UF FARM
Created by Swiss company UrbanFarmers, this commercial-scale aquaponic farm prototype is pushing green roofs into higher production. Here’s how it works: the system, designed to integrate into existing rooftops, combines aquaculture and agriculture by housing fish that nurture the farm with their waste. The symbiotic relationship between the fish and plants makes for a totally closed loop. The pilot farm, called UF001 LokDepot, went up in Basel, Switzerland, last year as the first aquaponic rooftop in the world. UF001 is perched atop a former engine shed, lending sweeping views of the industrial part of the city as tilapia and trout wriggle in fresh water inside near the tomatoes and lettuces. Then it delivers fresh fish and veggies via electric bicycle to nearby restaurants. Once these filter their way into America, we want to see them at supermarkets and grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and neighborhood CSA programs, just to name a few.
The Rise of Living Architecture
Inside a hardcover hewn from recycled material, this commemorative book by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities features on-point Q&As with more than 50 industry leaders. An introductory essay by Green Roofs founder Steven Peck paints a portrait of a not-so-far-off future when buildings are no longer inorganic blocks isolated from the larger natural landscape.
Planterworx Element
Looking to add a little postmodern edge to your next project? The sweeping angles of these planers are inspired by ocean jetties, and they have a Cor-ten steel surface you can buy ready-patinated to a golden red rust.
Greenhouse and Cabinet of Future Fossils
Conceptualized by artist Jenny Sabin, this greenhouse-without-glass prefab structure looks a bit like the bleached rib bones of a 52-foot-long whale (it’s really recycled plastic lumber board). Tucked among these ribs are 110 cold growing trays with brightly colored translucent lids, creating 110 mini-greenhouses.
ECOWALLS CHEFS WALL GARDEN
Who needs a farm-to-table lifestyle when kitchen-to-table is faster and fresher? This hydroponic vertical garden, designed with the restaurant industry in mind, allows chefs to grow herbs and leafy greens in-house.
MODERN FARMER MAGAZINE
A farmer’s almanac for today’s socially conscious food culture, the publication offers features such as “Scenes From A Pot Farmers’ Market” and illustrations for how to turn a space-challenged city backyard into a four-season farm.
