Rainwunder: Erfurt's sponge project fights against floods

Rainwunder: Erfurt's sponge project fights against floods

The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt has launched an innovative project that is considered a prime example of the so -called sponge city. The courtyard's inner courtyard is equipped with special hollows that are intended to catch rainwater. These hollows look like small ponds without water - flat and about 30 centimeters deep - but their function is crucial for combating floods.

Landscaping professor Axel Klapka explains the functionality of the hollows. They are filled with particularly permeable material and make it possible to absorb the rainwater instead of let it flow into the sewage system. In an experiment with a fire hose, demonstrated how long it takes for the hollow to be filled. The result was impressive: the water flows slowly, which prevents local floods and at the same time the groundwater is filled.

Schwamtstadt Mühlhausen

in Thuringia, Mühlhausen positioned itself as a sponge city in the Unstrut-Hainich district. Two years ago, a parking space at the Schwanenteich was redesigned according to these principles. What initially looked like an unfinished construction site has now turned into a green area that effectively stores the rainwater. This type of urban planning is becoming increasingly important, since other cities in Thuringia also tackle similar projects.

The idea behind the sponge cities is simple, but effective: Instead of immediately guiding the rainwater into drainage systems, it will seep away and naturally enrich the soil. This method could offer a sustainable solution for many urban problems, since the effects of climate change, including more intensive precipitation, are becoming increasingly noticeable.

The efficiency of this method could soon also find copies in other regions, since protection against flooding is a central challenge in urban planning. While some cities have already taken the first steps in this direction, developments in Mühlhausen are the outstanding example of an innovative approach to coping with rainwater and floods. More information about this approach could at www.mdr.de become.

Another plus point of this environmentally friendly method is the promotion of biodiversity in the urban rooms. By greening the hollows, living spaces for various plant and animal species are created. The projects in Thuringia show how cities can improve ecological conditions with simple means and low costs and at the same time create the basis for a more sustainable city life.