Sponge City — Science Fiction meets the Science of Sponging

“Sponge City” reimagines urban life in the wake of floods and droughts, drawing inspiration from the coastal city of Lübeck and the Baltic Sea region to speculate about scalable adaptation models for cities worldwide. This immersive art series invites visitors to explore climate-adaptive futures through the lens of water-sensitive design, traditional ecological knowledge, and biomimicry (nature-inspired sustainable innovation) that bridges science and storytelling.

At the heart of the exhibition is a Virtual Reality Experience, where participants explore a fictional urban landscape inspired by monsoon rhythms, wetland restoration, and terraced infrastructure. As they wander through the city, visitors encounter curious citizens and uncover sponge-inspired strategies — like porous architecture, adaptive zoning, and regenerative water systems — designed for long-term resilience. Each interaction offers a glimpse into how urban life might evolve to absorb, adapt, and thrive in the face of climate disruption.

The showcase also includes:

• Trailer showing the broken water cycle and the city’s regenerative quest
• Digital Prints connecting speculative fiction to real-world science
• Sponge Citizen ID Station, where visitors create fictional identities and contribute to a growing wall of imagined futures

Whether you're a scientist, artist, urban planner, or curious citizen, “Sponge City” offers a space to reflect, play, and co-create visions of ecological transformation.

Format: Multimedia exhibition with multiple stations, including VR, film, participatory installations, and print works. Visitors can explore at their own pace.

Artist Presence: The creators of "Sponge City" will be onsite throughout the event, offering informal tours, answering questions, and sharing behind-the-scenes insights.