{"id":8133,"date":"2024-02-20T12:50:10","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T12:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/?page_id=8133"},"modified":"2024-02-20T13:13:30","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T13:13:30","slug":"sponge-city-leipzig","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/sponge-city-leipzig\/","title":{"rendered":"Sponge city Leipzig"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='layer_slider_1'  class='avia-layerslider main_color avia-shadow  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first  container_wrap sidebar_right'  style='height: 291px; max-width: 1410px; margin: 0 auto;'  ><\/div><div id='after_layer_slider_1'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-8133'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#76a52b;\nfont-size:26px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:26px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#76a52b;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 989px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:26px;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:21px;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:20px;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-jt4k1x2t-9b41c4bb79148bb5609fb999cacf32e5 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_layerslider  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  av-inherit-size av-linked-heading'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Sponge City Leipzig: innovative rainwater management as part of urban development<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jp9ng8ul-711e073f4b43887119a485fa613c95af\">\n#top .hr.av-jp9ng8ul-711e073f4b43887119a485fa613c95af{\nmargin-top:5px;\nmargin-bottom:20px;\n}\n.hr.av-jp9ng8ul-711e073f4b43887119a485fa613c95af .hr-inner{\nwidth:400px;\nborder-color:#76a52b;\nmax-width:45%;\n}\n.hr.av-jp9ng8ul-711e073f4b43887119a485fa613c95af .av-seperator-icon{\ncolor:#76a52b;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-jp9ng8ul-711e073f4b43887119a485fa613c95af hr-custom  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_one_full  hr-left hr-icon-yes'><span class='hr-inner inner-border-av-border-thin'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><span class='av-seperator-icon' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue8b8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><span class='hr-inner inner-border-av-border-thin'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class='flex_column av-lsn8ohmp-de982f7a7d81781b308cee23eee9809d av_one_full  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_four_fifth  first flex_column_div '     id=\"h2o\"  ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#76a52b;\nfont-size:14px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:14px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#76a52b;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"h2o\"  class='av-special-heading av-lsn8jec4-4691040ca538c71e716dde11aad46a1b av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-4  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  av-inherit-size av-linked-heading'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Sponge City Leipzig &#8211; More about Infiltrating or evaporating rainwater &#8211; Neighborhood development Green spaces Avoid sealing<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-315olg-66ec2c260935958ce76f7f23533cdb00\">\n#top .flex_column.av-315olg-66ec2c260935958ce76f7f23533cdb00{\nmargin-top:0px;\nmargin-bottom:20px;\n}\n.flex_column.av-315olg-66ec2c260935958ce76f7f23533cdb00{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n.responsive #top #wrap_all .flex_column.av-315olg-66ec2c260935958ce76f7f23533cdb00{\nmargin-top:0px;\nmargin-bottom:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-315olg-66ec2c260935958ce76f7f23533cdb00 av_four_fifth  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_four_fifth  first flex_column_div av-animated-generic pop-up av-zero-column-padding column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jpsdmwxs-7132d15e2385fd939a3a6a58cac3c408\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jpsdmwxs-7132d15e2385fd939a3a6a58cac3c408 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jpsdmwxs-7132d15e2385fd939a3a6a58cac3c408 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jpsdmwxs-7132d15e2385fd939a3a6a58cac3c408 av-styling- av-hover-grow av-hide-overflow avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-6  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-8149 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-8149 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Leipzig-2024.webp\" alt='Sponge city Leipzig: innovative rainwater management' title='Sponge city Leipzig: innovative rainwater management'  height=\"640\" width=\"1536\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Leipzig-2024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Leipzig-2024-300x125.webp 300w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Leipzig-2024-1030x429.webp 1030w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Leipzig-2024-768x320.webp 