Image: from Museum of Science X @museumofscience
By Liam Scott | Staff Writer with Agencies
Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil — Kongjian Yu, the renowned Chinese architect celebrated for his innovative “sponge cities” concept in sustainable urban planning, has died in a plane crash in Brazil. He was 62.
Yu was traveling with two Brazilian filmmakers who were documenting his work when the small aircraft went down in Mato Grosso do Sul state on Wednesday. Police confirmed that all four people on board, Yu, the two filmmakers, and the pilot, were killed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Visionary of Sustainable Cities
Yu was internationally recognized for his groundbreaking approach to urban planning. His “sponge cities” design sought to replace concrete-heavy infrastructure with natural features, such as wetlands, parks, and permeable surfaces, that could absorb water more effectively, reducing the risk of flooding while restoring ecological balance in urban environments.
The concept has been adopted in numerous Chinese municipalities and praised as a model for climate-resilient urban development. Yu’s work earned him several international awards and positioned him as a global leader in rethinking the relationship between cities and nature.
Fatal Crash During Documentary Work
Yu was in Brazil for the filming of a documentary about his life and achievements. Also killed in the crash were documentary makers Luiz Fernando Feres da Cunha Ferraz and Rubens Crispim Jnr, along with the aircraft’s owner and pilot.
Authorities in Mato Grosso do Sul said they were continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Legacy
Kongjian Yu leaves behind a transformative legacy in sustainable architecture and landscape design. His “sponge cities” approach not only reshaped Chinese urban planning but also influenced global discussions on climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure.
Urban planners and environmentalists around the world have paid tribute to Yu, hailing his ideas as vital in an era of increasing climate challenges.