Urban Farming

Urban Rooftop Farm Proposed for Notre-Dame by Paris-Based Studio Nab

Growing vegetables and producing honey on the top of Notre-Dame

02 May 2019 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2019, Featured, Urban Farming

Thanks to Studio NAB, we move away from the traditional paths again. Why? Beginning at the evening of 15 April 2019, a fire destroyed the spire, the oak frame and lead roof of Notre-Dame, the old lady of Paris. However, it didn’t take a long time before donations of more than 1,000,000,000 EUR for the restoration of the partially destroyed medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité have been raised.

Notre Dame Cathedral burning — Burning Notre Dame on 15 April 2019 (Bouette [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)])

Notre Dame Cathedral burning Studio NAB redesigned — (Milliped [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)])

Studio NAB simply took it literally when the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said that the rehabilitation project should be “adapted to issues of our time”. The Paris based architects translated this wish and proposed an urban farming rooftop for the 1260 built monument. Leaving the trodden path and reacting in a flexible way means to grow vegetables and produce honey on the top of Notre-Dame for the resource-hungry capital of France.

Inside Studio NAB's Notre Dame urban farming rooftop — Inside the designed greenhouse rooftop of Notre-Dame (Studio NAB)

Studio NAB states: “Our approach is simply to feed the debate about the future of Notre Dame de Paris. We suggest a slightly different angle of view, more universalist than focused on creativity or on the choice of an ideal architectural answer. Highlight the fact that contemporary architecture has a real social role to play if it listens to society and issues to consider for the next decades. In our opinion, architecture should express itself with a certain empathy in its approach to the projects, but also of the Human for whom it builds. It should not be reduced to the result of a gesture, nor to a formal or technological expression, nor to the enhancement of a mere materiality.”

“Our historic heritage, of which Notre Dame is a part, is the guarantor of our history for all and for future generations.”

In concrete terms, the different angle also means to provide a teaching and learning environment for urban agriculture, horticulture and permaculture by saddling up a greenhouse on the top of Notre-Dame. If that wouldn’t be enough, Studio NAB imagines producing the famous “nectar of the gods” with beekeeping on the very top of Notre-Dame and above the roofs of Paris.

beekeeping bees Studio NAB's Notre Dame urban farming rooftop — Beekeeping on the top of Notre-Dame (Studio NAB)

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Notre-Dame has been modified frequently after its completion in the 13th century. Especially during the French Revolution beginning in 1789, the cathedral was seriously damaged. Regular modifications, major maintenance, overhauls, reparations, restorations and other similar acts are part of Notre-Dame, part of its history and therefore absolutely not exceptional. Will the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron, be brave enough?

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Vertical agriculture Superfarm by Studio NAB, urban farming, aquaponics

Six-Story SUPERFARM With Workable Concepts for Vertical Agriculture

It’s not the first time that Studio NAB is grabbing the headlines with forward-looking solutions in the field of urban farming. Their six-story urban farm invention called SUPERFARM is a quite thought-out holistic approach with valuable inspirations. With SUPERFARM, Studio NAB looks towards a future in which terrestrial landmasses are nearly entirely occupied. They intend to place SUPERFARM on the water.

Their six-story urban farm postulates that vertical farms can be built over water. The tower would produce fruits, vegetables, fish, honey, and possibly even high-protein insects to feed city populations without using any pesticides. Very likely, we should be ready for further proposals taking us off the beaten paths.

Canada’s First Net-Zero Vertical Farm Planned in Toronto

Allegedly, "cleantech is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Ontario economy"

30 April 2019 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2019, Featured, Urban Farming

The University of Toronto (U of T) Scarborough and Centennial College, Ont., will together develop Canada’s first net-zero vertical farm called the Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH). It is primarily intended for research, academic programming and commercialization in order to make progress in the cleantech sector. This net-zero vertical farm will be situated at U of T Scarborough in Toronto, Canada.

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Six-Story SUPERFARM With Workable Concepts for Vertical Agriculture

“We know the future belongs to sustainable, clean technology and this partnership complements the strengths of both Centennial College and U of T Scarborough,” says Andrew Arifuzzaman, U of T Scarborough’s CAO. “This commitment is also an exciting opportunity to bring economic activity and jobs to the Eastern GTA in a sector that is only going to become more important in the future.”

Investigating Innovative Technologies to Efficiently Practice Urban Farming

“Every single component of the building, from the heating and cooling to the lighting to the vertical farm, is an element that students, industry and the community can interact with,” says Andrew Petrou, director of strategic initiatives and external relations at Centennial College. “The goal is that they would be able to engage with this facility at all levels through programming, research, testing and experiential learning opportunities.”

Roof of Canada’s First Net-Zero Vertical Farm Planned in Toronto - Scarborough Centennial — (U of T Scarborough)

MoU Signed Beginning of 2019

“The vertical farm will become a key resource in assisting communities across Canada in tackling issues related to food, water, air, energy, waste, and advanced design and integrative systems,” says Professor Bernie Kraatz, vice-principal research at U of T Scarborough. “These are all key areas in understanding how to create resilient communities in the face of climate change.”

Six-Story SUPERFARM With Workable Concepts for Vertical Agriculture

Thirty-Four Meters High Vertical Agriculture SUPERFARM Offers Various Opportunities Beyond Traditional Farming Practices

20 February 2019 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2019, Featured, Urban Farming

Six-story SUPERFARM designed by Studio NAB is a thought-out holistic approach with valuable inspirations when it comes to space-efficient urban farming. Especially in urban agglomerations where space is rare and costly, vertical agriculture proposals come to the fore. So, SUPERFARM is based on a current problem and uses workable concepts for vertical agriculture that could be implemented with existing technology. A future in which such structures become essential is not impossible – even if the idea of building a highly-engineered structure for nothing but food production may seem too costly to be feasible in the present day.

Studio NAB developed its design as a response to the statistics presented in Dr. Dickson Despommier’s book “The Problem.” In his work, Despommier concludes that vertical farming and urban agriculture are a sustainable alternative to land and resource-hungry traditional farming methods and could be a solution to feeding the world’s growing population. He points to the fact that 80 percent of the world’s arable land is already devoted to other uses.

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Vertical Farming Market – Ever-Increasing Urban Food Demand Due to High Population Growth

But vertical agriculture also enables to reduce water consumption as the condensed vapor from the plants can be reused for irrigation. Additionally, it is possible to cut transport emissions as food is produced and consumed in the same place – the city. Apart from the ecological advantages, urban farms in general can be seen as pleasant green spaces where people meet and, therefore, stimulate conversations and promoting social interactions – a positive impact on emotional well-being. Thanks to all these benefits, turning urban areas into food producers could be a way forward.

Farming Without Land

Current efforts towards urban agriculture are primarily targeting reducing food’s carbon footprint, promoting food security, and even improving the urban climate. Studio NAB, on the other hand, looks towards a future in which terrestrial landmasses are almost entirely occupied.

In this scenario, it postulates that vertical farms built over water and occupying space within cities could cater for their food-producing needs. The towers would produce fruits, vegetables, fish, honey, and possibly even high-protein insects to feed city populations without using any pesticides. After all, it is already possible to create controlled environments in which pests and pathogens would be excluded. And there are even various best practice projects in this world. And in fact, according to a study published by MarketsandMarkets, vertical agriculture is a growing billion market.

Features of Superfarm by Studio NAB, vertical agriculture, aquaponics — (Studio NAB)

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Another difference between the vertical farm proposed by NAB and anything so far seen is that it will produce a wide variety of highly nutritious foods whereas current urban farms generally only produce greens and occasionally berries or fish. Finally, the farm would generate its own renewable energy using wind and solar installations, making it completely self-sufficient.

Not the Only Possible Solution

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Automated farming system from Urban Crop Solutions increases the area yield

Automated Farming System Streamlines Urban Farming and Increases Area Yield

Although the engineering and the technology needed to construct a vertical farm on this scale are in place, it would be interesting to see agricultural data that proves centralization of food production will be an economical solution.

For example, instead of building over water to save land acreage, the current practice of rooftop agriculture could be expanded across city spaces. Vertical gardening methods are compact and multiple “levels” of production could be achieved in a relatively low-rise rooftop structure. Spreading production would also spread risk, a factor that no amount of technology has entirely eliminated from food production so far.

Why the SUPERFARM Design?

If the world population continues to grow at its current rate, running out of space to live is a very real possibility. With its SUPERFARM design, Studio NAB draws our attention to the problems of overpopulation, food security, and agricultural sustainability. It presents a startling solution that, while unlikely to be implemented in the near future, will stimulate discussion and raise awareness of the global issues we will very soon confront.

Increasing Urban Farming Yields With Algal Biofertilizer

Soilalgae, a small startup from the US, takes the step from theory to praxis and developed algal biofertilizer

13 June 2018 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: 2018, Featured, Urban Farming

The low availability of Nitrogen and Phosphates in many soils limited agriculture for hundreds of years. Then, we discovered how to create inorganic fertilizers within the petrochemical industry, and fertilizer use and agricultural production worldwide skyrocketed. However, the benefits of inorganic fertilizers have been offset by the extensive environmental harm they cause. Agricultural runoff water from farmlands, laden with phosphates and nitrates, lead to algal overgrowth (eutrophication) in rivers, streams, and lakes. This, in its worst form, results in anaerobic conditions and the loss of water bodies’ ability to support life.

Increasing Urban Farming Yields Sustainably With Algal Biofertilizer

While activists around the world are calling for sustainable alternatives to inorganic fertilizers, researchers believe that they may have found an organic alternative with several environmental advantages: fertilizers made from algae. There is agreement on the advantages. An increased nutrient tansfer and beneficial microorganisms, stabilized soil aggregates or the decreased reliance on fossil fuels or some examples of the benefits of algal biofertilizer.

Soilalgae Goes a Step Further

Soilalgae, a small startup from the US, takes the step from theory to praxis and developed an algal biofertilizer allowing to discard your chemical fertilizers. Offering their product on Kickstarter, every urban farmer can seize the opportunity to boost yields organically. Supported by solar radiation, water, and temperature, cyanobacteria – a special kind of algae – have the power to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and provide it directly for your plants. In contrast, chemical fertilizers are commonly produced by using harmful fossil fuels.

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Soilalgae on Kickstarter

What Researchers Believe We Can Achieve Using Algal Fertilizers

As organic fertilizers, algal fertilizers will not only contain the macronutrients we use inorganic fertilizers to replace but will also contain micronutrients without which plant production is limited. But researchers believe that several other advantages can be realized.

Nutrient Reclamation from Polluted Water Bodies

Microalgal systems could be used in a controlled manner and on a large scale to purify water by removing the excess nutrients that cause eutrophication. Agricultural wastewater nutrients and generations of nutrient buildup could be removed from water and effectively recycled. If this kind of wastewater treatment could be implemented, we would end up with cleaner lakes, rivers, and streams while reclaiming valuable fertilizer for agricultural crops.

Biofertilizers Could Improve Nutrient Uptake

Plants only absorb soil nutrients in their ionic forms. When inorganic fertilizers are applied, plants only absorb one third to one-half of the nutrients applied. Early research on other biofertilizers has shown more efficient nutrient uptake and higher yields from lower fertilizer volumes. Further research into how algae could fit into this equation is underway.

Soil Stability Could be Improved

Soil erosion as a direct result of intensive agriculture is responsible for the loss of megatons of valuable topsoil every year. Soil formation processes are much slower, so we are literally losing ground on a continuous basis. Although the use of biofertilizers will not be the sole solution (alternative or no-tillage practices are among the additional practices that can help) microalgae can reduce soil erosion. Soil with microalgae is more inclined to form aggregates which limit the amount of loose material subject to erosion.

Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource. Algae, on the other hand, represent a renewable resource – and productive land need not be given over to their production.

Plants May Even Grow Better

In trials conducted at the University of Texas, plants treated with algal fertilizer produced higher yields than those treated with conventional fertilizers. This could partly be attributed to an increase in the soil microbes that help plants to grow.

Applying soilalgae algae biofertilizer to increase urban farming yields — Applying algal biofertilizer from soilalgae.com (soilalgae)

A Sustainable Solution: But More Research is Needed

Algae-based fertilizers hold the promise of improving sustainability in agriculture while reducing unsustainable fossil fuel reliance. However, additional research will be needed before algal biofertilizers can realize their full potential as a sustainable and commercially viable alternative to conventional fertilizers.

This Automated Indoor Garden Wants to Ease Hydroponics

When old fashioned gardening goes high tech ...

19 May 2017 From Paul Münzner Filed Under: Featured, Urban Farming

WI-FI CONNECTED

Live monitoring, notifications, plant doctor, sharing within the community …

PLANT SELECTION

Grow your own fruits, microgreens, edible flowers, herbs or leafy green

LED ILLUMINATION

Suited LED grow lights provide the needed spectrum for every growing phase

Although most of us are eager to eat fresh, healthy food that’s grown in a sustainable way, most of us lack the time and expertise it takes to produce food crops ourselves. That’s particularly true if we want to garden in an office or apartment with no outdoor space to spare and are seldom at home. Now, having an automated indoor garden is within easy reach, even if you have never grown plants before.

