Living with Water: A Tribute to Kongjian Yu and the Sponge City Concept

Living with Water: A Tribute to Kongjian Yu and the Sponge City Concept

The world of architecture, landscape, and ecological design faces a significant loss with the passing of Professor Kongjian Yu, a visionary Chinese landscape architect who introduced the groundbreaking “sponge city” concept. His impact is evident not only in the resilient cities and lush green corridors he designed but also in the transformative way we now approach water, nature, and sustainability within urban spaces. Yu’s innovative ideas challenged the traditional mindset of managing water through concrete barriers and drainage systems. He advocated for a harmonious relationship with water, viewing it as an essential element that, when embraced and integrated, can enhance our urban environments and safeguard us against climate-related threats. As we confront more frequent floods, rising sea levels, and urban heat stress, his pioneering vision is more crucial than ever. Let us honor his legacy by adopting sustainable practices that put nature back at the heart of our cities.

“Floods are not enemies,” explains Professor Kongjian Yu in the World Economic Forum. "We can make friends with floods. We can make friends with water.” 

(Source: weforum.org 2019, see citations below for link).

OBJECTIVE:

This blog stands as my heartfelt tribute to the esteemed landscape architect Kongjian Yu and his remarkable impact on sustainable urban planning. While I have not had the privilege of meeting him personally, the loss of a fellow advocate for sustainable architecture resonates deeply with me. The principles Professor Kongjian Yu has pioneered have profoundly shaped my understanding, even though I have yet to implement them in my own projects. One of my primary goals in writing is to enhance environmental awareness, and I hope this piece inspires your future endeavors. Should it influence your work or decisions, please ensure to attribute your insights to Architect Kongjian Yu, the visionary behind the “Sponge City Concept.” Your acknowledgment can help further his legacy and promote a sustainable future for all.

THE SAD NEWS

According to ArchDaily, Kongjian Yu, the pioneering Chinese landscape architect and urban planner credited with coining the "sponge city" concept, has passed away at 62. According to Reuters, he was killed in a plane crash on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in the wetlands of Mato Grosso do Sul state, in Brazil, while reportedly filming a documentary about his work, after being featured in the opening program of the São Paulo International Architecture Biennale last week.

“We've misunderstood what it means to be developed. We need to develop a new system, a new vernacular to express the changing relationship between land and people.” - Kongjian Yu, in an interview for ArchDaily

What is the Sponge City Concept?

According to Wikipedia, “Sponge city is an urban planning model that originated in China, first proposed by Kongjian Yu, that emphasizes the implementation of hydro-ecological infrastructure. Sponge cities focus on flood prevention and stormwater management via green infrastructure instead of purely relying on drainage systems. Urban flooding, water shortages, and the heat island effect can be alleviated by having more urban parks, gardens, green spaces, wetlands, nature strips, and permeable paving, which will both improve ecological biodiversity for urban wildlife and reduce flash floods by serving as reservoirs for capturing, retaining, and absorbing excess stormwater.”

PERSONAL INSIGHT:

The sponge city concept is an innovative, nature-based solution for managing urban water. Rather than treating rainfall as a nuisance to be swiftly drained away, a sponge city intelligently absorbs, stores, filters, and reuses this vital resource, mimicking the natural behavior of a sponge. This transformative principle invites us to rethink urban design: let our cities thrive and function like the ecosystems they are part of.

Principles Behind the Sponge City Concept

1. Absorb Rainwater Where It Falls

   • Instead of relying only on underground pipes, sponge cities use permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens to soak up stormwater. This reduces flooding and replenishes groundwater.

2. Store Water Naturally

   • Parks, wetlands, ponds, and restored rivers act as natural reservoirs. These green-blue infrastructures not only hold excess rain but also provide habitats for biodiversity and spaces for people to enjoy.

