Greenfield/brownfield: Two sides of the same coin

Abstract

Traditional urban planning considers greenfield and brownfield sites as two antagonistic positions that produce opposing urban models. Recent regeneration urban strategies in England are focused on brownfield sites that have been transformed or developed, and it entails the danger of converting greenfields in untouchable spaces to be revered as nature reserves, fetishes, with excessive protection. By contrast, the role of brownfield sites in the context of Latin-Mediterranean countries has not been so relevant, due to different factors. This chapter explores that simplification of greenfield vs. brownfield and presses for considering all the growth and development possibilities of brownfield and greyfield sites, using criteria to strengthen the consolidated structures, whilst at the same time, reconsidering their integrating role in terms of green infrastructures and the importance of associated factors such as biodiversity or urban resilience.