Thy Nguyen

Advisor: Brian Rex 

Aerial view of a riverfront park with dense autumn trees, curved pathways, and a circular structure. A bridge spans the river, dotted with small boats, near urban buildings.
Photo by Sponge by the Forks Aerial View. Illustrated by author.
Alt text: Infographic titled "Winnipeg’s Water Challenges" shows graphs and maps detailing flood risks, climate change, and water pollution.
Photo by A collage of Winnipeg’s Water Challenges. Illustrated by author.
Illustrated map of an urban sponge system highlighting green, blue, and human interactions
Photo by Sponge layers integrated in Winnipeg’s downtown: Blue/Green Infrastructure. Illustrated by author.
Aerial view of a conceptual landscape design showcasing a circular building and a constructed wetland surrounded by trees and walkways.
Photo by Sponge Strategies. Illustrated by author.
Illustration of a Sponge System Section Model showing green infrastructure. Key elements include permeable walkways, bioswales, constructed wetlands, and floating wetlands.
Photo by Sponge System Section Model. Illustrated by author.
A modern architectural design features a lush, tiered landscape with native wetland plants under a large circular wooden canopy
Photo by Plants Selection. Illustrated by author.
Four seasonal scenes of a sustainable architectural design. Top left: Spring, people by a wetland. Top right: Summer, rain over trees. Bottom left: Autumn, educational signage. Bottom right: Winter, snowy pond with people skating.
Photo by Sponge of 4 seasons. Illustrated by author.
Cross-section and exploded view of a building design featuring timber structures, green roof, and glazing. Includes labeled elements for materials.
Photo by Structure and Materials. Illustrated by author.

Sponge by the Forks

Winnipeg, situated in one of the largest watersheds in the world, faces increasing water challenges due to its unique geography, historic urban development, and the intensifying effects of climate change.1 From spring thaws and urban flooding to water pollution and aging infrastructure, the city exemplifies the urgent need for sustainable stormwater solutions. This thesis explores the interplay between natural and human-made factors that contribute to flooding, water quality degradation, and infrastructure strain—particularly in the city’s combined sewer districts.

To address these pressing issues, the thesis proposes a transformative approach inspired by the “sponge city” concept. By integrating nature-based solutions with existing grey infrastructure, this framework aims to create a resilient and sustainable water system. The design focuses on low-impact development (LID) strategies—also referred to as sponge or green/blue infrastructure—including bioswales, permeable pavements, riparian buffers, green roofs, constructed wetlands, and artificial floating wetlands. Together, these systems work to reduce runoff, recharge groundwater, remove pollutants, and enhance public space.

The proposal, “Sponge by The Forks,” re-imagines a historic gathering place at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers as a pilot sponge park. At its core is the Water and Climate Impacts Research and Learning Centre—an architectural and landscape hybrid that combines water treatment, ecological restoration, and public education. Seasonal design strategies are implemented to ensure the system functions year-round.

By making the invisible flows of water visible, “Sponge by The Forks” re-frames urban runoff as an opportunity for climate adaptation, innovation, and community engagement. This thesis calls for a paradigm shift for sustainable water management in cold climates—advocating for solutions that are not only technical, but also ecological, educational, and experiential. It aims to foster a sense of urgency, responsibility, and hope in public discourse as we confront the environmental challenges ahead.

1. Government of Manitoba, Provincial Flood Control Infrastructure Review of Operating Guidelines: A Report to the Minister of Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation, August 2015, 9.