RIO DE JANEIRO — Four people, including world-renowned Chinese architect and urban planner Kongjian Yu, tragically died Tuesday evening in a small plane crash in southwestern Brazil, according to Brazilian authorities. The crash occurred during a landing attempt at a large farm about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Aquidauana in Mato Grosso do Sul state, local firefighters reported.
Victims of the Mato Grosso Plane Crash
The victims included:
- Kongjian Yu, pioneer of the “sponge city” concept
- Luiz Fernando Feres da Cunha Ferraz, Brazilian documentary maker
- Rubens Crispim Jr., Brazilian documentary maker
- Marcelo Pereira de Barros, pilot
A nine-hour search and rescue operation followed the incident, but sadly all four died.
The Legacy of Kongjian Yu
Kongjian Yu was a global leader in sustainable urban planning and the creator of the “sponge city” concept — an innovative approach that integrates infrastructure designed to absorb rainwater to reduce flooding and improve urban living conditions. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed grief on social media, stating: “In times of climate change, Yu became a global reference with his sponge cities, which unite quality of life and environmental protection.” Yu’s firm, Turenscape, was responsible for transforming polluted sites such as Nanchang Fish Tail Park into thriving ecosystems, blending ecology with urban design. His work inspired projects across China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and beyond.
Understanding the “Sponge City” Philosophy
Yu’s philosophy emphasized creating large water-retaining spaces such as parks, ponds, and wetlands within urban environments to absorb heavy rainfall and reduce flooding. His ideas have profoundly influenced Chinese urban planning and been adopted worldwide as part of sustainable city design. Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said: “His notable contributions to sustainable urbanism, the preservation of biodiversity, and the protection of the planet will continue to inspire generations.”
Documentary Project in the Pantanal Wetlands
At the time of his passing, Yu was traveling with filmmakers documenting the Pantanal wetlands — the world’s largest tropical wetland and a biodiversity hotspot, home to jaguars, caimans, macaws, and capybaras. Yu had long criticized much of Asia’s modern infrastructure for copying European models, arguing they were unsuitable for monsoon climates. His work challenged global urban planning approaches toward climate adaptability.
Conclusion: Remembering Kongjian Yu’s Impact
The death of Kongjian Yu marks a profound loss for the global urban planning and environmental community. His pioneering “sponge city” concept represents a lasting legacy — an inspiring model for integrating sustainability, climate resilience, and human well-being into urban life. His vision continues to inspire cities worldwide to rethink infrastructure, prioritize ecological harmony, and safeguard the planet for future generations.