768w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Leipzig-2024-1500x625.webp 1500w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Leipzig-2024-705x294.webp 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-315olg-1-676282fe64850ac54e45502c7367075a\">\n.flex_column.av-315olg-1-676282fe64850ac54e45502c7367075a{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-315olg-1-676282fe64850ac54e45502c7367075a av_four_fifth  avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_four_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div av-animated-generic fade-in av-zero-column-padding '     ><p><section  class='av_textblock_section av-1aw8d-808388439dd8e4f86cd9c49bbdf493f1'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Leipzig is adopting innovative approaches to water resources and transforming itself into a &#8220;sponge city&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>This concept should help to better manage the challenges of the urban climate and extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and dry spells.<\/p>\n<p>Through natural methods such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the creation of green spaces,<\/li>\n<li>the storage,<\/li>\n<li>the retention,<\/li>\n<li>the infiltration of rainwater,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>water should be kept in the urban area and used when needed instead of being drained away quickly.<\/p>\n<p>As landscape architects, we support this goal with our work and projects.<\/p>\n<p>The measures in Leipzig show how cities can adapt to the climate crisis and improve the quality of life of their citizens at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>Flooded streets and cellars caused by heavy rain could be avoided by these new measures.<\/p>\n<p>That is why Leipzig is becoming an innovative sponge city.<\/p>\n<p>Our city is adapting to the new climatic conditions with targeted infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n<p>We help with our projects.<\/p>\n<p>These efforts are not only relevant for Leipzig, but also serve as a model for urban developments worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>Becoming a sponge city means not only managing flooding, but also cooling the urban environment and promoting biodiversity.<\/p>\n<p>The concept of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sueddeutsche.de\/wissen\/schwammstadt-leipzig-baugebiet-wasser-1.5214147\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sponge city in Leipzig<\/a> is constantly being further developed through scientific research and practical application.<\/p>\n<p>Our landscape architecture office in Leipzig makes a significant contribution to this new development with its daily project work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-lsespwhi-494cd90fe44aec548c2ec5f2bcd80101'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Definition and objectives of urban development<\/h2>\n<p>The concept of the sponge city plays a special role in Leipzig.<\/p>\n<p>The aim of near-natural rainwater management and climate adaptation in urban areas is to increase resilience to extreme weather events.<\/p>\n<h3>Understanding the concept<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>concept<\/strong> of the sponge city is based on the idea of designing urban spaces in such a way that they absorb rainwater like a sponge, store it and gradually release it into the environment.<\/p>\n<p>It is an innovative response to the challenges of climate change that focuses on blue-green infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>In Leipzig, this concept aims to reduce sealing and instead create areas that make water permeable.<\/p>\n<h3>Sponge city Goals<\/h3>\n<p>The <em>goals<\/em> of a sponge city are manifold. They include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Climate adaptation<\/strong>: By increasing water permeability, heat stress in the city is to be reduced and the urban climate improved.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Water retention<\/strong>: Rainwater is retained locally and can be used for irrigation or groundwater recharge, which also protects local water bodies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flood protection<\/strong>: The risk of flooding and water accumulating on roads is reduced as more water can seep away on site.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Urban greening<\/strong>: The combination of water and green spaces improves the quality of life in the city.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These goals not only help to protect the environment, but also improve the well-being of Leipzig&#8217;s residents.<\/p>\n<h2>Leipzig&#8217;s path to becoming a sponge city<\/h2>\n<p>Leipzig plays a leading role when it comes to implementing innovative urban development concepts.