Rain Gardens as a Nexus of Stormwater Management and Urban Resilience

Rapid urban growth and the expansion of impervious surfaces have made stormwater management one of the major challenges of sustainable development. Rain gardens, as an effective green infrastructure strategy, can play a significant role in reducing runoff volume, improving water quality, and enhancing urban resilience. The objective of this study was to examine the key components of rain garden design and to propose a practical framework tailored to Iran’s climatic and urban conditions. The research employed a descriptive–analytical approach: scientific sources and reports were collected and analyzed through qualitative and comparative methods to determine the role of vegetation, soil, and structural criteria in ecological and hydrological performance. The findings revealed that targeted diversity of native species, adjustment of soil mixtures to balance infiltration and retention, and precise design of drainage layers and slope are the three pillars of successful rain garden design. Based on this analysis, a proposed framework was developed that not only improves stormwater management but also increases social acceptance and ecosystem services. Finally, a list of plant species adapted to different moisture conditions was compiled to serve as a practical guide for urban designers and managers.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rain garden ، Stormwater management ، Green infrastructure ، Urban resilience ، Native species ، Ecological design ، Low Impact Development(LID)