Sponge City Park
Water Urbanism, Landscape and Urban design
Rajkot, Gujarat
14-acre park
Rajkot Municiapl Corporation & John Snow India Private Limited
Design Competition
Neighborhood Catchment Restoration & Placemaking
Rajkot, situated in the semi-arid Aji River basin, faces increasing monsoon rainfall due to climate change but continues to struggle with water scarcity from rapid urbanization and industrial growth. The Sponge City Park site in Vavdi, a rapidly developing area, has transitioned from agricultural land to a designated green open space under the 2031 Development Plan. Strategically located between residential and industrial zones, it serves as a crucial urban connector, with proximity to major roads enhancing accessibility and integration into the city’s infrastructure.
A comprehensive sponge park approach involves cleaning polluted water bodies through effective treatment methods like bio-remediation, sludge management, and solid waste control. It focuses on restoring the ecological value by reviving natural self-healing processes, rehabilitating degraded habitats, and integrating new ecological landscapes. Additionally, it enhances economic value by transforming restored water bodies into public assets, fostering recreational spaces, biodiversity, and new urban growth opportunities.
The Sponge City Park is divided into three zones: The Healing Parkland, which offers therapeutic landscapes with garba grounds, ghats, and an amphitheater for rejuvenation; The People’s Promenade, activating the drain’s edge with parks, gyms, and walking tracks for safer access; and The Nature Trail, fostering biodiversity with eco-islands, forest trails, and educational spaces.
In collaboration with key stakeholders in association with Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, we are developing comprehensive traffic circulation plans to reduce conflict points.
Provisions for last-mile connectivity at metro stations are designed to promote public transport usage, while continuous active mobility serves as the main link between key landmarks.
Innovative intersection designs prioritize safety for all users, and vibrant plazas along the entire corridor offer opportunities for economic activity and interactive spaces for both residents and visitors, signalling a transformative urban vision in motion.
The design ensures accessibility with six strategically placed bus stops, 250 on-street parking spaces, and 40 designated vending zones, offering convenience without compromising the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere