Innovative Renovations for Environmental Enhancement in Old Urban Residential Communities: Sponge Smart City Approach
School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China
| Abstract: | As China's urbanization enters a phase focused on enhancing the quality of the existing built environment, old residential communities commonly face challenges such as aging infrastructure and poor living environments. These issues not only affect residents' daily lives but also pose obstacles to sustainable urban growth. Conducting systematic renovations of these communities is a crucial component of promoting high-quality urban development. To address the core difficulties in renovating old residential communities and to improve the quality and practical effectiveness of these renovations, this paper takes the deep integration of the Sponge City and Smart City concepts as its central theme. It investigates and constructs a systematic, innovative renovation plan aimed at improving the environmental quality of old residential communities, integrating advanced technologies like IoT sensors for real-time monitoring and adaptive management. The goal is to help these communities move away from the traditional "rapid drainage" model and transition towards an integrated water management approach emphasizing "retention, infiltration, purification, utilization, and drainage." This research provides scientifically sound and feasible technical pathways and management methods, offering practical reference experience for urban renewal practices guided by green and low-carbon principles, as well as for the implementation of the national "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" strategy, thereby fostering more resilient and eco-friendly urban spaces. |
| Keywords: | Sponge City; Smart City; Renovation of Old Residential Communities; Low Impact Development (LID); Stormwater Management; Water Resource Recycling; Ecological Resilience; Green Infrastructure |
| DOI: | 10.57237/j.cear.2026.01.001 |
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Received: 21 March 2026
Accepted: 20 April 2026
Published Online: 13 May 2026
Funding
| 1. | This study was financially supported by Yunnan Province Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program (S202511393059) |
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