Reclamation and architectural requalification of an old landfill using in situ aeration, phytotreatment of leachate and energy crops

Abstract

The requalification of a landfill provides an opportunity to undertake qualified territorial reorganization work in which the procedures applied in plant management and redevelopment of the environment may constitute a key factor in effective rezoning of the area. The available options geared towards renewing the functional status of the area undergo a decision process to assess the most appropriate end use in terms of territorial reorganization, impact on the landscape, environmental sustainability and public consensus. 
However, landfill redevelopment projects carried out to date have only given marginal consideration to the above aspects. In Italy, there is a tendency to intervene with projects that merely envisage landscaping of the areas concerned, and rarely take into account functional reuse of the site. In other countries, thanks to a vastly diverse cultural approach, greater emphasis is placed on these aspects, and old landfills are frequently transformed into public parks featuring leisure and sports facilities. The present project focussed on requalification of an old landfill, designed and developed by Studio Arcoplan in conjunction with the Universities of Padova and Brescia, fits into this context and envisages a series of innovative features. In particular, the project aims to adopt an integrated approach to aspects relating to landscaping, the environment and energy, in order to develop an extensive park with a prevailing theme of renewable energy.