Part 5/13:
Recognizing that building bigger pipes isn't enough, the Dutch are pioneering "sponge city" strategies—rooftop rain gardens and green spaces that absorb water locally, reducing runoff. Polder roofs with hydroponic systems, designed with citizen input, exemplify how urban spaces can simultaneously serve recreational, aesthetic, and water-absorbing functions. Digital sensors monitor water levels and weather patterns, enabling real-time adjustments and public awareness.