Solution for Urban Sprawl: Infill Development

PL3505: Urban Economics

Assignment
Table of Contents

Introduction 2

What is infill development? 2

Types of Infill Development 2
Benefits of Infill Development 2
Case Studies of Infill Development 3

New York City’s Highline 3

Pearl District in Poland, Oregon 4

Conclusion 5

References 5

1
Introduction

Urban sprawl, characterized by the unplanned and uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into suburban and
rural lands, poses significant challenges. These challenges include environmental degradation, increased
traffic congestion, loss of agricultural land, and higher infrastructure costs. One effective strategy to combat
urban sprawl is infill development, which focuses on redeveloping vacant, abandoned, or underutilized
parcels within existing urban areas. Infill development not only makes efficient use of existing infrastructure
but also revitalizes communities and promotes sustainable urban growth. This report explores the concept of
infill development, its benefits, and notable real ground examples, providing a comprehensive understanding
of its potential as a solution to urban sprawl.

What is infill development?

Infill development involves the strategic redevelopment of vacant, underutilized, or abandoned land within
existing urban areas. This approach aims to enhance urban compactness, reduce the need for new
infrastructure, and revitalize communities. Infill development can take various forms, including residential,
commercial, mixed-use, and brownfield redevelopment. By focusing on areas with existing infrastructure,
infill development promotes sustainable land use and minimizes the environmental impact of urban
expansion.

Types of Infill Development

1. Residential Infill Development: Focuses on developing housing in existing urban areas, enhancing
walkability, and utilizing existing infrastructure.
2. Commercial Infill Development: Establishes commercial hubs in underutilized lands, improving
the economic health of the city.
3. Mixed-Use Infill Development: Combines residential and commercial uses, promoting sustainable
urban growth and reducing vehicle use.
4. Brownfield Infill Development: Redevelops previously industrial or contaminated sites,
transforming them into useful urban spaces.

Benefits of Infill Development

 Enhances Urban Compactness: Infill development promotes high-density, mixed-use
developments that enhance urban form and reduce the spread of urban areas into rural regions.
 Efficient Use of Infrastructure: By utilizing existing infrastructure, infill development reduces the
need for new infrastructure investments, leading to cost savings for municipalities.
 Revitalizes Communities: Infill projects can breathe new life into neglected urban areas, improving
the quality of building stock and increasing housing diversity.
 Environmental Conservation: Infill development conserves environmental resources by reclaiming
marginal and abandoned areas and reducing pressure on undeveloped lands.
 Economic Benefits: Infill development creates investment opportunities, enhances the tax base, and
provides employment opportunities, contributing to local economic growth.
 Improves Public Transport Efficiency: Higher-density development and mixed-use projects make
public transportation more viable and efficient, reducing reliance on private vehicles and lowering
greenhouse gas emissions.

2
Case Studies of Infill Development
Examining successful infill development projects provides valuable insights into the potential and
challenges of this approach. Two notable examples are New York City’s High Line and the Pearl District in
Portland, Oregon.
New York City’s High Line
New York City’s High Line is a prime example of innovative
infill development that transformed an obsolete structure into a
vibrant public space which means brownfield infill
development.
The High Line was originally constructed in the 1930s as part of
a project to elevate freight rail traffic above the streets of
Manhattan. By the 1980s, the line was no longer in use and
had fallen into disrepair. In the late 1990s, community
residents formed the non-profit Friends of the High Line,
advocating for the line’s preservation and transformation into a
public park. Their vision was to repurpose the derelict
infrastructure into an urban oasis amidst one of the busiest
cities in the world. Figure 1:Ancient highline area (Source: Pinterest)
Design and Implementation
 The design was spearheaded by the architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, landscape architects
James Corner Field Operations, and planting designer Piet Oudolf.
 The design incorporates naturalized plantings inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the
disused tracks.
 The park features various public amenities, including seating areas, observation decks, water
features, and cultural spaces for art installations and performances.
 The construction of the High Line was completed in phases, with the first section opening in 2009
and the final section in 2019.
Economic and Social Impact
 The High Line has had a profound impact on the surrounding
neighborhoods, spurring significant economic development,
including new residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.
 Property values in the adjacent areas have increased, and the
park has become a major tourist attraction, drawing millions
of visitors annually.
 The project has contributed to the social and cultural
vibrancy of the area, providing a unique public space for
community interaction and cultural activities.

Figure 2: Part of a park area in

Highline (Source: Pinterest) Figure 3: Area after the highline development
(Source: Pinterest)

3
Pearl District in Portland, Oregon
The Pearl District in Portland, Oregon, is another example for infill development, transforming a former
industrial area into a thriving urban neighborhood.
The Pearl District, once characterized by warehouses, rail yards, and light industrial uses, began its
transformation in the late 1990s.The City of Portland, along with private developers, saw the potential to
redevelop this underutilized area into a vibrant, mixed-use community. Strategic investments in
infrastructure, such as the Portland Streetcar, helped to catalyze development and attract both residents and
businesses.

Figure 4:Picture of Pearl District in Portland in present (Source: Pinterest)

Design and Implementation

 The redevelopment was guided by principles of sustainable urban design and smart growth.
 The area was rezoned to allow for higher-density residential and commercial uses, promoting a mix
of housing types, retail spaces, offices, and cultural institutions.
 Public spaces, parks, and greenways were integrated into the development plan, providing residents
with accessible recreational areas and enhancing the neighborhood’s livability.
 Notable projects within the district include the conversion of historic warehouses into lofts and
condos, as well as the construction of new, modern buildings designed to complement the existing
urban fabric.
Economic and Social Impact
 The Pearl District has experienced significant economic growth, becoming one of Portland’s most desirable
neighborhoods.
 The area’s revitalization has attracted a diverse population, including young professionals, families,
and retirees.
 The mix of uses has created a dynamic urban environment with a strong sense of community.
 Local businesses, restaurants, galleries, and cultural institutions have flourished, contributing to the
district’s economic vitality and cultural richness.
 The development has also increased property values and generated substantial tax revenues for the
city.

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Conclusion
Infill development offers a viable solution to the challenges posed by urban sprawl. By focusing on the
redevelopment of underutilized lands within existing urban areas, infill development promotes sustainable
land use, enhances urban compactness, and revitalizes communities. The case studies of New York City’s
High Line and the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon, demonstrate the potential of infill development to
transform neglected urban spaces into vibrant, economically viable, and socially inclusive communities.
Successful infill development requires strategic planning, community engagement, financial viability,
infrastructure assessment, and supportive regulatory frameworks. By adopting these principles, cities can
effectively address urban sprawl and create sustainable, livable urban environments.

References
1. AlHasawi, M., Maatouk, M. M. H., & Qurunfulah, E. (2024). Key success factors of urban infill development:
A conceptual framework. European Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning, 3(3).
https://doi.org/10.24018/ejarch.2024.3.3.40

2. Infill Development. (2024, May 21). Creating sustainable cities: The importance of infill development.
Retrieved from https://www.infill.io/2024/05/21/creating-sustainable-cities-the-importance-of-infill-
development/