3. Filter and Cleanse

   • Vegetation and soil naturally filter pollutants from runoff, improving water quality before it re-enters rivers or aquifers. This reduces reliance on expensive treatment plants and creates healthier ecosystems.

4. Reuse and Recycle

   • Collected rainwater can be used for irrigation, cooling, or even non-potable household use. In doing so, cities reduce dependence on freshwater sources, making them more resilient in times of drought.

5. Adapt to Local Ecology

   • Sponge city design is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It respects local geography, climate, and culture. Yu emphasized that solutions should draw from nature itself, designing with the land rather than against it.

Why Sponge Cities Matter Today

• Climate Resilience: As floods become more frequent, sponge cities protect communities by slowing and absorbing water rather than letting it overwhelm infrastructure.

• Urban Cooling: By increasing vegetation and open water, sponge cities help mitigate the urban heat island effect, improving public health.

• Biodiversity: Restored wetlands and green corridors support wildlife, reconnecting cities with nature.

• Quality of Life: These designs create healthier, greener, and more enjoyable spaces for people to live, work, and relax in.

In essence, sponge cities turn gray infrastructure into green infrastructure, blending function with beauty.

Tianjin Qiaoyuan Park (Tianjin City, built 2008)

Case Examples of Sponge City Projects

China / Projects by Kongjian Yu & Turenscape

1. Sanya Dong’an Wetland Park, Hainan Province
   In 2016, Turenscape transformed a polluted and degraded wetland corridor into a multifunctional sponge system. The design includes wetlands, ponds, rice paddies, greenways, and coastal habitat restoration. It helps with water retention, filtration, and aquifer recharge, while also providing paths and recreation areas.

2. Sanya Mangrove Park
   Also in Sanya, Hainan. What was once a trash-strewn landfill with concrete flood walls was reworked into a biodiverse mangrove park with finger-like landforms, skywalks, pathways, elevated pavilions, etc. Its functions are ecological, hydrological (flood control, water filtering) and social (public use).

3. Nanchang Fish Tail Park, Jiangxi Province
   A more recent project (2022). This was a reclaimed, polluted site (former fish farm + coal ash dump) turned into a “floating forest” park with many small planted islands, water features, paths. It moderates stormwater, improves biodiversity, and serves as public amenity.

4. Jinan, Shandong Province
   As part of the pilot sponge city program, Jinan aimed to reduce water pollution and revive springs (e.g. Baotu Spring). The projects have included increasing green infrastructure, improving drainage, improving runoff controls to reach high proportions of rainfall retention, etc. These have helped groundwater levels, among other things.

5. Tianjin Qiaoyuan Wetland Park

   According to Turenscape’s project statement: “Through Regenerative Design and by changing landforms, the natural process of plant adaptation and community evolution is introduced to transform a former deserted shooting range used as a garbage dump, into a low maintenance urban park; providing diverse nature’s services for the city including containing and purifying storm water; improving the saline-alkali soil, providing opportunities for environmental education and creating a cherished aesthetic experience.” (Source: Turrenscape Website. See citations for complete link).

6. Early Projects / Heritage + Cultural Landscape Retention

   • Zhongshan Shipyard Park, Guangdong Province (2001) — reuse of an old shipyard, preserving industrial structures and integrating landscape to retain cultural memory while also allowing water to permeate and be managed naturally.

   • Red Ribbon Park, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province (2007) — more minimal but with features like boardwalks, native vegetation, and restoration of natural riverside landscape.

Source: Turenscape website (See citations below for links).

Projects / Adaptations in Southeast Asia & the Philippines (Not all are Turenscape Project)

1. Benjakitti Forest Park, Bangkok, Thailand
   A great example in Southeast Asia. This park (52.7 ha) used to be a brownfield (former industrial / tobacco factory site), with problems of subsidence and flooding. The design by Turenscape created sponge features: stormwater storage capacity (a large volume), sponge wetlands, recreational boardwalks, etc. It has been resilient: during heavy rainfall events, much of Bangkok flooded but the park and its surroundings largely held up. (Source: Turenscape website - See citations below for links)

2. Metro Manila, Philippines – Sponge City Principles Eyed
   The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is planning to integrate sponge city principles into Manila’s flood management framework. Proposed interventions include:

   • permeable pavements

   • underground reservoirs

   • wetlands and parks

   • green roofs

   • riverside esplanades / walkways that capture run-off / nature-based solutions

Source: Philstar Global 2025 (See citations below for links).

