ROOFTOP URBAN AGRICULTURE KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Assessment 02 Portfolio SRD 768 Landscape Design Masterclass Master of Landscape Architecture Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment School of Architecture and Built Environment Deakin University Sujan Shrestha 218199974
Food isn’t commodity, it’s human right. United Nations
The contents The Return Brief Key documents
Goal, strategies and processes Implementation
Background and urban problems Buildings and rooftops Design exploration and ideas
Sustainable thinking Envisioning the vision References
The Return Brief
This project is an approach to envision the potential of the rooftop spaces by converting them into a productive edible spaces and achieve multi-functional benefits. To combat with different prevalent urban issues of Kathmandu, the brief calls for an innovative and sustainable design response through the lens of landscape architecture perspective in the form of urban agriculture. Food insecurity due to high international import and less local production, plus food insecurity due to toxic chemically treated vegetables; loss of greenery and productive land due to rapid unplanned and uncontrolled urbanization; worsening air quality are some threatening urban issues the city has been facing for so many years and is continuing. Seeking out the holistic solution of these urban issues through community engagement and participatory approach, rooftop urban agriculture has the immense potential to tackle with these issues.
Project name: Greening rooftops Stakeholders: People Engineers, Technicians, designers, farmers Government, Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO), International Non- Governmental Organizations (INGO) Study location: Pepsicola, Kathmandu, Nepal
Aim To scrutinize the potential of rooftop gardening and implement that on local level which would in return help in combating with numerous urban related problems, so as to produce positive multi-functional benefits on community, health and environment. Objectives 1) Reduce consumption of unhealthy chemically treated imported and local vegetables 2) Prioritize domestic/ local produce 3) Utilize underutilized rooftop for urban agriculture and production of food a) Add greenery to tackle with issues like air pollution, urban heat island effects, environmental degradation 5) Reduce pressure of food production for increasing population 6) Preparation during political problems like economic blockade with neighboring countries, pandemics like covid-19 related with food shortages and health Issues (Nepal) 1) Due to geographical character of the country, it faces recurring natural disasters 2) Fluctuation in food prices, and poor infrastructure for transportation. 3) Pandemics such as Corid-19’s creates another challenge on top breaking the food chain system 4) Several researches show that food insecure country like Nepal are vulnerable and less prepared for outbreaks 5) Nepal rely almost entirely on international imports for agricultural products 6) Possibility of scarcity during burning issues of pandemics, post pandemics, national economy drift.
Design considerations 1) Aligned with strategic and scientific documents 2) Utilization of the space(s) that can be best used with rooftop gardening for social, environmental and economic benefits 3) Sustainable consideration like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation 4) Seismic sensitive consideration 5) Beautification
Methodology
Design focus 1) Renovate under-utilize roof top space 2) Add greenery and increase productivity 3) Add local healthy food production 4) Improve air quality
Stage 2 • Explore and integrate methods and techniques of rooftop gardening in line with rooftop status • Preliminary sketches, ideation and development • Revisions following feedbacks and discussions with different stakeholders
Stage 1 • Extensive background research (scientific documents, research papers, books , ebooks about opportunities and challenges of rooftop urban agriculture) • Visiting different condition rooftops
Stage 3 • Concept development and plans • Framework for implementation in different scenario rooftops • Revisions following feedbacks and discussions with different stakeholders Stage 4 • Development of final package (refer to deliverables section) • Presentation of final work to different stakeholders Deliverables • 8x A1 sheets comprising of overall design process and response • Background analysis • Buildings and rooftops analysis • Design strategies and processes depicting guidelines, principles and tools • 3D perspective renders, plans, sections • Food productivity estimation • Portfolio • Slideshow • Narrated video
Key documents Rooftop Urban Agriculture
The Rooftop Growing guide
This book covers a detail insight about soilbased and hydroponics agriculture and ways to integrate onto the rooftop system.
This book includes a guidelines for setting up rooftop garden, specially soil- based.
And case studies about various successful implementation of rooftop agriculture.
Information on different vegetables, growing, harvesting manuals are included.
Guide to setting up your own edible rooftop garden
Carrot city Creating places for urban agriculture
A comprehensive guidelines about setting up soil- based rooftop garden without professionals guidance
A comprehensive information on different methods of urban agriculture along with rooftop agriculture. It includes various case
Green roofs in Cairo: A holistic approach for healthy productive cities This research journal presents overview of the initiation of Food and Agriculture’s (FAO) rooftop farming in Cairo and how it is successfully getting implemented slowly to tackle urban problems of a city in a developing country like Egypt.
Rooftop garden training manual A comprehensive guidelines on setting up soil- based rooftop garden in Nepali cities prepared by UN habitat.
Background and urban problems Nepal and Kathmandu valley Timeline Growth history of Kathmandu Urban Problems The headlines How to mitigate the urban issues? Precedents
Nepal and Kathmandu valley
147,181 m²
Kathmandu
Kirtipur
Lalitpur
Thimi
Bhaktapur
42,925 m²
Nepal
Kathmandu valley
Kathmandu valley
Himalayan range
Nepal is a sovereign and the oldest country in South Asia, landlocked between China in the north and India in the South. The elevation stretches as low as 70m on the Southern Nepal to the top of the world- 8848m on the peak of Mt. Everest. It’s a multicultural, multi ethnic country. Kathmandu valley
Kathmandu is the capital and largest metropolitan city of Nepal. Kathmandu has been the centre of Nepal’s history, art, architecture, culture and economy since many years. It has multiethnic population with the follower of Hinduism and Buddhism in majority. Religious and cultural festivities play major role is the lives of people in Kathmandu.
