Searching for identity: finding the expression of place under-ground

With globalisation and the pressures of climate change, cities are increasingly seeking green solu-tions to urban development. From green roofs to vertical green infrastructure, scholars and built environment practitioners look up to the skies, sun and wind for new ways to develop green technologies. As a result, an emerging technology-led aesthetic is currently developing interna-tionally in architecture and landscape architecture. However, while ubiquitous topsoils support green infrastructure initiatives, the hidden layers of mineral soil and rock that create the unique shape of our landscapes are largely ignored. These mineral soils are relegated to makeup con-struction materials or are buried under concrete and asphalt, leading to the homogenisation of our urban fabric and missing the importance of place and site-specific identity. This research explores the potential of subterranean soil conditions to express regional differences and challenge emerging global trends in soil use. It does this by engaging with the underground and its depth and darkness, delving into the hidden inner world of mineral soils in Aotearoa New Zealand. It finds that the uniqueness and richness of the layers of hidden soil can lead to new ways of understanding place through texture, colour and structure, which in turn can inform aesthetic decisions and develop authentic regional aesthetics.