The dynamics of sponge city parks: Integrated stormwater management and urban parks in shanghai

● This research analyzed and classified Sponge City parks from the aspects of form, spatial relationships, and function. ● Based on morphological, spatial and hydrological features, this research propose a novel classification of Sponge City parks, including source, flow, and sink landscape. ● Built upon the Source-Sink theory, this study proposed the source-flow-sink model that not only considers individual site characteristics but also their role within the broader hydrological process. ● The findings provide a common language and descriptive framework that facilitate communication among policymakers, designers, and engineers, offering practical knowledge for the combined use of stormwater techniques and green spaces. ● By emphasizing the role of each site within the hydrological cycle, this research provides insights into the potential of green infrastructure in balancing ecological functionality with urban growth. Modern cities face the dual challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization, highlighting the need for effective stormwater management and enhanced green spaces to achieve urban sustainability. Globally, synergizing stormwater management and urban green spaces has emerged as a key strategy to tackle these issues, such as Low Impact Development and Sponge City. However, a critical gap remains in holistically characterizing these green infrastructures, as prior studies often isolate their hydrological performance, spatial patterns, or design forms. To bridge this gap, this study develops and applies a novel morphological, spatial, and functional typology for sponge city parks. Using Shanghai - a pionnerering Sponge City Pilot megacity- as a case study, this study analyzed twenty-six sponge city parks through GIS-based mapping and hydro-simulation methods grounded on the source-sink landscape theory. The analysis identified and characterized three distinct park types: Source (46.2%), Flow (30.8%), and Sink (23.0%) Landscapes, each exhibiting a specific conjunction of morphology, space context, and hydrological configurations. The Sponge City Park Typology framework provides a systemic perspective, highlighting that urban resilience arises from the synergistic configuration of these differentiated but interconnected attributes. The typology offers a vital transdisciplinary common language for planners, designers, and engineers, facilitating context-sensitive design and the strategic planning of multifunctional green infrastructure networks.Additionally, the study underscores the imperative of adopting integrated, system-oriented frameworks to optimize sponge city parks for enhanced urban resilience and sustainability.