3. Chennai, India – Sponge Parks, Ponds, Underground Rainwater Harvesting
   Though not by Kongjian Yu, Chennai is doing large scale efforts: restoring ponds, creating “sponge parks”, installing underground rainwater harvesting tanks in parks and public spaces. This reduces waterlogging, improves groundwater recharge, and creates usable public space.(Source: downtoearth.org.in - See citations below for exact links)

Lessons from These Examples

• Multifunctionality is key: Parks and wetlands are not just for flood control; they also offer recreation, habitat, cooling, social gathering, culture. Many projects combine ecological, social, aesthetic, and hydrological functions.

• Working with existing landscapes/legacy sites: Reclaiming degraded land (old industrial, polluted wetlands, landfills) often offers more impactful gains than starting from scratch. Also, retaining cultural or heritage elements makes the projects more meaningful to the community.

• Scale & Incremental approach: Some sponge city projects are huge, others are micro (individual parks, streets). Both matter. Smaller projects often serve as demonstrations or pilots, which build public awareness. Over time, scaling up.

• Local adaptation: Designs reflect the local climate (monsoon vs. temperate), soil, hydrology, ecology, culture, and also the financial & governance context. What works in Sanya may need modification in Metro Manila or Chennai. Some areas already have wetlands or mangroves; others need rain gardens or underground reservoirs.

• Monitoring & maintenance: It’s not enough to build sponge infrastructure; feedback, data, maintenance, and behavioral change (e.g., reducing solid waste so storm drains aren’t blocked) are all necessary. Several Chinese pilot cities report challenges around upkeep, public awareness, and coordinating jurisdictions.

Kongjian Yu’s Enduring Legacy

Kongjian Yu's vision merges modern science with ancient wisdom in a profound way. Drawing from traditional Chinese water systems, rice paddies, and terraced landscapes, he crafts innovative urban solutions that resonate globally. His influence extends beyond China, inspiring cities across Asia, Europe, and beyond to adopt sponge city principles as a framework for sustainable living. As architects, planners, and engaged citizens, we have the opportunity to honor his legacy by recognizing the essential connection between human settlements and nature. By designing our cities to work with water, rather than against it, we can build resilient urban environments that flourish amid the challenges of climate change.

FINAL REFLECTION

The passing of Kongjian Yu is a significant loss, yet his teachings will continue to inspire architects, designers, and urban thinkers for generations to come. The sponge city concept transcends mere engineering; it embodies a philosophy of humility—serving as an invitation to honor the natural rhythms of our environment and to embrace water as a valuable ally rather than a foe. In remembering his legacy, we must acknowledge a vital truth: the sustainability of future cities relies on our commitment to coexist harmoniously with the natural world, rather than isolating ourselves from it.

“In honoring Kongjian Yu, we remember not only a visionary architect, but a gentle teacher who showed us that by listening to water, we learn how to live in harmony with the earth.”

