Infill Meaning: Definition and Examples

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infill

[ˈɪnˌfɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

construction term

Infill refers to the material used to fill the gaps in a structure, such as walls or floors. It can also describe the process of adding new developments in urban areas, filling vacant spaces. In construction, infill often pertains to the space between existing structures that is filled with new buildings or landscaping.

Synonyms

content, filling, material.

Examples of usage

  • The infill was carefully selected to match the existing architecture.
  • They used eco-friendly materials for the infill.
  • The city approved several infill projects to boost the housing market.
Context #2 | Verb

urban planning

To infill means to fill in gaps in urban areas with new buildings or structures. This practice often aims to utilize vacant lots effectively and promote sustainable development. Infill development can enhance community vitality and reduce urban sprawl.

Synonyms

construct, develop, fill-in.

Examples of usage

  • The city plans to infill the abandoned lot with a community center.
  • Developers are looking to infill with mixed-use buildings.
  • Infill can transform underused spaces into vibrant areas.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Infill is fundamental in urban design, allowing for the development of underutilized land without expanding city boundaries.
  • Architects use various materials for infill, including brick, concrete, and glass, to harmonize new structures with existing ones.
  • Green infill projects focus on sustainability, incorporating vegetation into urban areas to improve air quality and aesthetics.

Environmental Science

  • Infill techniques can help manage stormwater runoff by creating pervious surfaces that allow water to soak into the ground.
  • Urban infill reduces the necessity to develop rural land, promoting preservation of natural habitats.
  • Implementing infill development can lead to a reduction in travel times and improve public transportation efficiency in cities.

Art and Design

  • In the realm of visual arts, infill refers to the technique of adding color or texture to fill in outlines or spaces in a design.
  • Artists often use infill methods in printmaking, creating layers that add depth and dimension to their works.
  • Graphic design relies on infill techniques to enhance logos and visuals, offering a more dynamic presentation.

Gaming

  • In video game design, infill refers to the process of populating environments with assets to create a richer, more immersive experience.
  • Game developers often utilize infill strategies to improve the playability of levels, filling spaces with interactive objects.
  • Infill in gaming can also refer to the backstory or lore that fills in gaps and enhances narrative engagement.

Origin of 'infill'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'infill' combines 'in' and 'fill,' signifying the action of filling in something empty.
  • First used in urban planning contexts, it referred to construction that filled vacant lots in a city.
  • The word gained popularity in the 20th century as urban landscapes evolved and needed more efficient use of space.

The term 'infill' is derived from the verb 'to fill,' which originates from the Old English 'fyllan,' meaning to make full. The prefix 'in-' suggests a direction or movement into something. The concept of infill in urban planning began to gain popularity in the late 20th century as cities faced challenges related to urban sprawl, declining populations in city centers, and the need for sustainable development practices. As areas with vacant lots began to be redeveloped, the practice of infilling became a strategy to maximize land use efficiency and revitalize communities. Today, infill development is recognized for its potential to enhance urban environments by utilizing existing infrastructure and reducing the need for new land conversion, aligning with smart growth principles.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,948, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.