CONTENTS PAGE
RESEARCH Introduction Project Proposal Current Issues Design Rationale
4 - 5 6 - 7 8 - 9 10 - 11
DISCOVER Inspiration Idea Generation Chosen Direction Development
12 - 13 14 - 17 18 - 19
DEFINE Product Scale and Reflection
20 - 21
DEVELOP Concept Development
22 - 29
DELIVER Features and User Benefits Community Tree - The Future References
30 - 33 34 - 37 38 - 39
INTR O DU C T I ON The Problem Agriculture as we know it is extremely damaging to the environment. Scientists are concerned as “Food production takes up almost half of the planet’s land surface and threatens to consume the fertile land that still remains” [1]. With an ever-increasing population that is expected to reach “9.8 billion in 2050” [2] we need to collectively change the way we grow and harvest fresh produce. How can we increase food production without negatively impacting the environment with water pollution, deforestation and soil erosion?
The Technology Technological advances mean that the use of hydroponic systems in controlled spaces can create an atmosphere for crops to thrive in places they would usually perish. This is achieved by controlling the humidity temperature and lighting. Another similar method is called aeroponics which relies on an air and mist environment, without using any soil.
The Urban Setting Urban environments have few green areas, with most residents either living in high rise buildings or houses with very little garden space. Due to the densely populated nature of these urban spaces it is very difficult for people to grow their own fresh produce at home.
The Solution The project aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle by providing communities with shared spaces in which they can grow and harvest food for themselves, whilst teaching users of all ages more about where their food comes from and reducing food scarcity.
The Community In a world where technology keeps us connected, loneliness is more common than ever [3]. The idea of having a shared garden space hopes to create a sense of community, allowing users to bond over a new love of gardening. The shared aspect could also reduce food waste with users taking only what they need as opposed to buying in excess fruit and veg every week from the supermarket, which tends to get wasted or spoils too quickly.
IMAGE IMAGE
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PR O J E C T P R OPOS AL Project Focus How might we encourage more people to grow fresh produce in an urban environment? This project is a direct response to a current societal issue. The aim is to work through a number of different solutions to see which is the most feasible within an urban environment.
Project Considerations This project comes with its own set of challenges, the majority of which can be overcome by managing time wisely between each part of the design process. This will ensure that the project runs smoothly and offers a well-considered outcome to meet the brief. The first part of the project will be research heavy, looking at existing technology and other products on the market. This will help to inform early decisions and steer the directions of the project with ideation and development pushing these concepts further.
Social Change Due to the ever-increasing population food is already scarce in some areas, something which will only get worse in years to come, meaning alternative methods should be explored. By providing communities with the resources to grow their own fresh produce and the opportunity to make incremental steps to a greener future, it becomes possible to reduce the demand on industrial farming across the globe.
Project Direction The project focus is a broad question based around encouraging those who live in an urban environment to grow their own produce. At this stage there are numerous potential concepts that will meet the brief, which all take on very different forms such as : A shared space where the surrounding community can come together and grow their own fruit and veg. A social garden space particularly beneficial for users living in high rise buildings.
An educational unit that will be placed in different schools/ parts of the country for a set period with the aim to teach children and familes more about where their food comes from.
A modular unit or mini garden that can be used in small houses/ flats common in an urban environment. It modular nature would give the user the ability to have more units depending on the space available.
A unit to grow fruit and veg suitable for use both indoors and outdoors depending on the time of year and technology.
A product that could be controlled using an app to make it easier for people in urban environments to grow their own produce around their busy lifestyles.
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CU R R E N T I S SU E S Need For Change Why should people grow their own produce? The rise already seen in our population has caused “recent intensification of agriculture, and the prospects of future intensification, will have major detrimental impacts” [4] to surrounding land and aquatic ecosystems of the world. People need to take responsibility for looking after the planet, growing their own produce would offer benefits such as [5]: • Sense of achievement, • A better understanding of where food comes from, • Encouraged healthier lifestyle, • Improved skillset, • Reduced chemical exposure from pesticides, • Stress relief, • Improved wellbeing, mental and physical health, • Strengthening community networks.
Factors Against Whilst offering many benefits, it can be tricky for people to get started growing their own produce in gardens and allotments. Some of the most common factors are [6]: • Allotments have waiting list that take years, • Aplications are selected by the council and the site rep, • Some may be rejected due to their age and/or gender,
Land Mass Break Down 3%
8%
• Lack of gardening knowledge, • Lack of education on the issues with agriculture,
22% 56%
Why Urban Farming Urban areas specifically have the following characteristics[9]: • Densely populated, • High rise buildings, • Flats and apartments, • Shopping centres and amenities, • Limited green spaces.
Crop Land
11%
• Limited space to have allotments especially in urban areas,
• Busy modern lifestyles.
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Current Method of Agriculture Dickson Despommier, Professor at Columbia University states that cities are home to over half of the global population, and that the land mass needed to produce food for these people equates to an area half the size of south America [7]. A large proportion of the earth is unhabitable due to extreme weather conditions and mountainous areas. There is a small percentage of land currently left over, however this space is not enough land to keep up with the demand of a rising population without rethinking the process.
Live Stock Uninhabitable Developed Urban Areas Left Over
Today, industrial farming lies behind supermarkets, fast food chains and microwave meals yet a shocking 1/3 of all food is wasted and at what cost to our planet and our futures. Commercial farming’s impact on the environment and public health makes it an unsustainable method to continue in the long term [8].
As previously mentioned, the cities of the world contain over half of the world’s population, by growing more fresh produce within these areas it means there is less demand on industrial farming. Reduced demand will in turn decrease the volume of produce travelling into these cities, which will put less greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. This encouragement to be more self-sustainable will also help to slow the rate of deforestation ,water pollution and soil erosion across many ecosystems.
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DE S I G N R AT ION A L E Problems to Overcome The existing problems will act as the design rationale for this project. In the beginning concepts will be critically evaluated based on how many problems they eradicate, the most successful will be carried forward.
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Physical Design Specifcations Likewise, the following specifications will underpin the decisions made during the design process, successful concepts should have all functions and components included.
Fresh produce has to travel thousands of miles before it arrives in our stores.
Collects and re-uses rainwater.
Concerns over pesticide and other chemical use in the farming industry.
Solar panels to power the lighting.
Reduced single use plastic for food packaging and carbon footprints.
Storage space for tools and equipment.
Lack of food education and gardening skills within communities.
Considered use of space.
Solution must be a cost effective.
Potential to create a community hub.
Allotment site conflict, discrimination and competition
Modular product to allow singular/ multiple units to be in a space.
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PRO J E C T I N S PI R ATI ON Immersive Environment The aim of this project is to create a shared allotment of the future, that will be visually beautiful whilst adding green space to the surrounding environment. These images display areas where it seems nature is taking over, the use of different lighting gives the impression of immersive nature.
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IDE A G EN E R AT I ON Concept Categories During the idea generation stage, it became clear that the concepts fit into three distinct categories. Grouping the concepts in this manner helped to generate a greater range of potential project directions.
Transforming Existing Spaces These sketches focus on using existing spaces within an urban environment. Most of the concepts are within a building therefore, it may struggle to help users reach a wider community.
Description: Transforming existing spaces such as rooftops, stairwells and alleyways to make the most out of them. What is the problem to solve? Fresh food poverty within an urban environment, would help when fitted in the high rises that house low income families/users. What is new? Users within an apartment block would have a communal space to grow food and socialise. Description: Making the working environment a greener place, shared produce between colleagues rather than direct community. What is the problem to solve? Unhealthy lifestyles, wasted space within offices, reducing single use plastic use (food packaging). What is new? Green spaces are proven to relieve stress and gardening brings a sense of achievement, allows colleagues to bond over a new hobby. Description: Raised communal garden, needs a larger footprint however, it could use the space above and leave the ground free. What is the problem to solve? Food poverty, unhealthy lifestyles and a disconnected community. What is new? Futuristic design and/ or technology could be placed above road central reservation or roundabouts to repurpose unused space.
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IDE A G EN E R AT I ON Green Workplace The concept sketches below aim to bring together colleagues from all departments, allowing them to create a greater sense of community outside of their home. These concepts range from personal desks to bigger structures for the workplace.
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Raised Growing Space The idea behind these concepts is that the shared space would be raised of the ground to keep the ground free. These were quite big structures so the product was scaled down, meaning the plants would be lowered when the users need access.
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CH O S E N D I R E C T I ON D E V E LOP ME N T Early Concept Reflection The project is following on from the raised growing space, as it has more potential to be radically different to other products on the market. One change in particular is the scale, in previous sketches the users would have needed a lift to enter the structure, if multiple people had to fit in the space at once, its footprint would be fairly large which may not fit in some urban environments. Instead the planters will be lowered when the user is tending to the plants and can raise up when not in use. This would be beneficial to the busy environment as it keeps the floor space free when not in use. Ideation To develop this further the project will be taking inspiration from future green architecture and other landscape structures, in order to make the final form aesthetically pleasing.