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS

https://www.archdaily.com/1034437/kongjian-yu-creator-of-the-sponge-city-concept-passes-away-in-brazil-plane-crash?fbclid=IwY2xjawNGqGFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgG53ZDktuea9Lxr0VcufemItHdRSbPL674Y523AXZmDIFyzOlLr8vJXB0D9_aem_RLDqX0QpDFcGZLJjjV29kg

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2019/08/sponge-cities-china-flood-protection-nature-wwf/

https://www.turenscape.com/en/project/index/4.html

https://www.turenscape.com/en/project/detail/4751.html

https://www.turenscape.com/en/project/detail/339.html

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/09/07/2471018/sponge-city-principle-eyed-metro-manila

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS

By GSAPPstudent - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74560631

By Mydogistiaotiaohu - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112853252

10 BEST AIR PURIFYING INDOOR PLANTS FOR BIOPHILIC DESIGN | Architalktural

10 BEST AIR PURIFYING INDOOR PLANTS FOR BIOPHILIC DESIGN

In our increasingly urbanized world, many of us find ourselves spending more time indoors than ever. Unfortunately, our built environments often lack the visual, tactile, and air-quality elements that inherently connect us to nature—elements we instinctively long for. This is where biophilic design comes into play. By integrating natural materials, ample daylight, scenic views, and lush greenery into our interiors, we can dramatically improve our well-being, lower stress levels, and enrich our surroundings. A highly effective way to achieve this transformation is through the use of indoor plants, which not only bring beauty and texture to our spaces but also purify the air we breathe, making our home or office a healthier haven.

OBJECTIVE

In this blog, we delve into ten exceptional air-purifying plants: the snake plant, spider plant, ZZ plant, pothos, peace lily, monstera, fern, English ivy, cactus, and aloe vera. Each of these plants not only adds visual appeal to your space but also plays a crucial role in improving indoor air quality. No matter your interior design style—be it minimalist, tropical, Scandinavian, or Bohemian—these plants can transform your home into a biophilic oasis, promoting a healthier and more vibrant indoor atmosphere. Embrace nature’s beauty and enhance your living environment with these remarkable plants!

Plant Descriptions

For each plant, I’ll include: key aesthetic/biophilic design contributions, the types of air pollutants they help mitigate, and care tips that support their optimal performance.

Snake Plant

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Tall, upright, sword‑like leaves give strong vertical form; great for defining corners, lining hallways, or structuring a space. Its bold, architectural profile adds contrast in texture (with smoother leaves) and color (often variegated edges or bands). Works well in minimalistic designs as a sculptural element.

• Air Purification Benefits: Known from NASA’s Clean Air Study to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. It also continues to release oxygen at night (unlike many plants), which makes it good for bedrooms.

• Care: Very low maintenance. Tolerates low light, needs infrequent watering (soil should dry between waterings). Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Strong in neglect.

Spider Plant

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Its arching, variegated leaves and cascading “spiderettes” (baby offshoots) offer movement, texture, and layers. Hanging baskets and shelves are good locations; its airy structure softens rigid geometry in interiors. Very forgiving plant that gives a lush, relaxed feel.

• Air Purification Benefits: Effective at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide. Recognized in many surveys/NASA studies. Good at filtering indoor pollutants from furnishings, adhesives, and synthetic materials.

• Care: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates moderate shade. Likes moist but well‑draining soil; allow topsoil to dry a bit between waterings. Mist occasionally to reduce dust on the leaves, which helps with air filtering.

ZZ Plant

3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Glossy, dark green, waxy leaves on upright stems; low, sculptural silhouette. Offers high contrast in tone and sheen; works well as an accent piece or in low‑light parts of the house (since it tolerates shade). Its robustness embodies the “resilience” aspect of biophilic design—forms that endure and adapt.

• Air Purification Benefits: Helps remove VOCs such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. Though less is known compared to some of the classic NASA plants, multiple sources list it among effective air purifiers.

• Care: Very low maintenance. Needs bright indirect to moderate light but tolerates quite low light. Water sparingly; let soil dry between waterings (its rhizomes store water). Keep in well‑draining soil; avoid waterlogging.

Pothos

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum, “Golden Pothos,” etc.)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Trailing vines, heart‑shaped leaves often variegated (gold, cream, white, etc.). Excellent for adding soft curves, layering, draping, and green cascades from shelves or hanging planters. Its vines help visually connect the floor, middle, and ceiling levels in a room, supporting spatial biophilic layering.