<\/p>\n<p>Particularly noteworthy is the transformation to a &#8220;sponge city&#8221; &#8211; an urban approach designed to mitigate extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and droughts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2r9rys-3956a55ec627a38ed7444a7b34a1a5cf\">\n.avia_transform .avia-image-container.av-2r9rys-3956a55ec627a38ed7444a7b34a1a5cf{\n-webkit-animation-duration:2s;\n-moz-animation-duration:2s;\nanimation-duration:2s;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-2r9rys-3956a55ec627a38ed7444a7b34a1a5cf img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-2r9rys-3956a55ec627a38ed7444a7b34a1a5cf .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-2r9rys-3956a55ec627a38ed7444a7b34a1a5cf av-styling- av-hover-grow av-hide-overflow avia_animated_image av-animated-when-visible-95 pop-up avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_hr '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-8152 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-8152 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwamm-Stadt-leipzig-2024.webp\" alt='Leipzig is becoming a sponge city' title='Leipzig is becoming a sponge city'  height=\"640\" width=\"1536\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwamm-Stadt-leipzig-2024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwamm-Stadt-leipzig-2024-300x125.webp 300w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwamm-Stadt-leipzig-2024-1030x429.webp 1030w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwamm-Stadt-leipzig-2024-768x320.webp 768w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwamm-Stadt-leipzig-2024-1500x625.webp 1500w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwamm-Stadt-leipzig-2024-705x294.webp 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-3xohdw-86ca0e4c50f1315ed65aaeaffac7fa6c\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-3xohdw-86ca0e4c50f1315ed65aaeaffac7fa6c{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-3xohdw-86ca0e4c50f1315ed65aaeaffac7fa6c hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_image  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-lsetomqy-8af1a53c6fa405f0db1a8851921769a1'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h3>Urban planning<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Urban planning<\/strong> in Leipzig focuses on sustainability and resilience to climate-related challenges.<\/p>\n<p>The aim is to design urban areas in such a way that they can absorb, store and release water as required.<\/p>\n<p>Unsealing surfaces and decentralized water management systems play a key role here.<\/p>\n<h3>Projects and initiatives<\/h3>\n<p>Individual <strong>projects and initiatives<\/strong> in Leipzig show how urban development is progressing.<\/p>\n<p>Our projects show how green roofs, infiltration areas and water-permeable paving can be used to realize the sponge city concept.<\/p>\n<p>These measures make it possible to effectively manage rainwater and thus promote urban biodiversity and regulate urban temperatures.<\/p>\n<h2>Climate change and urban climate in Leipzig<\/h2>\n<p>Leipzig is facing a variety of challenges due to climate change, which are having a particular impact on the urban climate.<\/p>\n<p>Heat islands are a key issue and pose health risks for the population.<\/p>\n<h3>Climate change influence<\/h3>\n<p>Climate change is making itself felt in Leipzig through rising temperatures and more extreme weather events.<\/p>\n<p>The consequences of climate change are particularly evident in the form of more frequent hot days and an increase in extreme weather such as heavy rainfall.<\/p>\n<h3>Heat islands and health<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Heat islands<\/strong> occur in urban areas such as Leipzig, as the dense development and sparse vegetation mean that heat is absorbed during the day and released less effectively at night.<\/p>\n<p>This has a direct impact on the <strong>health<\/strong> of city dwellers, increases the risk of heat stress and can lead to cardiovascular problems.<\/p>\n<h3>Urban climate challenges<\/h3>\n<p>Adapting to climate change and improving the <strong>urban climate<\/strong> are essential for the quality of life in Leipzig.<\/p>\n<p>Innovative approaches, such as the development of a sponge city, aim to optimize the use of rainwater and reduce the urban heat load.<\/p>\n<h2>Leipzig water resources and water management<\/h2>\n<p>Leipzig has introduced innovative measures to use rainwater and ensure a sustainable water supply through the sponge city concept.<\/p>\n<p>These approaches are core components of urban water management and ensure that rainwater is viewed as a valuable resource and used effectively.<\/p>\n<h3>Infiltration of rainwater<\/h3>\n<p>In order to use rainwater effectively, it is specifically infiltrated in Leipzig.<\/p>\n<p>Rainwater can be collected and managed on site through multifunctional green space design and the installation of cisterns.<\/p>\n<p>These techniques make it possible to use the rainy climate to support the urban water supply and at the same time reduce the load on the sewage system.<\/p>\n<h3>Water infrastructure adaptation<\/h3>\n<p>The water infrastructure in Leipzig is constantly being adapted to the challenges of climate change and to newer water management concepts such as the sponge city.