SUSTAINABLE
DISASTER-RESILIENT ARCHITECTURE - Building
Smarter in the Philippines
The
Philippines is no stranger to natural disasters, facing challenges
such as typhoons, flooding, earthquakes, landslides, and extreme heat
almost every year. As climate change exacerbates these threats, it is
crucial that architecture evolves beyond mere aesthetics and
functionality. Today, our buildings must be sustainable, resilient,
and designed to endure disasters. This is why embracing sustainable,
disaster-resilient architecture is not just important—it is
imperative for our future safety and well-being.
OBJECTIVE:
While
pursuing my Architecture degree, I focused my thesis on a topic that
holds significant importance: “Disaster Relief Center.” At that
time, the submission process wasn’t automated, so I wasn't able to
secure a copy of my work. However, I remember that many principles
discussed in this blog reflect the design concepts I explored in my
thesis. Unbeknownst to me, these ideas would later become central to
the ongoing conversation about sustainability, particularly within
the realms of Green Building and Sustainable Architecture. In this
blog, we will delve into why integrating Green Building concepts into
our projects is crucial. It is vital to approach building smarter,
especially in the Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone
countries in the world.
What Is
Sustainable Disaster-Resilient Architecture?
Sustainable disaster-resilient
architecture combines two important goals:
Sustainability
– reducing environmental impact through efficient use of energy,
water, and materials
Resilience
– designing buildings that can withstand disasters and recover
quickly afterward
In simple terms, it means creating
buildings that are good for the environment and strong enough to
protect lives.
Why This Matters
in the Philippine Context?
The
Philippines is positioned along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the
Western Pacific typhoon belt, making it exceptionally vulnerable to a
range of natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, typhoons, floods, and storm surges. Communities in coastal
and low-lying areas are particularly at risk and require immediate
attention. Adopting sustainable, disaster-resilient architecture is
crucial for safeguarding lives and properties. This approach not only
minimizes long-term environmental damage and reduces rebuilding and
recovery costs, but it also promotes quicker recovery for communities
following disasters. Investing in such architecture is a vital step
towards a safer, more resilient future.
Key Design
Strategies Used in the Philippines
1.
Climate-Responsive Design
Buildings that work
with the tropical climate perform better during disasters:
Natural
ventilation and cross-breezes
Deep roof
overhangs and shading
High ceilings for
heat release These passive strategies reduce energy use and keep
spaces habitable even during power outages.
2.
Disaster-Resilient Structures
Strong structural
design is essential:
Proper seismic
detailing for earthquake resistance
Secure roof
systems and wind-resistant forms for typhoons
Stilt Houses
Stilt Houses: elevated floors
and flood-resistant materials in flood-prone areas
Concrete stilt houses
offer valuable advantages in terms of elevation, ventilation, and
adaptability.
3.
Sustainable and Local Materials
Using locally
available materials like bamboo, engineered wood, and recycled steel:
Reduces carbon
emissions
Supports local
industries
Improves
adaptability to local conditions
Durable materials also
perform better during extreme weather events.
4.
Energy and Water Resilience
Disasters often
disrupt basic services. Resilient buildings include:
Solar panels and
battery storage
Rainwater
harvesting systems
Water-efficient
fixtures
These systems help
buildings remain functional during emergencies.
5.
Nature as Protection
Green spaces are not
just aesthetic features:
Trees reduce wind
impact and heat
Olango Island Cebu Wetlands and Mangrove
Mangroves and
wetlands lessen flooding and storm surge
Permeable
surfaces manage rainwater
Nature-based solutions
strengthen both environmental and disaster resilience.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Building for the Future
As
disasters grow more frequent and severe, the Philippines must move
beyond reactive rebuilding and embrace proactive, resilient, and
sustainable design. Architects, planners, and policymakers have a
pivotal role in creating structures that not only protect communities
but also nurture the environment. Sustainable disaster-resilient
architecture is more than just a current trend; it stands as an
essential survival strategy for Filipino communities, ensuring a
safer and more sustainable future for all.
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.
“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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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)
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)
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).
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.”
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.
"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:
Inland habitats – marshes, peatlands, floodplains, rivers, and lakes;
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
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
CONSIDERATIONSIN 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.
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Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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