• Air Purification Benefits: Known to absorb formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Very forgiving plant, often used in workplaces and homes for its air-cleaning qualities.

• Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light. Keep soil lightly moist, but do not overwater; let the top layer dry somewhat. Regular pruning of vines helps keep aesthetic shape and stimulates fuller growth.

Peace Lily

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Elegant white spathes (flowers) contrasting against glossy deep green leaves provide focal interest and a soothing, tranquil presence. Great in low to medium light, good for corners or areas that need a calming feature. Also adds softness through its curved flower and foliage forms.

• Air Purification Benefits: Removes pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and ammonia. Also reputed to help reduce mold spores in air and increase indoor humidity (beneficial in dry climates).

• Care: Prefers medium to low indirect light. Soil kept moist (but not waterlogged). Droops visibly when dry (which is a visual cue). Be cautious if there are pets, as parts are toxic if ingested.

Monstera

6. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa, etc.)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Large leaves with split or perforated forms create dramatic shadows and patterns of light through foliage, which is very biophilic. Their scale can give a tropical feel, help fill vertical space, and emphasize lush, nature‑like interiors. Provides a strong “leafy” presence.

• Air Purification Benefits: While Monstera is not always one of the headline plants in older NASA lists, more recent design/houseplant sources include Monstera among those that help improve indoor air quality (removal of VOCs, etc.). Also, its large leaf surface area helps in absorbing pollutants and dust.

• Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Needs well‑draining soil and regular watering (keeping soil slightly moist). Likes support (a stake or moss pole) for vertical growth if desired. Avoid direct harsh sun, which can scorch. Also,  dust leaves occasionally to keep stomata open.

Fern

7. Fern (e.g., Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata or other indoor fern species)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Feathery, delicate foliage adds softness, texture, and richness. Ferns evoke shade, moisture, and leafy forest understory ambience. Great for humid areas like bathrooms, kitchens; can be used in planters at various heights to create layered green zones.

• Air Purification Benefits: Known to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene; also naturally raises humidity via transpiration, which can help skin and respiratory comfort, and reduce dust.

• Care: Prefer bright, indirect light; keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. High humidity helps; regular misting or use of pebble trays. Sensitive to dry air and over‑drying.

English Ivy

8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Trailing or climbing; can cover walls, be trained over trellises; its drape softens harsh lines, adds complexity, and layers. Several cultivars feature variegated leaves, adding visual interest. They can be used in baskets or as groundcover in large planters indoors.

• Air Purification Benefits: Good at removing formaldehyde and other VOCs; also helps reduce airborne fecal particles/mold in some studies—useful for allergy relief.

• Care: Prefers medium to bright indirect light. Keep soil moderately moist; tolerates some dryness but not extended drought. Be mindful that ivy can be toxic if ingested and may require pruning to control spread.

Cactus

9. Cactus (Various succulents/cactus species)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Strong sculptural forms, variety of shapes—from columnar to round, ribbed, or spiky—which can serve as focal points or contrast in texture. Minimalist and drought‑tolerant, often in modern or desert aesthetic‑inspired interiors. Great for small spaces or for people with less time for maintenance.

• Air Purification Benefits: While cacti are not always the most prominent in VOC‑removing plant lists compared to some others, succulents in general help with absorbing CO₂, releasing oxygen, and reducing some pollutants; they also help stabilize humidity and may help trap dust or particles on their surfaces. Some sources list “succulents and cacti” among the overall category of air purifiers.

• Care: Require bright light; soil must be well‑draining; water infrequently (allow soil to dry between waterings). Overwatering is the most common cause of failure. Use containers with drainage.

Aloe Vera

10. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis / related species)

• Aesthetic & Biophilic Value: Succulent form, fleshy leaves with interesting colors and textures (often a bit glossier, occasionally with pale spotting, and with architectural symmetry). Has a clean, modern yet natural feel. Also, it  is multi‑functional—gel inside has soothing properties. Good for windowsills, kitchens, bathrooms—places where its practical uses can be part of its appeal.

