Nature-Based Urban Water Systems: Sponge Cities, Blue-Green Infrastructures, and Performance Evidence
Keywords:
sponge city, blue-green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, urban water management, hydrological performance, socio-institutional factorsAbstract
This review aims to synthesize qualitative evidence on the design, environmental performance, and socio-institutional dimensions of sponge cities and blue-green infrastructures to evaluate their effectiveness in urban water management. A qualitative literature review was conducted, focusing on sixteen peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. Articles were selected based on relevance to sponge city and blue-green infrastructure implementation, ecological and hydrological performance, and socio-economic and governance aspects. Data were analyzed using NVivo 14 software following thematic content analysis, with open, axial, and selective coding applied to identify key themes, subthemes, and concepts. Theoretical saturation was achieved after analyzing all sixteen articles, ensuring comprehensive coverage of design principles, environmental performance, and institutional dimensions. Analysis revealed three main themes. First, design and planning principles emphasize permeable surfaces, wetlands, bio-swales, distributed drainage, and multifunctional land use, which collectively enhance urban resilience and water retention. Second, environmental and hydrological performance demonstrates significant reductions in runoff, flood peaks, and pollutant loads, alongside improvements in water quality, biodiversity, and microclimate regulation. Third, socio-economic and institutional factors—including public participation, policy coordination, financing mechanisms, and governance frameworks—substantially influence the adoption, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of nature-based systems. The studies indicate that while ecological and hydrological benefits are robust, performance outcomes vary across climatic, spatial, and socio-political contexts, and co-benefits such as public health, recreational value, and aesthetic enhancement remain under-measured. Sponge cities and blue-green infrastructures represent effective and multifunctional approaches for urban water management, offering hydrological, ecological, and social benefits. Their successful implementation requires integrated planning, participatory governance, and context-sensitive adaptation strategies. Future research should focus on long-term performance monitoring, quantitative evaluation of co-benefits, and mechanisms for scaling nature-based solutions in diverse urban environments.
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