Carlo Ratti Associati has unveiled plans to build a 218-metre-tall skyscraper in China that would grow crops using hydroponics, as well as contain spaces for selling and consuming the produce.
The Jian Mu Tower would occupy the last available plot in Shenzhen's business district, completing the city's central skyline.
The 51-storey building dedicates 10,000 square metres to the cultivation of crops, creating a vertical hydroponic farm.
Hydroponic farming involves growing plants using water-based, mineral nutrient solutions as opposed to soil. The method is a space-saving solution to farming, and means crops can be organised and grown in a vertical formation.
Top: the skyscraper will contain offices, supermarkets and food courts. Above: the shape of the building was informed by ancient Chinese philosophy The building is estimated to produce 270 tonnes of food per year, which is said to feed roughly 40,000 people. It would create a self-sustained food supply chain that manages cultivation, harvest, sale and consumption all within one building.
The vertical farms are planned to produce a range of vegetables and crops including salad greens, fruits and herbs.
"The vertical hydroponic farm embraces the notion of zero food miles in the most comprehensive sense," Carlo Ratti told Dezeen. "Crops cultivated in the tower are sold and even eaten in the same location, which helps us conserve a great deal of energy in food distribution."
Hydroponic farm spaces and cr...