Water
The Sponge City Concept
How a city manages its water determines how resilient it is. The Schumacher Quartier is based on the ‘sponge city’ principle and aims to retain, evaporate and allow rainwater to infiltrate as much as possible on site
Weather phenomena such as heavy rain, droughts, and extreme heat are on the rise. Paved roads, impervious surfaces, and dense development prevent rainwater from seeping into the ground naturally and, at the same time, contribute to the urban heat island effect in the summer.
The residential buildings and open spaces in the Schumacher Quarter are being planned according to the ‘sponge city’ model. In planning documents, the quarter is described as a benchmark project for climate-adapted and water-sensitive urban development.
The Sponge City
The principle is very simple: rainwater should, as far as possible, be retained where it falls and, for the most part, evaporate or seep away on site, rather than being channelled away via a conventional rainwater drainage system. Green roofs, façades, flowerbeds, and evaporation and infiltration areas absorb it like a sponge. For heavy rainfall events, retention and drainage systems are designed so that rainwater can be collected in a controlled manner and discharged without causing damage. In this way, rainwater is utilised as a local resource and can help to improve the microclimate in the neighbourhood.
Downloads on the topic
The sponge city principle
Comprehensive information on the “sponge city principle” in the Schumacher Quarter.