This week, our 'Explainer' takes a look at a planning and development term that refers to previously industrial (or in some cases, commercial) land. Often characterized by contaminated and sometimes highly toxic soil, the redevelopment of 'brownfields' sites typically requires sensitive remediation. So what exactly is 'brownfield land,' and how is it usually redeveloped? Read more from SkyriseCities:

Toronto's Port Lands feature numerous brownfields sites, image by Marcus Mitanis

Cities all over the world are phasing out heavy industrial activities in their urban areas in favour of a safer, more sustainable, mixed-use built form. Consider Pittsburgh, where steel manufacturing was a crucial component of the local economy, and numerous former industrial properties have since been reimagined as vibrant neighbourhoods with a myriad of residential, office, and retail uses. These bygone industrial sites, many of which are characterized by severe soil contamination, are frequently known as brownfield lands.

You can find the rest of the story on our sister site, SkyriseCities.com.