A Niche Opportunity for Architects
“The global vertical farming market size was valued at $5.70 billion in 2023 & is projected to grow from $6.92 billion in 2024 to $50.10 billion by 2032” – according to Fortune Business Insights
Event: The Vertical Farming Show
10-11 September 2024, Dubai, UAE. The “5th Global Vertical Farming Show” and the only exclusive Vertical Farming event in the Middle East.
The case for Urban Vertical Farming
Sustainability in architecture can be significantly advanced through the integration of vertical farms within mixed-use high-rise projects. Vertical farms can mitigate climate change by reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and production, conserve water through efficient irrigation systems and reduce urban heat islands by introducing greenery into dense urban environments. Additionally, vertical farms support local food production, enhance air quality, and promote biodiversity within urban settings. By incorporating vegetation into high-rise buildings, architects can create self-sustaining ecosystems that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable urban experience.
The Challenges
Vertical farming has encountered significant financial hurdles, with many businesses shutting down due to high operational costs, energy demands, and substantial initial investments. Despite these challenges, the industry is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to technological advancements and strategic investments, particularly in Europe. While the debate continues over the sustainability and long-term viability of these energy-intensive systems, the increasing consumer demand for fresh, locally grown produce is driving market growth.
Singapore’s Skyscraper Farms: Pioneering Urban Sustainability and Green Architecture
Singapore is one of the greenest cities in the world, renowned for its green initiatives for over six decades. It now boasts a thriving network of urban green spaces making it increasingly liveable, sustainable, and resilient to climate challenges. The Singapore Green Plan 2030 aims to further enhance greening efforts, evolving the city into a harmonious blend of urban life and natural ecosystems, known as the City in Nature.
CapitaSpring designed by BIG
An Example of Vertical Urbanism
CapitaSpring, a 280-meter tall mixed-use skyscraper in Singapore’s financial district, features a blend of work, living, and leisure spaces. The 93,351 mยฒ development includes 29 floors of office spaces, 8 floors of serviced residences, 2 levels of hawker markets, and various retail and public spaces. The building’s unique design integrates tropical greenery throughout, with a vertical park connecting different levels and a rooftop garden supplying fresh produce to the building’s restaurants.
Certified with BCA Green Mark Platinum and Universal Design Mark GoldPLUS.” – Singapore Green Building Council, CapitaSpring redefines urban living by blending architecture with nature and community-focused spaces.
Visit the Project Page on BIG website here.
1-Arden; Worlds’ Highest Food Forest
The 1-Arden Food Forest at CapitaSpring in Singapore, the world’s highest urban farm, is located on the 51st floor of the 280-meter-tall mixed-use skyscraper. Spanning 10,000 square feet, it features over 130 varieties of crops distributed across five themed gardens: the Singapore Food Heritage Garden, Wellness Garden, Mediterranean Potager Garden, Japanese Potager Garden, and Australian Native Garden. This urban farm supplies fresh produce to on-site restaurants like Kaarla and Oumi, fostering a farm-to-table dining experience.
The Food Forest promotes sustainability by using food scraps for composting. The collaboration between the urban farm and the building’s restaurants ensures a steady supply of seasonal produce, exemplifying how urban agriculture can be integrated into high-rise buildings to enhance sustainability and culinary innovation. This approach not only reduces food waste but also creates a unique dining experience, connecting urban living with nature.
The 1-Arden Food Forest is open to the public.
More Information
Vertical Farming Industry Trends 2024
Empty Office Buildings Are Being Turned Into Vertical Farms
Vertical farming in urban environments: A review of architectural integration and food security.