Alpine Industrial Landscapes: Towards a New Approach for Brownfield Redevelopment in Mountain Regions

This book explores the origins, causes, conditions, and future challenges of mountain brownfields in the European Alps from an interdisciplinary and landscape-centered perspective. It investigates the infrastructural relevance of these sites and proposes an innovative structuralist-systemic approach for their physical and functional transformation. It also includes a first transnational geo-mapping of Alpine brownfields, highlighting the urgency of this research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 405 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

This Open Access book presents a groundbreaking research on brownfield redevelopment in mountain regions, particularly in the European Alps. The origins, causes, actual conditions, and future challenges and potentials of mountain brownfields are investigated from an interdisciplinary yet landscape-centered perspective. Through the reasoned combination of research-by-design methods and case-study analysis, the book explores the infrastructural relevance of these sites for the specific mountain territory, while advancing an innovative structuralist-systemic approach for their physical and functional transformation. The book includes, among others, a first transnational geo-mapping of Alpine brownfields, whose impressive outcomes in terms of site numbers and distribution can only confirm the urgency of this research.

Introduction:
Mountain regions are characterized by unique geological, environmental, and social characteristics that pose significant challenges for brownfield redevelopment. These sites often have complex histories, including mining, industrial, and agricultural activities, which have left behind a legacy of environmental degradation, soil and water contamination, and social unrest. However, with the increasing demand for sustainable development and the recognition of the economic and social benefits of brownfield redevelopment, there is a growing interest in exploring the potential of these sites for regeneration and revitalization.

Origins and Causes of Mountain Brownfields:
The origins and causes of mountain brownfields can be traced back to the historical development of these regions. Mining, industrialization, and agricultural practices have left behind a legacy of abandoned buildings, infrastructure, and waste materials. These sites may also be impacted by natural disasters, such as landslides, earthquakes, or floods, which further complicate the redevelopment process. In addition, the unique geological and environmental conditions of mountain regions, such as steep slopes, fragile soils, and limited access to resources, can make it challenging to develop and manage these sites effectively.

Actual Conditions of Mountain Brownfields:
The actual conditions of mountain brownfields can vary widely depending on the specific site and its history. These sites may be contaminated with hazardous substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or asbestos, which pose a risk to human health and the environment. They may also be characterized by soil and water degradation, which can lead to the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services. In addition, mountain brownfields may be located in remote or inaccessible areas, which can make it difficult to access and manage these sites effectively.

Future Challenges and Potentials of Mountain Brownfields:
The future challenges and potentials of mountain brownfields are numerous. One of the primary challenges is the need to address the environmental and social impacts of these sites. This may involve the removal and remediation of hazardous substances, the restoration of degraded soils and water resources, and the engagement of local communities in the redevelopment process. Another challenge is the need to develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure that can support the economic and social development of these regions. This may involve the integration of renewable energy sources, the promotion of sustainable transportation options, and the development of innovative housing and urban planning solutions.

Innovative Structuralist-Systemic Approach for Mountain Brownfield Transformation:
To address these challenges and potentials, an innovative structuralist-systemic approach is needed for mountain brownfield transformation. This approach involves the integration of multiple disciplines, including geology, engineering, environmental science, and social science, to develop a comprehensive and sustainable solution for each site. It also emphasizes the importance of landscape-centered planning and design, which considers the natural and cultural heritage of these regions and seeks to integrate these elements into the redevelopment process.

Transnational Geo-Mapping of Alpine Brownfields:
One of the key contributions of this book is the first transnational geo-mapping of Alpine brownfields. This mapping project involved the collaboration of researchers from multiple countries and provided a comprehensive overview of the distribution and characteristics of these sites. The results of this mapping project demonstrate the urgency of this research and highlight the need for coordinated efforts and policies to address the challenges and potentials of mountain brownfields.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Open Access book presents a pioneering research on brownfield redevelopment in mountain regions, particularly in the European Alps. The book explores the origins, causes, actual conditions, and future challenges and potentials of mountain brownfields from an interdisciplinary yet landscape-centered perspective. Through the reasoned combination of research-by-design methods and case-study analysis, the book advances an innovative structuralist-systemic approach for their physical and functional transformation. The book also includes a first transnational geo-mapping of Alpine brownfields, whose impressive outcomes in terms of site numbers and distribution can only confirm the urgency of this research. By addressing the environmental and social impacts of these sites, developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and integrating multiple disciplines, we can help to transform mountain brownfields into thriving and sustainable communities.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 149 x 209 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658376802
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022