'U-Farm'​: Architecture Design Competition for Challenge to design an Urban Farming Center (2024)

Fig: 1-Agriculture is the most primitive occupation practiced by humans

Consumption cycle

The consumption pattern of humankind has become a vicious cycle of consumption and destruction. Humans extract resources from nature, create infrastructure, and produce wastes/by-products that lead to thedegradation of ecological systems.To fight these deterioration concerns, the solutions devised rely on resources, again, from nature.

Issues likeglobal warming and climate changehave emerged as a result, posing a threat to the existence of humankind and the planet.Urban centers are operating on linear systems that contribute to the inefficiency of the consumption cycle.As the population in cities is anticipated to grow in the future, a circular economy system needs to be established to fight the threats faced.

Can a circular economy resolve all urban concerns of contemporary times?

Fig: 2- Urban farming in cities is practiced by huge corporations on building rooftops. (Credits:Drone-view)

Tacking the unhealthy cycle

Urbanization has not only created a burden on earth’s limited resources but affects the wellbeing of both nature and man. Human health, safety, and security are at risk in volatile and complex systems operating in dense cities. Requirements such as food, shelter, and income are provided throughunsustainable supply chainsto the general public.Food systems are the main concern in major cities around the world. The pressure of the population increases the reliance on external sources for fulfilling the food requirements.

Due to this, new methods ofincreasing food production in citiesare being explored.Urban farmingis an intervention that is strengthening its foothold in urban landscapes. Through this process,the waste loop is closed and a circular economy is created.Its contribution to the social scenario involvesfood security, improving the health of residents, and employment opportunities for local communities.

Can farming contribute to the city environment?

Fig: 3- Farming techniques are traditional and this knowledge is to be passed on, assisted with modern equipment.

Bringing farming into the city

Urban farming can have far-reaching global effects such as reduction in waste production, greenhouse gas emissions and restore local ecosystems, ensuring the well-being of nature and man.

Brief: The challenge is to design an urban farming center that can be used to improve the local food production in the city and as a skill center for enthusiasts and out-of-work citizens.

A center for urban farming will help increase theawareness of food supply systemsand providetraining and learning facilities for the unemployed factions of society.The design can be inspired by the city landscape. The center will operate asfarming land and an informal learning institute.

The center aims to promote farming in urban settings. The learning center will be able to provide people with skills and equipment that can be used toincorporate farming on an individual levelas well. The center must be designed keeping in mind thelocal constraints of the site.

Design objectives

• Balance:Privacy and interaction must be guided in the layout as per the nature of the activity. The balance between aesthetics and functionality, as well as open, semi-open, and closed learning spaces.
• Harmony:The design must establish some harmony or connection with the surroundings while having outstanding features.
• Context:The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.
• Sustainability:Reduce the negative impact of design on the environment, by improving building performance, reducing waste, and ensuring comfort for occupants.

Site

China has seen tremendous growth on socio-economic fronts, butagriculture holds an important place in the country’s progress.Despite the shortage of arable land, farming has flourished with intense labor and assistive technologies.

Shanghai is an urban agglomerationthat is riddled with environmental problems.The city land is 32% farmlands and this has been decreasing in the wake of urbanization. Food demand has risen with population density.As sustainable development takes foot, the urban farming trend has taken traction with efforts forterrace or roof farming, urban farmlands, and so on.

The site is located in a neighborhood surrounded by predominantly residential settlements. It can be accessed byFuhai Roadwith many restaurants and eateries. Cooperative efforts between farmers, citizens, and authorities are helping propagate the agenda of urban farming.

• Site area =8324 sq.m
• Height restriction =10 metres
• Ground coverage = 50%
• Max FAR =1
• Setbacks (as per CAD plan)
• Coordinates =31°22'05.9"N 121°14'55.9"E

Program outline

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design program.

• Spaces to learn:Workshops, seminar room, multimedia room
• Spaces to farm:Cultivation land, processing workshop, marketspace
• Spaces to engage:Outdoor studios, exhibition space, cafeteria

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this