A devastating incident occurred on Tuesday in Brazil’s expansive wetlands region when a small plane, carrying acclaimed Chinese landscape architect Kongjian Yu and three others, crashed, claiming all lives onboard, according to local authorities.
The aircraft reportedly lost control during its landing approach near Aquidauana in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Upon impact with the ground, the plane burst into flames, leaving no survivors, state officials confirmed.
An investigation into the cause of the crash has been initiated by the Brazilian agency dedicated to aviation safety.
The late Kongjian Yu was internationally recognized for his visionary “sponge city” concept. This innovative urban planning model leverages natural landscapes to effectively absorb, conserve, and filter rainwater, offering crucial protection to urban areas against the escalating impacts of climate change.
Among the victims were two filmmakers, who were passengers, and the pilot. The tragic accident occurred in the Pantanal, a breathtaking wetlands region in western Brazil, celebrated for its abundant wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
Within the landscape architecture community, Mr. Yu was revered for his pioneering ideas on how urban centers could strategically adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
His approach advocated for cities to emulate natural systems rather than constructing traditional flood walls and barriers. He championed solutions like green roofs and dedicated zones designed to enhance rainwater absorption and reuse.
He famously coined his concept “sponge city.” In an interview with The Times in 2024, he likened his methodology to “doing tai chi with water,” drawing a parallel to the martial art’s principle of redirecting force instead of directly opposing it. “It’s a comprehensive philosophy, a fresh perspective on water management,” he articulated.
As the head of Turenscape, his Beijing-based firm and one of the globe’s leading landscape architecture practices, Mr. Yu spearheaded the creation of hundreds of urban water parks across China. These projects ingeniously use natural landscaping to channel flash flood runoff directly into the earth or into specially engineered wetlands.
Mr. Yu’s visit to Brazil was for professional engagements, including participation in a significant architectural conference in Brasília and an expo in São Paulo, where he presented his innovative climate adaptation solutions for urban areas.
During a speech at the conference, Mr. Yu highlighted Brazil’s potential to provide valuable insights for urban environments preparing for climate change. “I perceive Brazil as the ultimate hope for preserving our planet,” he declared.
Just days before the tragic crash, Mr. Yu had been actively engaging with local officials and architects in São Paulo, exploring various projects. In a social media video, he enthusiastically discussed the innovative idea of transforming a canal into a “sponge” to combat flash flooding.
Brazil currently faces significant challenges from a rapidly changing climate. This has led to widespread urban flooding, severe drought in the Amazon rainforest, and destructive wildfires in the Pantanal, a vital natural wetland typically submerged for much of the year.
Globally, Mr. Yu’s visionary urban planning philosophy has garnered considerable attention and adoption in recent years.
As he articulated in his 2024 interview, “You cannot fight water; you must adapt to its flow.”