Urban farming – a global trend

18 January 2012

The only way seems to be up!  Vertical farming in urban areas seems to be catching on around the world.

With cities growing larger – and expected to grow even more in the next 10 – 20 years – and the huge numbers living in our cities will certainly put a strain on resources.  With that in mind and also with the prospect of our green spaces getting ever smaller, urban farming seems to answer some of our needs not only to support the eco-system but also the economy.

Many of these vertical urban farms are still concepts or plans but there are some that are already up and at ‘em.  One of these is the residential building in London (by the Thames) which has been inspired by a beehive.

This urban farm collects rainwater which is harvested for the plants that are grown in hydroponics and also used in toilets and bathrooms – very green.  The plants are apparently grown in the heart of the building but grow out of the hexagonal pods and hang over.

The Dragon Fly is set to make its mark in Manhattan.  This unusually shaped construction is 600 metres across and has 132 storeys generating enough room for 28 farms producing grains, vegetables, dairy and meat!

It’s made from steel and glass and powers it energy using biowaste, wind and solar power making it completely self-sustaining on the energy front.  This giant greenhouse is to be built at the Roosevelt Island in New York.

Watch this space for more conceptual ideas about urban farming.