Skyfarm: Urban Agriculture


Skyfarm intends to bring a connection back to food production by merging the process directly into a residential block. In my research I studied the incorporation of vertical agricultural systems within a typical high-rise residential typology in an urban context. Food production has been so far removed from the place of consumption that there is no longer a connection to the place or the people who feed us. This proposal looks to regain that once intimate relationship by fostering a connection between the city and the farmer. By including farming within a city you can virtually eliminate all transportation costs and reduce harmful chemical run-off, therefore creating a sustainable, self-sufficient development. The project strategically places the farming units along the Southern facades of both the low-rise block and the tower. The main farming units have three variations in size to allow for different methods of food production. Each unit is equipped with a suspended aeroponic growing system coupled with an aquaponic system that enables the farmer to grow a multitude of produce and fish while virtually eliminating water waste. All other South facing units also include a farming element such as a green wall or a window farm, depending on the size of the unit. All of the food grown is brought down to a processing level and then transferred to a large grocery store located at the base of the tower. The produce is also used to supply a restaurant and bakery on the elevated plaza.