Farm Carrier
Team
Name: Peerapat Prangphan
Nationality: Thai
Institution / Company: Chulalongkorn University
Name: Kulmanoch Hanpakdee
Nationality: Thai
Institution / Company: Chulalongkorn University
Name: Yotin Silarak
Nationality: Thai
Institution / Company: Chulalongkorn University
-HONOURABLE MENTION of London Vertical Farm Competition
London, renowned for its towering skyline and valuable real estate, stands as a testament to urban density. As we venture into the realm of agriculture within this bustling metropolis, the concept of vertical farming emerges as the prime solution, harnessing the power of towering structures to optimize space utilization. Yet, let us not forget the considerable energy demands required to create the ideal environment for our crops, from lighting to temperature control. Furthermore, the inclusion of urban gardens may unwittingly beckon various fauna, potentially drawing wildlife into the heart of the city. Hence, the exploration of alternative avenues, such as repurposing land for residential or public use, warrants our attention for the greater good of the city.
Thus, we propose a visionary approach: the utilization of untapped urban expanses, specifically the rivers that course through the city, as sites for farming endeavors. This strategy presents several distinct advantages, notably the elimination of the need for multi-tiered structures prevalent in tall edifices. By eschewing excessive verticality, we mitigate energy waste and curb the release of CO2 emissions, fostering an environment where crops can flourish. Adopting a single-level farming model facilitates the harnessing of natural sunlight, while direct access to river water reduces the energy footprint associated with irrigation. Moreover, our transport vessels, devoid of internal combustion engines, can be temporarily moored along the riverbanks during harvest periods, thereby enhancing flexibility and evoking the untapped potential of fallow lands, thereby cultivating a rich tapestry of crop diversity.
London, a city inextricably linked to its meandering rivers, boasts a wealth of waterfront territories that seamlessly connect disparate sections of the urban tapestry, streamlining logistical operations. Consequently, our distribution channels can emanate from these primary river arteries, ultimately ferrying our bountiful harvest to consumers through an array of transportation modalities. In terms of sustainability, waterborne conveyance proves superlative, outshining terrestrial or aerial alternatives, particularly when considering the imperative goal of reducing CO2 emissions.
In culmination, the farming paradigm we espouse stands as an innovative solution, a blueprint that can be replicated in major cities worldwide, especially those graced by resplendent rivers that serve as vital conduits within the urban landscape. By embracing the innate characteristics of these cities, we not only satisfy the burgeoning demands of sustainable agriculture but also preserve the delicate equilibrium between urban progress and environmental preservation.
#Food production & local sourcing #Urban agriculture #Resource conservation
