The Swiss Blue Community / Blue City of St Gallen is committed to successfully implementing the sponge city concept.
Climate change is putting a strain on both cities and the countryside, with prolonged periods of drought and heavy rainfall becoming more frequent. Many people, animals and plants are suffering from the effects of heat and flooding. How can we design our cities to adapt to these changes? What has St. Gallen’s experience been so far, and what can we do in our own living environments?
These questions formed the basis of the guest speaker’s presentation at this year’s Gabris discussion, which took place on 7 September 2025 in Gabris, Thurgau. Florian Klingel, co-head of urban drainage in St. Gallen, inspired the discussion’s 70-plus participants and encouraged them to take action. Around 80% of the land in St. Gallen is privately owned, with the remainder belonging to the public sector. St. Gallen is playing a pioneering role in promoting the sponge city concept to the largest group: private landowners. Support measures and adjustments to building regulations make it possible to implement the desired measures, such as unsealing squares, greening roofs, installing rainwater retention systems and planting shade trees.
Mr Klingel confirmed that a great deal of interest and motivation had been generated in St. Gallen among all sectors involved.
Photo: Florian Klingel explains the Sponge City concept and the measures that the city of St. Gallen is taking to prepare for heavy rainfall and heatwaves.
Photo: Förderband Association, 7 September 2025