• Air Purification Benefits: Identified in studies/lists as helping to remove formaldehyde and benzene. It can also contribute to oxygen production, though not especially at night (unlike the snake plant). Also serves as a low‑maintenance purifier.

• Care: Needs bright, indirect to direct light; minimal watering; well‑draining succulent or cactus mix. Allow the soil to dry out substantially between watering to avoid root rot. Occasional dusting.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Introducing air-purifying plants into your interior spaces does more than enhance visual appeal—it actively promotes essential aspects of biophilic design. These elements foster a connection with nature, provide sensory richness through diverse textures, forms, and colors, soften harsh edges, and significantly improve air quality. Such plants not only elevate the aesthetics of your space with their vibrant greenery and structure but also play a crucial role in reducing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and other indoor pollutants. Embrace the power of nature indoors for a healthier and more inviting environment!

When selecting and placing plants, consider the following to maximize both design and purification benefits:

• Distribute greenery throughout the room (not just in one corner) to increase surface area for filtering and to support visual layering.

• Match plant choices to the light, humidity, and care capacity you have—inappropriate conditions reduce both aesthetic vibrancy and purification efficacy.

• Use plants as accents or focal points: large-leaf plants like monstera, upright ones like snake plant, trailing ones like pothos or ivy, and ones with flowers like peace lily.

• Maintain them well: clean leaves (dust blocks stomata), water correctly, avoid overcrowding, and replace if plants get unhealthy.

Although one or two houseplants may not fully replace the need for ventilation or mechanical air filtration in polluted environments, integrating them with proper airflow, eliminating sources of indoor toxins (like certain paints and cleaning agents), and using a variety of plants can greatly enhance the quality of your indoor environment. Investing in plants is a simple, effective way to breathe easier and create a healthier home.

In short, by weaving in these ten plants, you can design interiors that feel alive, calming, and healthier—a hallmark of biophilic design in practice.

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS:

https://www.almanac.com/10-indoor-plants-clean-air

https://www.mdessmarket.com/blog/plants-that-clean-the-air

https://houseplant101.com/blog/air-purifying-plants/

https://airpurityguide.com/what-plants-are-good-for-air-purification/

https://aquascape.ae/product/zamioculcas-zamiifolia-air-purifier-plant/

https://homebagh.com/blogs/news/top-air-purifying-indoor-plants-for-a-healthier-home

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-indoor-plants

PHOTO ATTRIBUTIONS

001 Snake Plant pexels-rosana-solis-385478-3718448

002 Spider Plant pexels-fotios-photos-4753285

003 Raven ZZ Plant pexels-valeriiamiller-8525199

004 Pothos pexels-rdne-8580784

005 Peace Lily pexels-alinaskazka-14939905

006 Monstera pexels-avonnephoto-6597437

007 Fern pexels-hellokellybrito-322342

008 English Ivy pexels-plantsandgraphics-7365049

009 Cactus pexels-scottwebb-7167634

010 Aloe Vera pexels-jvdm-1581101

011 Cover Photo pexels-huy-phan-316220-3076899

LIVING WITH WETLANDS: How Green Building Integrates with Fragile Ecosystems | Architalktural

LIVING WITH WETLANDS: How Green Building Integrates with Fragile Ecosystems

Wetlands are among the Earth's most vital ecosystems, offering significant benefits, including natural water filtration, flood protection, and rich biodiversity. In many regions, including the Philippines, these wetlands are not only ecological treasures but also the lifeblood for communities that have thrived alongside them for generations. 

OBJECTIVE

The pressing question we must address is this: How can we enable these communities to coexist with wetlands in a way that preserves their ecological integrity and ensures their survival? We must find sustainable solutions that protect these invaluable ecosystems while supporting the people who depend on them. This is where the green building concept offers meaningful solutions. Instead of treating wetlands as obstacles to development, green building integrates human habitation with ecological preservation—designing homes and communities that respect, adapt to, and even enhance their natural surroundings.