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PR O DU C T S C A L E AN D R E FLE C TI ON Testing the Scale Before developing this concept any further it is important to work out the scale of the product. In its simplest forms the design features a central ‘tree trunk’ and a series of planter ‘branches’ circulating. The images below show a 1.5m circle which represents the total span of the product. The design specification states that the product should use minimal surface area in order to fit in an urban environment.
Test 1
Test 2
1.5m span with 4 users
1.5m span with 3 users
The template was placed at a comfortable working height for the users, the goal was to visualise if they had enough space to work, and how much space each user had to grow produce. The results showed that while the subjects had enough space, they wouldn’t be able to grow a great volume of produce at this size. One user pointed out that whilst they could reach into the middle easily, this might cause discomfort for people with limited mobility.
This test was simply to see if it was possible to fit 3 users comfortably around the same circle. The card was divided into thirds and the subjects were asked to reach around their section. The results showed that while they had slightly more space it was not significant enough to make a huge increase in crop yield. Both tests have shown that the product needs to have a bigger footprint to efficiently work for multiple users.
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Simple Concept Prototype This first prototype was to further understand the scale of the product and its components. Having the card model helped to visualise how the branches would raise and lower. This model shows why the branch brackets needed to be internal, as having them around the outside of the trunk means they would all have to move together.
This became a visual aid when starting to make the first CAD model. Throughout the concept development it was back and forth between CAD, sketching and research to ensure that the product and its features were all feasible. It also required some aesthetic development to turn this basic concept into a visually beautiful product.
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CON C E P T D E VE L OP M E N T Aeroponic Branches The chosen growing method is aeroponics which uses an air and mist environment. The nutrient infused water will be dispursed on the inside of the branch covering the plants roots.
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CON C E P T D E VE L OP M E N T Bench and Storage The bench features a Corten steel base with a concrete seat, this is attatched using concrete screws. Benches are an optional feature for use in communities with less space, their form and circular cluster positioning increases togetherness.
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CON C E P T D E VE L OP M E N T Chain and Crank Handle Each user has a unique crank handle which can lower their branch, this is a secuirty feature that also requires trust within the community. The chain locks with each revolution keeping the public safe from branches falling down.
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CON C E P T D E VE L OP M E N T Lighting and Solar Panel The Community Tree can be positioned in the path of the sun for optimal absorbtion along the curved surface. The bright curved underside acts as a light canopy, to reflect the light downwards to the surrounding area.
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FEATU R E S A N D U S E R B E N E FI TS Aeroponic Pods Each pod houses one plant, the roots sit on the inside of the branch and the plant grows naturally through the spout. Fresh produce grows in coconut coir (finer husk), and requires no pesticides.
Curved Solar Panel and Street Lamp Sustainable source of power for the light and the water pump. Ambient lighting creates a safe social space for users to gather any time of day. Solar panels to power the lighting.
Collects and re-uses rainwater. Storage space for tools and equipment.
Secure Storage Drawer Each section has a removable drawer on wheels with a lock. The drawer’s mobility means they can be taken to the user’s branch while in use and be locked away safely when unattended.
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Underground Water Tank Collects and re-uses rainwater to create a mist environment. Detectors sense when the water level is low and uses the mains water supply instead. Product is self-watering the built-in filter cleans and adds vital nutrients into water flow, producing better tasting crops.
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FEATU R E S A N D U S E R B E N E FI TS Branches and Benches Branches can be lowered when tending to the plants and raised into the air to save space on the ground. Positioning of the benches allows user to sit or stand when gardening. When branches are all raised the Community Tree acts as a green social space with benches surrounding.
Chain and Crank Handle Winding the crank handle raises or lowers the corresponding branch. The chain locks in each link, this is a safety feature to ensure the branches don’t fall. Considered use of space.
Modular Product to allow singular/ multiple units to be used in a space. Potential to create a community hub.
Unique Removable Crank Handle Crank handles are unique meaning users can only access their own branch. They are removable and can be stored in the corresponding under bench drawer. Plants are secure when in raised position.
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Internal Water Supply and Mist Nozzles Water Pipes run up alongside the chain, allowing mist onto the roots of the plants when in raised position. Mist environment ensures the crops always have enough water and nutrients.
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COM M U N I T Y T R EE - TH E FU TU R E The Solution The Community Tree is the solution to a current societal issue, it aims to encourage more people to grow their own fresh produce in an urban environment. The population is rising constantly and carrying on business as usual will be detrimental to the health of our planet. The project highlights the issues with industrial farming and hopes that providing communities with the resources to grow their own fresh produce, will be a step towards a greener future. The product form represents that of a tree and naturally carries the same positive characteristics such as providing oxygen, green spaces and is a nod towards the future of allotments.