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uni-leipzig.de\/newsdetail\/artikel\/von-der-betonwueste-zur-schwammstadt-2022-07-26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rainwater agency<\/a> plays a central role here, as it develops and promotes innovative approaches to rainwater management.<\/p>\n<p>This includes adapting and expanding existing infrastructure, for example by creating water-sensitive areas that act as natural sponges and absorb water during heavy rainfall.<\/p>\n<h2>Nature-based solutions and urban greenery<\/h2>\n<p>In Leipzig, the concept of the sponge city is being realized through nature-based solutions and the promotion of urban greenery.<\/p>\n<p>The aim is to strengthen the city&#8217;s resilience to climate change and improve the quality of life.<\/p>\n<h3>Green spaces and biodiversity<\/h3>\n<p>Leipzig is focusing on the expansion and maintenance of <strong>green spaces<\/strong> in order to improve <strong>biodiversity<\/strong> and create <strong>ecological networks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Trees and plants play a key role in this process by providing habitats for various animal species and contributing to the <strong>aesthetic enhancement<\/strong> of urban spaces.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uni-leipzig.de\/newsdetail\/artikel\/von-der-betonwueste-zur-schwammstadt-2022-07-26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leipzig University<\/a> emphasizes that green roofs are one of several solutions that are becoming increasingly important in this context.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Green infrastructure:<\/strong> Increase the number of <strong>green spaces<\/strong> in the city.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Promotion of biodiversity:<\/strong> Creates habitat areas for urban fauna.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Rainwater utilization and vegetation<\/h3>\n<p>The use of rainwater is an important part of the sponge city of Leipzig.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Green roofs<\/strong> and other planted areas help to absorb rainwater and release it with a time delay to support urban water management.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.l-iz.de\/politik\/leipzig\/2023\/10\/leipzig-schwammstadt-stadtentwicklung-560038\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leipzig Schwammstadt Stadtentwicklung<\/a> is working on blue-green infrastructures that are designed to be multifunctional and integrate urban greenery into the city both functionally and aesthetically.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Water management:<\/strong> Natural and technical solutions are combined for effective rainwater management.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Green space function:<\/strong> Green spaces help to regulate the urban climate and serve as natural water reservoirs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Risks and challenges &#8211; heavy rain and drought<\/h2>\n<p>As a result of climate change, Leipzig is increasingly confronted with extreme weather events characterized by both heavy rainfall and periods of drought.<\/p>\n<p>Urban development strategies must address these conditions in order to avoid flooding and effectively manage drought.<\/p>\n<h3>Heavy rain management<\/h3>\n<p>Leipzig faces major challenges in the event of <strong>heavy rainfall<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The sewage system is often not designed for the massive amounts of water, which can lead to flooding.<\/p>\n<p>Innovative concepts such as the sponge city aim to store rainwater and release it in a controlled manner in order to minimize damage and increase the city&#8217;s resilience.<\/p>\n<p>For example, green space development can improve water absorption and enable temporary water storage.<\/p>\n<h3>Drought problem<\/h3>\n<p>Periods of drought threaten Leipzig&#8217;s water resources and cause problems for vegetation and urban infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>The drought affects parks, gardens and forests, weakens trees and increases the risk of soil erosion.<\/p>\n<p>To counteract this, approaches are needed that provide for sustainable water management and efficient water management. In addition, measures such as green roofs play an important role in keeping moisture in urban areas for longer.<\/p>\n<h2>Structural and infrastructural design<\/h2>\n<p>The structural and infrastructural design plays a decisive role in the design of the sponge city.<\/p>\n<p>It involves redesigning urban areas to manage water naturally and mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall events.<\/p>\n<h3>Unsealing and permeable surfaces<\/h3>\n<p>A central aspect of the design of a sponge city is the <strong>unsealing of<\/strong> built-up or paved areas.<\/p>\n<p>The reduction of non-permeable materials such as <strong>concrete<\/strong> and <strong>asphalt<\/strong> enables the <strong>soil<\/strong> to better absorb rainwater.<\/p>\n<p>By using permeable materials such as <strong>chippings<\/strong>, rainwater can seep away on site and thus contribute to the natural irrigation and cooling of the city.