Banham's Theory of the "Sponge"

Banham's Theory of the "Sponge" proposes that urban environments function like sponges, absorbing and filtering social, economic, and cultural activities. This concept highlights how cities attract diverse groups and resources, allowing for innovation and change while maintaining a core structure. Just as a sponge soaks up water and releases it gradually, cities absorb new influences and adapt over time, fostering resilience and ongoing development. This metaphor emphasizes urban areas’ dynamic and flexible nature, capable of accommodating growth and diversity without losing their fundamental character.