PLAT Studio Featured in World Bank Handbook for Resilient Cities
April 9th, 2026
Berkeley, CA
We are proud to share that PLAT Studio’s Kunshan Forest Park has been featured in the World Bank’s recent publication, “Handbook for Livable and Resilient Cities: Integrating Hazard and Risk Information into Urban Planning.”
IMG: World Bank’s recent publication, “Handbook for Livable and Resilient Cities: Integrating Hazard and Risk Information into Urban Planning.
The handbook, produced by the GFDRR City Resilience Program, serves as a global guide for city leaders and planners to integrate nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban infrastructure to combat climate-related risks.
A Model for "Sponge Cities"
The publication highlights Kunshan Forest Park as a premier example of the Sponge Cities Initiative. By adopting natural ecosystem dynamics, the project demonstrates how urban spaces can effectively absorb rainwater during extreme weather events and release it gradually, preventing the collapse of traditional drainage systems.
IMG: Kunshan Forest Park West Entry Project, featured as a Nature-based Solution for risk-informed urban planning.
Enhancing Resilience and Livability.
The World Bank feature details how the Forest Park project successfully:
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Restored Wetlands: Re-establishing natural habitats to enhance water infiltration.
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Increased Hydraulic Capacity: Building additional lakes to strengthen flood resilience through increased stormwater storage.
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Improved Environmental Quality: Positively impacting air and water quality while reducing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.
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Created Social Value: Providing high-quality public spaces that allow visitors to interact directly with the flora and fauna of wetland ecosystems.
IMG: Wetland Filtration. In collaboration with E2 Design Lab, the West Entry Loop treatment wetlands are integrated into the park’s broader water system, completing the outer circulation loop to filter and return water to both Forest Park and the surrounding urban context.
IMG: Kunshan Forest Park West Entry wetland area.
Global Recognition for Impactful Design
Being included in this World Bank "knowledge product" reinforces PLAT Studio’s mission to create landscapes that are not only beautiful but performative. Our work in Kunshan serves as a case study for international practitioners looking to combine structural and nonstructural measures to achieve high levels of urban safety and ecological health.
We are honored to have our work recognized on this international stage and remain committed to designing resilient, livable environments for communities worldwide.
IMG: Forest Park serves as a key green infrastructure asset in rapidly developing West Kunshan. Surrounded by new residential towers, the West Entry improves neighborhood access while supporting the park’s ecological functions.