INTRODUCTION: Sponge city, a fundamental strategy for solving water and environmental challenges, has attracted the attention of researchers around the world in recent years. Hence, the aim of this research is to examine the sponge city as a paradigm in urban flood crisis management. METHODS: In this applied study, the research method is both descriptive and analytical. Data were collected from review articles, book chapters, grey literature, online pages, and newspaper articles. For qualitative content analysis, an inductive method was used, which combines data collection, extraction, and analysis, and gradually generates a discussion. FINDINGS: According to the findings, the sponge city model involves comprehensive improvement of urban water resources and the aquatic environment in urban areas and a way to respond to water challenges and environmental degradation, promising to resolve environmental problems, increase welfare, growth and development, and achieve sustainability in societies. It emphasizes the integration of environmental considerations into all physical structures in urban spaces with the aim of harmonizing city development with the natural environment and advancing the principle of sustainability through the alignment of human and ecological processes in urban environments. CONCLUSION: The results show that the sponge city and its principles can contribute to sustainable development in environmental, social and economic dimensions. A sponge city construction can improve the ability of cities to adapt to environmental changes and cope with floods, encouraging the development of cities towards a healthier and more sustainable direction.