<\/p>\n<h3>Construction innovations<\/h3>\n<p>Innovative construction techniques are essential to transform Leipzig into a sponge city.<\/p>\n<p>These include innovative water drainage systems and water-permeable building materials that take account of increased precipitation and contribute to <strong>water retention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Such systems support rainwater harvesting and enable effective distribution and storage of water, which is particularly beneficial in times of drought.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-27byx0-cba5344c8da86d62dc620562ee2e9049\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-27byx0-cba5344c8da86d62dc620562ee2e9049{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-27byx0-cba5344c8da86d62dc620562ee2e9049 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-lseszjhk-e364252e97eef33de029908c01db5252'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Urban planning and landscape architecture measures<\/h2>\n<p>The city of Leipzig is actively pursuing the concept of a sponge city in its development in order to respond to climate change and improve urban water management.<\/p>\n<p>Urban planning focuses on green infrastructure and water-sensitive urbanity in order to improve the quality of life for citizens and protect the environment at the same time.<\/p>\n<h3>Green infrastructures<\/h3>\n<p>Green infrastructures are playing an increasingly important role in <strong>Leipzig&#8217;s urban development<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>These include the creation of parks, urban gardens and green spaces that serve as natural water reservoirs.<\/p>\n<p>They help to delay the discharge of rainwater into the groundwater or nearby bodies of water.<\/p>\n<p>These green infrastructures are planned in close cooperation with us as landscape architects to ensure not only the function but also the aesthetics of inner-city open spaces.<\/p>\n<p>Leipzig&#8217;s parks, such as Clara Zetkin Park and Rosental, are prime examples of ecologically valuable green oases that have been integrated into the urban environment.<\/p>\n<p>They not only provide space for leisure and recreation, but also have important ecological functions in terms of water storage and air purification.<\/p>\n<h3>Water-sensitive urbanity<\/h3>\n<p>The approach of water-sensitive urbanity is being put into practice in Leipzig by incorporating water management considerations into construction projects.<\/p>\n<p>The city plans and constructs buildings and infrastructure with permeable surfaces and water-permeable paving to promote the direct infiltration of rainwater on site.<\/p>\n<p>These measures are implemented in new residential areas, for example, where construction projects are equipped with rainwater management systems.<\/p>\n<p>Green roofs and fa\u00e7ade greening are further important aspects of such construction projects.<\/p>\n<p>They not only serve as additional measures for rainwater utilization, but also support urban biodiversity and promote the microclimate in built-up areas.<\/p>\n<p>This careful planning and implementation of landscape architecture and urban development strategies is making a significant contribution to Leipzig taking important steps towards becoming a resilient and sustainable city.<\/p>\n<h2>Future prospects and global role models<\/h2>\n<p>Looking to the future, international pioneers and innovative concepts are crucial for urban adaptation to climate change.<\/p>\n<p>We look at global examples of successful sponge city projects and Leipzig&#8217;s ambition to take a leading role in this movement.<\/p>\n<h3>International role models<\/h3>\n<p>Projects have already been implemented in <strong>Berlin<\/strong> and <strong>Hamburg<\/strong> that show how well thought-out water and green space concepts can both improve quality of life and increase climate resilience.<\/p>\n<p>Berlin, for example, has developed innovative approaches to rainwater management with the &#8220;Sponge City Berlin&#8221; project.<\/p>\n<p>Hamburg has also proven that multifunctional solutions can lead to climate adaptation through green spaces and bodies of water.<\/p>\n<p>In <strong>Austria<\/strong>, on the other hand, elements of the sponge city have been integrated into large cities, for example by using green fa\u00e7ades and infiltration-capable materials in urban development.<\/p>\n<p>These measures help to reduce the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccs.admin.ch\/dam\/nccs\/it\/dokumente\/klima\/externe-studien-berichte\/staedtischer_waermeinsel-effektgrundlagenarbeitfuerdieklimarisik.pdf.download.pdf\/staedtischer_waermeinsel-effektgrundlagenarbeitfuerdieklimarisik.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">urban heat island effect<\/a> and have a positive impact on the urban climate.<\/p>\n<h3>Leipzig as a pioneer<\/h3>\n<p>Leipzig has the potential to become a <strong>pioneer<\/strong> of the sponge city movement in Germany and beyond.