The Economic Times

Morocco swapped scorching black asphalt for porous sponge pavement; the experimental surface ran up to 16F cooler, offering cities a surprising new way to beat urban heat

Morocco is testing permeable sponge pavement in selected urban areas of Marrakech and Agadir as cities look for ways to manage extreme heat and heavy rainfall. Unlike conventional asphalt, the surface allows water to move into layers beneath the pavement, potentially reducing runoff and supporting evaporative cooling when moisture is available.