Vertical Farming Systems for Urban Food Security: Design and Evaluation

Abstract

This project explores vertical farming as an architectural response to urban food insecurity. It designs a building-integrated hydroponic farm prototype, evaluates spatial, lighting and water requirements, and models potential yield per square metre compared with conventional urban agriculture, concluding with design guidelines for architects. The study is organised into five chapters covering the introduction, review of related literature, research methodology, data presentation and analysis, and the summary, conclusion and recommendations.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

This project explores vertical farming as an architectural response to urban food insecurity. It designs a building-integrated hydroponic farm prototype, evaluates spatial, lighting and water requirements, and models potential yield per square metre compared with conventional urban agriculture, concluding with design guidelines for architects.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Designs and evaluates a vertical farming prototype integrated into urban building design. Existing approaches remain limited in reach, accuracy and ease of use, which creates the gap this study addresses.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to vertical farming systems for urban food security: design and evaluation. The specific objectives are to:

1. review existing literature and systems related to the study;
2. collect and analyse data using Design-based research;
3. evaluate the results against the stated problem;
4. make recommendations for practice and further research.

1.4 Scope of the Study

Introduction: background to vertical farming in architecture, statement of the problem (cities import nearly all their food while arable land shrinks), aim and objectives, research questions, scope, significance of the study, and definition of terms.