Announcement on the Memorial Arrangements for Professor Kongjian Yu

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Kongjian Yu—the founding Dean of the College of Architecture and Landscape at Peking University, Boya Distinguished Professor, Editor-in-Chief of Landscape Architecture Frontiers journal, and an internationally acclaimed landscape architect and educator. Professor Yu tragically passed away in a plane crash at the age of 62 on September 23, 2025, while conducting ecological research in the Pantanal region of Brazil.

Professor Yu was a pioneer and a leading figure in China’s modern landscape architecture and ecological planning. With his groundbreaking Negative Planning theory and his ecological restoration concepts and practices such as the “Sponge City” and “Sponge Planet,” Yu profoundly reshaped China’s urban and rural landscapes. His work provided visionary solutions to the ecological crises facing global urbanization. As a dedicated educator, he devoted his life to nurturing talent and advancing the discipline. His broad international perspective and unwavering academic convictions were instrumental in establishing the Landscape Architecture Frontiers journal as a core academic platform connecting China with the global landscape architecture community, significantly enhancing China’s voice and academic influence in the field.

To express our deepest sorrow, to commemorate his unique design wisdom, and to honor his immense contributions, the College has made the following arrangements for memorial activities. We welcome faculty, students, alumni, and friends to join us in paying tribute.

I. On-Site Memorial

A memorial site will be set up for those who wish to show their respects in person.

Hours:

l 14:00–20:00, September 26 (Friday)

l 09:00–20:00, September 27 to 28 (Saturday–Sunday)

Location: The lobby of the Landscape Building, College of Architecture and Landscape, Peking University (Yandongyuan North Lane, Zhongguancun North Street, Haidian District, Beijing; please use the North Gate for entry).

Note: Fresh flowers will be provided on-site. To maintain a simple and solemn atmosphere, we kindly request that no wreaths or other tributes be brought. Attendees are asked to wear formal, somber attire and follow the guidance of on-site staff.

II. Online Memorial Tribute

An online memorial has been established as the primary platform for information and tributes.

Website: //mitaozb.net/dnykj/

Available from: 12:00, September 26 (Friday)

Note: We welcome friends from around the world to share written tributes, photographs, and audio/video materials in memory of Professor Yu.

III. Funeral and Memorial Service

The official memorial service is tentatively scheduled around mid-October. A formal announcement with the specific date, time, location, and attendance details will be released in due course.

IV. Academic Symposium in Honor of Professor Yu

An academic symposium will be held at a later date following the memorial service. This event will bring together academic colleagues and friends to reflect on Professor Yu’s remarkable scholarly contributions and enduring spirit. Details will be announced separately.

V. Contact Information

For condolences, tributes, and inquiries, please contact the College of Architecture and Landscape:

Condolence Attendant: Ms. Shanshan Wu

Tel: +86-10-62751181

Fax: +86-10-62745656

Email: [email protected]

The Funeral Committee for Professor Kongjian Yu

September 26, 2025