Hydroponics has always been an indoor growing option, but in the past, it took quite a lot of specialized expertise to create an effective hydroponic garden. CityCrop, an innovative startup, has developed a neat, compact, self-contained system that you can manage on the go using your smartphone.

What Makes Hydroponics Sustainable?

Apart from the fact that you know exactly what’s gone into the growing of your food, hydroponics uses just 10 percent of the water you would need to grow plants in a regular garden. The water is constantly recirculated instead of going to waste.

FLEXIBLE TRAYS

You are free to choose and customize your needed trays for several plants

CLIMATE CONTROLE

Controlled temperature, lighting, humidity and aeriation

DOSED NUTRIENTS

Automated nutrient system handles the nutrient formula and supplies your plants

Because the CityCrop garden is a closed unit, you shouldn’t experience any pest problems, so you should be able to grow your food without any pesticides to speak of, and although it does consume some electricity, your plants grow in optimum conditions, allowing you to get maximum yields much faster. That means a smaller carbon footprint for every harvest you take from your automated indoor garden. Compared to other private indoor planting solutions like Herbert or The Growroom, the high level of technology arranges a growth stimulating environment.

Automated Indoor Garden from CityCrop for your Kitchen — (CityCrop)

How the Automated Indoor Garden Works

The vertical garden is enclosed in a neat casing with adjustable trays. It’s also a fully connected system that allows you to monitor it no matter where you are. A useful app shows you the ideal temperature, humidity, light, and nutrient conditions for your crops. Simply select your settings using your phone, and the unit takes care of the rest.

Harvesting Leafy Green in the Automated Indoor Garden from CityCrop — Harvesting chives (CityCrop)

Would you like to know how your plants are doing even though you’re far from home? You can take a look at them and see for yourself, and you’ll get notifications if there’s anything you need to change to improve your indoor vertical garden’s success.

The energy demand varies due to lighting conditions and the extent of ventilation. According to the London- and Athens-based company, it is recommended to budget £3-£5 per month. Of course, this value depends on local electricity prices varying from country to country. When it comes to seeding, horticulturists are free to use own organic seeds or from CityCrop provided and tested seeds. If you plan to integrate it in your kitchen, you should be aware of the geometric dimensions of 45cm x 45cm x 88cm (L x W x H).

Automated Indoor Garden from CityCrop with two storeys — CityCrop’s automated indoor garden with two storeys (CityCrop)

You Aren’t All on Your Own

One of the best things about gardening is the bragging rights you get, and the option of getting advice from experts or other urban gardeners. In the old days, this meant being a member of a garden club, but busy indoor gardeners can simply join the CityCrop community to get exposure to the social side of gardening.

If you need expert help, simply send a picture to CityCrop help and support for a professional opinion. Growing like a pro doesn’t have to take years of experience when you have access to experts at the touch of a button.

What Can You Grow?

Obviously, there are limits to what you can grow in your CityCrop automated indoor garden. You wouldn’t have room for fruit trees, for example, but there’s nothing to stop you from growing small fruit crops like strawberries.

Greens and microgreens are an excellent choice for the freshest, most nourishing leafy veg straight from your own indoor garden. Most of us don’t eat enough fresh greens or struggle to find super-fresh, healthy greens at a reasonable price. This unit solves these problems beautifully.

Fresh herbs really set top chefs apart from the ordinary cook, and once again, the CityCrop unit allows you to grow quite a variety. Cultivate your own basil, chives, parsley, cilantro, and so on. And let’s not forget that flowers are good to eat too. Pretty violas, nasturtiums and day lilies all add color and variety to your diet.

An Attractive, Fun, and Easy Way to Become an Urban Farmer

All in all, CityCrop seems to have many bases covered. It looks great, even the rawest beginner can use it to grow plants, and the social aspect also adds a fun touch to the package. When old fashioned gardening goes high tech, even the busiest person can grow fabulous food crops easily and conveniently with an automated indoor garden.

In the end, interested customers can decide whether they want to shorten their harvest cycles and enjoy the services of CityCrop’s indoor garden or whether they prefer to save the investment sum and place their simple pot with basil at the window.

Images: CityCrop