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What’s Next? Due to the current circumstances this product is still conceptual, the next step of developing this project would be to create scaled down prototypes. It would be thought-provoking to see a full-sized model in an urban environment, to see how people would interact with the product. The Community Tree would be property of the council, with the users having their own allocated branch, so ultimately this concept should be presented to various urban councils as an achievable solution to food scarcity and fresh food poverty that also reduces the excess use of single use plastics. In the long term the Community Tree will help users build and share knowledge encouraging a greater sense of togetherness and will help communities grow stronger and more resilient.
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COM M U N I T Y T R EE - TH E FU TU R E
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Ref ere n c e L is t [1]: Owen, J. (2005). Retrieved 11 May 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/12/agriculture-food-crops-land/ [2]: World population projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100 | UN DESA | United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2020). Retrieved 30 April 2020, from https://www.un.org/development/ desa/en/news/population/world-population-prospects-2017.html [3]: Mariya Mirza, B., & Mariya Mirza, B. (2020). Why Is Loneliness More Common Than Ever in Today’s Over-Connected World?. Retrieved 30 April 2020, from https://www.learning-mind.com/loneliness-over-connected-world/ [4]: Tilman, D. (1999). Global environmental impacts of agricultural expansion: The need for sustainable and efficient practices. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences, 96(11), 5995-6000. doi: 10.1073/pnas.96.11.5995 [5]: Lewis, R. (2017). Is an Allotment for me?. Retrieved 22 January 2020, from https://vegplotter.com/blog/is-anallotment-for-me [6]: Carroll, M. (2018). The changing nature of allotments. Retrieved 22 January 2020, from https://www.bhaf.org. uk/content/about/bhaf-business/issues/the_changing_nature_of_allotments [7]: The Good Stuff. (2015). Why We Should Be Urban Farming [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XaEKJ5Vv3Zg [8]: All about Industrial Farming Today and its Effects | Farming Solutions. (2015). Retrieved 11 May 2020, from http://www.farmingsolutions.org/all-about-industrial-farming-today-and-its-effects/ [9]: Julita. (2017). Difference Between Urban and Suburban | Difference Between. Retrieved 22 January 2020, from http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-urban-and-suburban/
Cover Images: (Mouton, L). (2019). Leaf Lettuce. [Image]. Accessed from: https://www.thespruce.com/high-yield-vegetableplants-for-small-garden-spaces-1388683 (Kostin, N). (2019). Tomatoes. [Image]. Accessed from: https://www.thespruce.com/high-yield-vegetableplants-for-small-garden-spaces-1388683 (Dettrick, J). (2019). Peas. [Image]. Accessed from: https://www.thespruce.com/high-yield-vegetable-plantsfor-small-garden-spaces-1388683 (Toomer, J). (2017). At-risk teens grow hope in community garden. [Image]. Accessed from: https://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/people-helping-people/at-risk-teens-grow-hope-in-community-garden (Bacci, F). (2018). Lower Manhattan cityscape. [Image]. Accessed from: https://www.wework.com/ideas/cityguides/how-a-new-york-city-neighborhood-transformed-into-a-community-hub Page 4: (Ellis, G). (2018). Clearing of tropical rainforest south of Lake Kutubu, Papua New Guinea. [Image]. Accessed from: https://www.carbonbrief.org/deforestation-has-driven-up-hottest-day-temperatures (Trombetta, R). (2019). Hong Kong. [Image]. Accessed from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29370225@ N03/21329745079”>hong kong</a> via <a Page 5: (Donald, R). (2017). Midtown Manhattan with the empire state building. [Image]. Accessed from: https://www.britannica.com/technology/skyscraper (Klika, B). (2016). Is social media helping or hurting your business and brand?. [Image]. Accessed from: https:// www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/expert-articles/5998/is-social-media-helping-or-hurtingyour-business-and-brand/ Page 6: (Cuellar, J). (2013). Life from above. [Image]. Accessed from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/49503180180@ N01/10144896193 (Reimer, J). (2019). Cities that make space for community gardens help people to connect. [Image]. Accessed from: https://360.here.com/urban-loneliness Page 8: (Ribeiro, A). (2015). Soybean harvesting in the Mato Grosso in Brazil. [Image]. Accessed from: http://www.ethicalcorp.com/want-fight-climate-change-start-checking-whats-your-plate Page 12 - 13: All inspiration imagery is pinned under [Smart Garden Inspo] and can be accessed from : https://pin.it/6bT3Rvh
Any additional information can be found at: https://charlotte-tatlow.wixsite.com/tatlowcharlotte This Project is documented in the ‘Major Project’ section of the website and shows the whole design process.
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Community Tree - Growing Together Charlotte Tatlow