Assessment of the Applicability of the ‘Sponge City’ Approach to the Metropolitan City of Bari

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDSs) represent a contemporary and eco-friendly method for managing surface water, with the goal of reducing flooding impacts while preserving the environment and enhancing water quality and biodiversity. In Bari, recurrent flooding stemming from water stagnation, extreme weather, and urban development poses challenges to sustainable growth. This study applies the ‘Sponge city’ concept to address these issues through an evaluation of current urban permeability and the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) to reduce runoff and manage underground flows. By assessing the climatic conditions and hydrological factors contributing to urban stagnation, this project seeks to create a resilient urban environment capable of adapting to climate change and effectively mitigating both significant and minor rainfall events. It aims to reduce runoff, while also promoting groundwater recharge and alleviating saline contamination effects in coastal areas, ultimately enhancing the safety and livability of urban landscapes.