovative concept of 'sponge cities,' which aimed to mitigate the effects of climate change through green infrastructure. His approach involved creating urban spaces that could absorb and manage stormwater effectively, thereby reducing the risk of flooding. He founded the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Peking University, one of China's leading institutions, and was recognized for his significant contributions to sustainable urban planning and biodiversity conservation. Yu Kongjian tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Brazil.