WHAT IS A WETLAND?

In accordance with the definition on Wikipedia.org, "A wetland is a distinct semi-aquatic ecosystem whose groundcovers are flooded or saturated in water, either permanently, for years or decades, or only seasonally. Flooding results in oxygen-poor (anoxic) processes taking place, especially in the soils. Wetlands form a transitional zone between waterbodies and dry lands, and are different from other terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems due to their vegetation's roots having adapted to oxygen-poor waterlogged soils. They are considered among the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as habitats to a wide range of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants and animals, with often improved water quality due to plant removal of excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphorus."

According to the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Biodiversity Management Bureau:

"Wetlands are ecosystems that may be natural or artificial and are permanently or seasonally saturated or flooded with water that may be static or flowing. Basically, they refer to any land areas that have waterlogged soil. In Republic Act No. 11038, also known as “Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018,” wetlands refer to:

1. Inland habitats – marshes, peatlands, floodplains, rivers, and lakes;
2. Coastal and marine areas – saltmarshes, mangroves, intertidal mudflats and seagrass beds, and also coral reefs and other marine areas no deeper than six (6) meters at low tide; and
3. Human-made wetlands – dams, reservoirs, rice paddies and wastewater treatment ponds and lagoons."

PERSONAL INSIGHT

We may compare wetlands to a kidney for their remarkable ability to filter pollutants and enhance water quality. These vital ecosystems provide essential services, such as flood control, groundwater recharge, and a sanctuary for countless species of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants and animals. By serving as nurseries for fish and other aquatic life, wetlands foster biodiversity and support vibrant ecosystems. Furthermore, their crucial role in carbon sequestration is pivotal in the fight against climate change, as they store carbon dioxide that would otherwise exacerbate global warming. Protecting and preserving wetlands is not just beneficial; it is essential for a healthy environment and a sustainable future.

GREEN BUILDING RELATED CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGNING FOR WETLANDS

Building with Sensitivity to Place

The first principle of green building in wetlands emphasizes the need to respect the land's delicate balance. It is essential to avoid disturbing core wetland areas and to honor the natural buffer zones that protect them. By clustering homes and facilities on less-sensitive ground, we can reduce our ecological footprints while still fulfilling the community's needs without the negative impacts of sprawling developments. Stilt houses have long been a traditional solution in wetland communities for good reason—they allow water to flow freely beneath while keeping inhabitants safe from floods. Embracing this wisdom, green building advocates for raised, lightweight, and modular structures that harmonize with nature rather than combat it. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also enhances community resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Example – The Philippines: In Agusan Marsh, one of the country’s most significant wetlands, the indigenous Manobo people traditionally live in floating houses locally called “baylan.” These houses rise and fall with the water level, a natural form of climate-adaptive architecture. Integrating modern green design—such as solar panels and rainwater collectors—could enhance these floating homes while preserving cultural heritage.

Designing for Water and Climate

Water is life in wetlands, but it also poses the biggest challenge. Green building promotes:

• Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling to reduce the draw from wetland water sources.

• Constructed wetlands for natural wastewater treatment, keeping real wetlands free from contamination.

• Flood-adaptive designs, such as amphibious or floating homes, ensure resilience as water levels shift with seasons or climate change.

Example – Cambodia: On Tonle Sap Lake, communities live in floating villages where schools, houses, and even markets rest on the water. Some pilot projects have introduced solar-powered floating schools, combining traditional living patterns with modern renewable energy solutions.

Example – Philippines: In Candaba Swamp (Pampanga), where seasonal flooding is part of life, green building principles could support adaptive housing and eco-tourism lodges that rise with water levels while using renewable energy systems, turning natural challenges into sustainable opportunities.