<\/p>\n<p>The intention is to use rainwater and reduce flooding, as already happened at Lindenauer Markt after it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oekoloewe.de\/umweltpolitik-naturschutz-detail\/leipzig-muss-schwammstadt-werden.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">flooded in early June 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>With the new steering network for water-sensitive urban development, Leipzig aims to achieve these goals, demonstrating that even <strong>large cities<\/strong> can take innovative approaches to climate adaptation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-27ggyc-77b2321b8d4c8289ea348b5189a86d3e\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-27ggyc-77b2321b8d4c8289ea348b5189a86d3e{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-27ggyc-77b2321b8d4c8289ea348b5189a86d3e hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-15  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-lset4sxk-a0d43c076ee580c71aa3af2206bac303'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<p>The sponge city concept is innovative in urban water management and makes a significant contribution to sustainable cities. This section answers frequently asked questions about the sponge city of Leipzig.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the sponge city principle?<\/h3>\n<p>The sponge city principle is an urban planning strategy that aims to store rainwater, purify it and then release it into the environment with a time delay. This nature-oriented approach helps to adapt urban spaces to the challenges of climate change.<\/p>\n<h3>How does the sponge city concept contribute to sustainability?<\/h3>\n<p>The sponge city contributes to sustainability by increasing the infiltration capacity and thus supporting groundwater recharge. It also reduces the risk of flooding and helps to cool down in hot temperatures by evaporating water.<\/p>\n<h3>What measures are implemented in a sponge city?<\/h3>\n<p>In a sponge city, measures such as green roofs, infiltration systems and the creation of water reservoirs and green spaces are implemented. They promote the natural absorption and storage of water and reduce the load on the sewer system during heavy rainfall events.<\/p>\n<h3>How can the population contribute to the development of a sponge city?<\/h3>\n<p>The population can contribute to the development of a sponge city by collecting rainwater in their own gardens, using permeable paving and favoring water-sensitive solutions when planning new buildings.<\/p>\n<h3>Which German cities are considered pioneers in the implementation of sponge city principles?<\/h3>\n<p>German cities that are considered pioneers in the implementation of sponge city principles include Berlin, Hamburg and also Leipzig, which has already implemented various projects and pilot schemes.<\/p>\n<h3>How does the sponge city strategy affect urban flood risk management?<\/h3>\n<p>The sponge city strategy has a positive influence on urban flood risk management, as it helps to manage surface water and minimize flood events by storing and delaying runoff formation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1zt9jo-7fc901a0f9c615a82297d4e070580e9b\">\n.avia_transform .avia-image-container.av-1zt9jo-7fc901a0f9c615a82297d4e070580e9b{\n-webkit-animation-duration:2s;\n-moz-animation-duration:2s;\nanimation-duration:2s;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-1zt9jo-7fc901a0f9c615a82297d4e070580e9b img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-1zt9jo-7fc901a0f9c615a82297d4e070580e9b .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-1zt9jo-7fc901a0f9c615a82297d4e070580e9b av-styling- av-hover-grow av-hide-overflow avia_animated_image av-animated-when-visible-95 pop-up avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-8171 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-8171 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Konzept-Leipzig.webp\" alt='Leipzig as a sponge city role model' title='Leipzig as a sponge city role model'  height=\"640\" width=\"1536\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Konzept-Leipzig.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Konzept-Leipzig-300x125.webp 300w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Konzept-Leipzig-1030x429.webp 1030w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Konzept-Leipzig-768x320.webp 768w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Konzept-Leipzig-1500x625.webp 1500w, https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Schwammstadt-Konzept-Leipzig-705x294.webp 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-laebwsg2-a4f69565a1852d297c44c8af6954c3ad'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Do you need more information about our joint commitment to building a solid water supply and sponge city in Leipzig?<\/p>\n<p>Then get in touch with us!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e{\nmargin:12px \u00b4 12px 0;\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#76a52b;\nfont-size:27px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:27px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#76a52b;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"anfragen\"  class='av-special-heading av-lah6k04n-fa67c6b9873cf18d0f764d74a16d597e av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-19  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_contact  av-inherit-size av-linked-heading'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Phone: 0341 442 599 86 or write us an eMail.