Renowned Chinese landscape architect and professor at Peking University, Yu Kongjian, tragically lost his life in a small plane crash in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, on Tuesday night local time (September 23). The accident claimed the lives of all four people on board.
According to reports, the news of Yu Kongjian’s death was first reported by local government officials on Wednesday (September 24) via Reuters. Subsequently, several Brazilian media outlets, including InfoMoney, disclosed more information related to the accident.
The aircraft crash occurred in a rural area of Aquidauana, Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, renowned for its eco-tourism.
The victims include Professor Yu Kongjian himself and three other individuals on board. Local media confirmed the identities of the other three deceased individuals as pilot Marcelo Pereira de Barros, award-winning documentary filmmaker Luiz Fernando Feres da Cunha Ferraz, and cinematographer Rubens Crispim Jr.
Reports indicate that Yu Kongjian’s visit to Brazil was to participate in architectural biennials and other professional events. Documentary filmmaker Ferraz was known for directing the acclaimed series “Dossiê Chapecó,” and his presence may have been related to ongoing documentary filming activities.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific cause of the crash, as investigations into the accident are ongoing.
Yu Kongjian was a leading advocate of the “Sponge Cities” concept, which has been adopted as a national policy by the Chinese government (TCLF Foundation).
However, the actual implementation of “Sponge Cities” in China has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that many projects have been simplified into symbolic endeavors, resulting in ineffective outcomes and drawing criticism for imposing heavy financial burdens on local governments.