Candaba Swamp, Pampanga

Energy, Resources, and Daily Life

Wetland communities often face limited access to reliable energy. Green building responds with renewable and efficient systems: solar panels, biogas stoves, and natural ventilation strategies that minimize dependence on external grids. Locally sourced and renewable building materials—such as bamboo and reclaimed wood—further reduce ecological impact while reflecting cultural identity.

Example – Nigeria: The Makoko Floating School in Lagos was a prototype structure designed on a triangular floating platform. Though experimental, it demonstrated how renewable energy and modular design can provide education while coexisting with wetlands.

People and Ecosystems Together

The integration of green building in wetland areas offers a transformative community-centered approach that cannot be underestimated. Many wetland communities are rich in ecological knowledge, possessing a deep understanding of which plants stabilize banks, how to fish sustainably, and how to align their lives with the rhythms of nature. By combining this invaluable traditional wisdom with modern science and sustainable technologies, green building revitalizes and strengthens these foundational practices. Adopting biodiversity-friendly methods—like planting native riparian vegetation, establishing green buffers, and implementing aquaponics systems—creates thriving ecosystems for both people and wildlife. Moreover, sustainable ecotourism can open up new economic opportunities while fostering a sense of responsibility to protect these vital wetlands for generations to come. Embracing these practices not only benefits our environment but also enriches our communities.

Example – Philippines: In Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (Cebu), eco-lodges and boardwalks have been built with sensitivity to migratory bird habitats. By following green design principles, these facilities provide tourism income while minimizing disturbance to wetlands and wildlife.

Boardwalks built in Olango Island, Cebu.

ABSTRACT

Living with Water, Not Against It

In wetlands, green building is not about imposing rigid, concrete solutions. It is about designing with the water, not against it. By minimizing ecological disturbance, embracing adaptive architecture, and involving communities in every decision, green building makes it possible for people to live comfortably while ensuring that wetlands remain vibrant ecosystems. "Because when wetlands thrive, so do the communities within them."

FINAL THOUGHTS

A Call for Collaboration

The integration of green building concepts in wetlands is not merely an architectural challenge but an important collective responsibility that we all share. Policymakers, architects, engineers, and local communities must unite to devise solutions that balance human aspirations with ecological integrity. In the Philippines, wetlands like Agusan Marsh, Candaba Swamp, Laguna de Bay, and Olango Island are lifelines, providing essential resources and ecological protection. The urgency of this collaborative approach is particularly evident here. By investing in adaptive housing, renewable energy systems, and eco-tourism facilities designed for sustainability, we can safeguard these delicate ecosystems while enriching the lives of communities that depend on them.

Green building in wetlands is about redefining progress, not restricting it. It is about embracing a vision that honors nature’s rhythms, fosters biodiversity, and strengthens communities for future generations. Now is the moment to take action. By designing with water in mind, rather than against it, we can ensure that wetlands remain vibrant spaces of life, culture, and a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Let us commit to this vision and secure a sustainable future together.

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS:

DEFINITION OF WETLAND

WIKIPEDIA:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetland

DENR:

https://bmb.gov.ph/protected-area-development-and-management/philippine-wetlands/

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION

CANDABA SWAMP, PAMPANGA

Judgefloro, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

<ahref="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:03256jfBaliuag_Candaba_Roads_Swamps_Pampanga_Highway_Bulacanfvf_10.JPG">Judgefloro</a>, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/03256jfBaliuag_Candaba_Roads_Swamps_Pampanga_Highway_Bulacanfvf_10.JPG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:03256jfBaliuag_Candaba_Roads_Swamps_Pampanga_Highway_Bulacanfvf_10.JPG

OLANGO ISLAND, CEBU

Elmer nev valenzuela, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Long_Walk.jpg">Elmer nev valenzuela</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/The_Long_Walk.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Long_Walk.jpg

Cover photo is an original image created by Architalktural. Copyright 2025, all rights reserved.