<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<form action=\"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/sponge-city-leipzig\/\" method=\"post\"  class=\"avia_ajax_form av-form-labels-hidden   avia-builder-el-20  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_hr   \" data-avia-form-id=\"1\" data-avia-redirect='' ><fieldset><p class='  first_form  form_element form_element_half' id='element_avia_1_1'><label for=\"avia_1_1\">Surname <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"required\">*<\/abbr><\/label> <input name=\"avia_1_1\" class=\"text_input is_empty\" type=\"text\" id=\"avia_1_1\" value=\"\"  placeholder='Surname*'\/><\/p><p class='  form_element form_element_half' id='element_avia_2_1'><label for=\"avia_2_1\">e-mail <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"required\">*<\/abbr><\/label> <input name=\"avia_2_1\" class=\"text_input is_email\" type=\"text\" id=\"avia_2_1\" value=\"\"  placeholder='e-mail*'\/><\/p><p class='  first_form  form_element form_fullwidth' id='element_avia_3_1'><label for=\"avia_3_1\">Subject <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"required\">*<\/abbr><\/label><select  name=\"avia_3_1\" class=\"select is_empty\" id=\"avia_3_1\"><option  value =''>Subject*<\/option><option  value ='Calculation of a climatic water balance'>Calculation of a climatic water balance<\/option><\/select><\/p><p class='  first_form  form_element form_fullwidth' id='element_avia_4_1'><label for=\"avia_4_1\" class=\"textare_label hidden textare_label_avia_4_1\">Your message <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"required\">*<\/abbr><\/label><textarea  placeholder='Your message*' name=\"avia_4_1\" class=\"text_area is_empty\" cols=\"40\" rows=\"7\" id=\"avia_4_1\" ><\/textarea><\/p><p class=\"hidden\"><input type=\"text\" name=\"avia_5_1\" class=\"hidden \" id=\"avia_5_1\" value=\"\" \/><\/p><p class='   form_element form_fullwidth av-last-visible-form-element' id='element_avia_6_1'><span class='value_verifier_label'>4 + 4 = ?<\/span><input name=\"avia_6_1_verifier\" type=\"hidden\" id=\"avia_6_1_verifier\" value=\"282488838\"\/><label for=\"avia_6_1\">Please prove that you are human by solving the equation <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"required\">*<\/abbr><\/label><input name=\"avia_6_1\" class=\"text_input captcha\" type=\"text\" id=\"avia_6_1\" value=\"\"\/><\/p><p class=' av_form_privacy_check av_contact_privacy_check first_form  form_element form_fullwidth' id='element_avia_7_1'><input  name=\"avia_7_1\" class=\"input_checkbox is_empty\" type=\"checkbox\" id=\"avia_7_1\" value=\"true\"\/><label class=\"input_checkbox_label\" for=\"avia_7_1\">I have read the <a href=\"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/de\/datenschutzerklaerung\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> data protection declaration <\/a>. I agree that my details from the contact form will be collected and processed to answer my request. The data will be deleted after your request has been processed. Note: You can revoke your consent at any time for the future by sending an email to info@nature-project.eu. <abbr class=\"required\" title=\"required\">*<\/abbr><\/label><\/p><p class=\"form_element \"><input type=\"hidden\" value=\"1\" name=\"avia_generated_form1\" \/><input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" class=\"button\"  data-sending-label=\"Sending\"\/><\/p><\/fieldset><\/form><div id=\"ajaxresponse_1\" class=\"ajaxresponse ajaxresponse_1 hidden\"><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jp9ng8ul-1-8228c8c149939ac0a965bbf89647d325\">\n#top .hr.av-jp9ng8ul-1-8228c8c149939ac0a965bbf89647d325{\nmargin-top:5px;\nmargin-bottom:20px;\n}\n.hr.av-jp9ng8ul-1-8228c8c149939ac0a965bbf89647d325 .hr-inner{\nwidth:400px;\nborder-color:#76a52b;\nmax-width:45%;\n}\n.hr.av-jp9ng8ul-1-8228c8c149939ac0a965bbf89647d325 .av-seperator-icon{\ncolor:#76a52b;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-jp9ng8ul-1-8228c8c149939ac0a965bbf89647d325 hr-custom  avia-builder-el-21  el_after_av_contact  avia-builder-el-last  hr-left hr-icon-yes'><span class='hr-inner inner-border-av-border-thin'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><span class='av-seperator-icon' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue8b8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><span class='hr-inner inner-border-av-border-thin'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8133"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8133"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8133\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8195,"href":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8133\/revisions\/8195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nature-project.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}