Italy-based architecture firm Carlo Ratti Associati has unveiled the innovative and eco-minded design of an office tower in Shenzhen, China that features a vertical hydroponic farm extending the entire height of the building.
The design of the building called Jian Mu Tower was conceived as part of an international competition organized by Chinese supermarket chain Wumart. Said to be a new form of skyscraper design where the natural and artificial are intertwined, the Jian Mu Tower allows for the cultivation of fresh vegetables and fruits directly inside the tower for consumption.
“Small-scale urban farming is happening in cities all over the world – from Paris to New York to Singapore. Jian Mu Tower, however, takes it to the next level, Such approach has the potential to play a major role in the design of future cities, as it engages one of today’s most pressing architectural challenges: How to integrate the natural world into building design,” says Carlo Ratti, founding partner of Carlo Ratti Associati.
In total, the 218-metre high skyscraper has 10,000 square metres of space reserved for the growing of crops. Once in operation, an estimated 270,000 kilograms of food per year is capable of being produced. According to Carlo Ratti Associati, it will be enough to feed roughly 40,000 people.
In addition to providing food, the vertical gardens act as a sun shield, reducing the need for air conditioning.
All images in this article are courtesy of Carlo Ratti Associati.
