The increasing production of discarded fill and made ground: moving toward designed landscapes

This chapter defines the term ‘discarded fill’ and focuses on discarded earthy fill that is generating made ground at increasing rates. Discarded fill landscapes are considered here to be an internal part of the urban fabric rather than external to it in order to favor inclusionary approaches to their treatment. The rapidly increasing production of discarded fill, accompanied by a lack of space, as well as global environmental concerns and a widespread NIMBY attitude, highlights the importance of making meaningful use of these materials. Designers have a crucial role to play in this respect. The production of discarded materials should also be significantly reduced. Drawing from the field of geology, the quantification of earth moved through human activity and the classification of artificial landforms and made ground are explained. By addressing dredged materials and tunnel spoil (discarded fill from infrastructure), several environmental/technical cases are provided, which, like the large majority of cases, do not involve designers. Finally, historical and contemporary examples of designed use of discarded fill are introduced, demonstrating the important contribution that designers can make. Some preliminary design considerations are also offered, specifically the importance of visible placement and legible use of discarded fill.