Exploring spatiotemporal coupling effects between built environment and ecosystem health: Toward static–dynamic sustainable management in waterfront cities

Abstract

Driven by the exploitation of aquatic ecological resources, waterfront cities' built environment (BE) has gradually undermined ecosystem health (EH). Although research on BE and EH is relatively mature, their spatiotemporal interactions across different water gradients remain underexplored. Furthermore, existing ecological management zoning relies on static analyses and overlooks the impact of dynamic changes on sustainable development. In this study, we constructed a BE-EH interaction framework for waterfront cities by integrating BE's “density, diversity, design, destination accessibility, distance-to-transit” (5D) model and EH's “vigor, organization, resilience, service” (V-O-R-S) model. Using a coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and GeoDetector, we identified spatiotemporal coupling effects between BE and EH. Finally, we proposed an integrated sustainable zoning management mechanism that combines a four-quadrant static model with CCD dynamic change rate indices. Using Changsha, a typical waterfront city in China, as a case study, the results revealed a mutually exclusive spatiotemporal evolution trend between BE and EH. The CCD in these prosperous BE waterfront areas was substantially higher than those in high-quality EH inland areas. The siphoning effect of the central urban area has resulted in the expansion of the CCD toward suburban regions. Mixed land use and diverse urban functions have strongly influenced the BE-EH's CCD by improving land resource efficiency. Interactions among BE elements have amplified their influence on the CCD. As urbanization has progressed, the CCD in inland gradients has become more influenced by BE, whereas the explanatory power of factors in near-water gradients has gradually decreased. Sustainable management zoning of BE and EH has revealed significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Sustainable development excellence zones should maintain their advantages. Sustainable potential transformation zones should promote green economic and ecological transitions. Waterfront sustainable development conflict zones should curb excessive urbanization. Unsustainable development crisis zones should achieve synergy among spatial functions. This study proposes an innovative integrated static–dynamic management framework for BE-EH interactions in waterfront cities, expanding the theoretical system of urban ecological management. The findings offer a novel interdisciplinary perspective and methodological reference for future urban planning and ecological conservation research.