Singapore: Homefarm concept design Vertical Farming

Farm adapts a simple aquaponic system inspired by that which has been successfully used in Singapore by rooftop farming initiative ComCrop using off-the-shelf components.
Farm adapts a simple aquaponic system inspired by that which has been successfully used in Singapore by rooftop farming initiative ComCrop using off-the-shelf components.

To address issues surrounding Asia’s aging population and food scarcity, SPARK has unveiled a conceptual project the blends affordable retirement housing with urban farming.

SPARK is an award-winning international architectural and design consultancy with proven expertise in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and interior design

The proposal, titled “Home Farm,” integrates vertical aquaponic farming and rooftop soil planting with high-density housing designed for seniors that provides residents with a desirable garden environment and opportunities for post-retirement employment.

Image © SPARK
Homefarm is a conceptual proposal for the next generation of urban retirement housing. It presents a living and farming typology for Singapore (or elsewhere) that combines apartments and facilities for seniors with vertical urban farming. Seniors live in a high-density garden environment created by a vegetable farm, where they may find employment. SPARK’s aim is to generate discussion about the many potentials that can emerge from the mixing of two typically separate realms. The research-based design addresses two pressing challenges faced by Singapore: how the city state might support a rapidly ageing society, and how it might enhance its food security (90% of which is currently imported).

“We designed this concept for Singapore,” says SPARK Director Stephen Pimbley, “but there is the potential for it to be applied in any location that would support the growth of leafy green vegetables on building facades and rooftops.” He continues, “We are keen to see this project materialise at some point in the future. The concept is a realizable solution to real and pressing problems faced by many of the world’s growing cities.”

Singapore is one of just seven fully urbanized places – a city state without a hinterland. In the 1960s, 20,000 farms still occupied about a quarter of Singapore’s land area and produced vegetables, fruits, rubber, tobacco, spices and orchids. Pigs and poultry were reared. Farmers have since made way for infrastructure projects, housing and industry.

HOMEFARM

Currently Singapore imports over 90% of its food. Singapore’s small agricultural sector produces primarily eggs, fish, poultry and vegetables. Ornamental fish and orchids are produced for export. Singapore’s high dependency on food imports makes food security a very prominent issue.

The Singapore Government’s Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has in place strategies for the diversification of food sources and (given the lack of space for traditional farmland) the boosting of the local production of leafy vegetables, fish and eggs through intensive agricultural technology.

Home Farm adapts a simple aquaponic system inspired by that which has been successfully used in Singapore by rooftop farming initiative ComCrop using off-the-shelf components. At Home Farm, aquaponics have been adapted for use on the building façade. Soil-based farming is proposed for linear planting beds at the highest levels, as well as the rooftops of facilities buildings.

Jobs for seniors at Home Farm could include planting, harvesting, sorting, packing, tours, sales on site, delivery, cleaning, and so on. Possibilities for the remuneration of Home Farm’s resident workers could include: payment of salary, offsetting rental or utilities bills, offsetting healthcare costs at the on-site clinic, or free produce.

Home Farm is imagined as a private rather than public entity, but one that is within the reach of seniors who encounter financial stress. The architecture has been conceived for economic construction using simple materials and modular parts. The concept offers multi-dimensional benefits related to economics, food security and quality, social engagement, health, sustainability, place making, and healthcare provision.


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