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By Nancy B. Solomon, AIA

Technology options

There are a host of remediation techniques (see chart, page 186), depending on the type and location of the contaminant, among many other factors. In some cases the contaminant is physically removed from the site, in others it is treated on-site, and in yet others the pollutants are simply contained on-site so as not to spread. A listing of available technologies, an overview of the cleanup process, and many helpful resources can be found in Road Map to Understanding Innovative Technology Options for Brownfields Investigation and Cleanup, available free from the EPA.

“One size doesn’t fit all,” explains Liebel. “One needs to custom craft a solution to each situation.” It is, of course, the environmental consultant who takes the lead in this task, but the architect can weigh in on how the proposed remediation strategy may affect construction cost and schedule, future maintenance, and even community goodwill. And initial site planning can shape the remediation strategy.

Architect’s role

Site selection and remediation has never been a traditional architectural service. Most architects do not have the technical expertise—nor the liability insurance—to be responsible for the actual testing, analysis, or cleanup. But they do have the planning, facilitation, and management skills required to see the big picture and coordinate the many players. In exchange, as some of the following case studies attest, practitioners who do venture into brownfields can earn financial rewards while at the same time find tremendous satisfaction in knowing that they have helped revitalize communities at multiple levels.

 

Dating back to 1895 (top), buildings at Baltimore’s American Can Company were adapted for the DAP Corporation in 1998 (below). Photography: © Design Collective, Inc. (top); Anne Gummerson (bottom)