5000m
1500m
Bowl- shaped Kathmandu valley Known as ‘city of temples’
North- South cross-section
Timeline (Nepal and Kathmandu)
Patan Durbar Square, a listed ‘world heritage site’ in Kathmandu valley
1000 BCE
Shoyambhunath shrine built in the valley
10th century
1201
1768
1779
1979
Kathmandu valley declared as UNESCO world heritage site
King Gunakama Dev established a city at the banks of Bagmati kriver
Malla dynasty as ruling dynasty of Kathmandu valley (considered as golden age)
1996
2006
Civil war between Maoist and government started
Civil war ended- peace establishment
Shah dynasty as ruling dynasty of kingdom of Nepal
2008
Became democratic republic from monarchical country
2015 Earthquakemagnitude 7.8 rector
India imposing economic blockade in Nepal
Growth history of Kathmandu
1989
(THOUSANDS) 6%
1600
5% 1200
4% 3%
800
2% 400
1%
1999
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Population growth and growth rate
Centralised administrative system is the main reason behind the migration of people to Kathmandu, and migration being the main cause of population growth in the city. People migrate for better urban facilities, education, employment from rural areas.
2009
Kathmandu is one of the fastest urbanising cities. Average annual population growth 6% since 1970s (UNDESA, 2012). Builtup area
Current population of Kathmandu is 1.376 million.
Other
2019
Urban Problems Issue 1 Loss of greenery and productive land
1989
2019
Location: Pepsicola, Kathmandu
Unplanned and Unmonitored urbanisation
Kathmandu valley is situated at an altitude of 1200- 1400 m above sea level. Kathmandu was believed to be a lake which was later drained out before civilisation started. That’s the reason the soil of Kathmandu is fertile for agriculture. Due to migration from rural areas to the city, it has seen rapid urban growth which is unplanned and unmonitored, and that is leading to uncontrolled urban sprawl creating different issues like: 1 Loss of greenery and productive land 2 Food insecurity due to high demand a High International import b Chemically treated unhealthy vegetables 3 Air pollution
2019
2007
Green structures
only 0.25
m²/person green structure
WHO recommendation: 8 m²/person open/ green structure
The cultivable land in Nepal has decreased by 30,334 hectares in the fiscal year 2016/17 (Source: Data of economic activities, Nepal Rastra bank).
Issue 2
Issue 3 Food insecurity due to high demand a High International import b Chemically treated unhealthy vegetables
Air pollution Nepal’s air quality ranks 177th out of 178 countries, according to Yale’s 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), better only than Bangladesh. One of the study shows the level of small particulate matter measurement over 500 micrograms per cubic metre in Kathmandu, or 20 times the World Health Organisation’s safe upper limit. (theguardian.com)
Trend of Nepal’s vegetable exports and imports over five years (edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers)
Nepal imports majority of the vegetables from India. Due to large dependency of food import from India, and insufficient local production, there has always been the underlying threatening issue of food insecurity. During political clashes with India, Nepal has faced such circumstances of food shortages before due to economic blocade imposed by India.
my own story Back in Kathmandu, I was a patient of allergic asthma for quite a long time. I used to use nasal spray everyday in the morning and consume medicine of asthma two times a day. This continued for more than 7-8 years. A little over two years ago I landed to Australia. I had brought with me my medicine package from Nepal to prevent from any asthma complication during my initial stay. To my surprise, I don’t know if I should consider this miracle or something else, I have never opened up my medical kit which I had brought from home since I have never have any allergic or asthma complications after my days in Australia. This has led me think environmental condition and air quality of the places I lived before must have been responsible factor for my health complications. My own experience has inspired me to explore more about the necessity of greenery in the city, not only for the beautification but also for the human health, ecological health, food, environment and biodiversity.
The headlines
s-sky-fuel-price Hlorld/food jF /w p L m o -F c ry s. -un/sto antime w.hindust -blockade n w ia w d // n s: -i p o htt due-t -in-nepalrocketing .html N x tJ K b IW 4C7L8m6
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/mar/21/ air-pollution-kathmandu-nepal-liveable-smog-paris
https://k ath fer-as-gro mandupost.co m/mone ceries-b y/2020/0 ecome-s 5/22/pe carce-an o d-costly -under-lo ple-sufckdown
dens/depen lo om/new t.c n rk ie o suffic netw .nagarik -amid-in s a c e li u b n u ti s-con myrep getable https:// ia-for-ve d n -i n cy-o uction/ cal-prod
h-lev/18/hig y 7 0 / 0 lle 202 s-in-va oney/ om/m -vegetable .c t s o andup es-found-in /kathm idu https:/ sticide-res e p f o els
https://thehimal
ayantimes.com
/kathmandu/urb
anisation-leadin
g-loss-cropped
-area/
How to mitigate the urban issues?
Challenge
Opportunity
Rooftop gardening
No space left
Finding spaces on rooftop Seeing the potential of underutilised rooftops to be used as rooftop gardens, which could in turn help in : 1 Adding greenery and productive land 2 Adding local healthy food production 3 Improve air quality
Rooftop garden as holistic solution? Participatory approach- community engagement
People’s growing interest in rooftop garden: An informal practice
4/ 201 es/ al-live i t i /c p om -ne n.c andu a i d uar athm heg ion-k t . ww lut //w pol ps: 1/air- paris t t h r/2 gma e-smo l ab
Underutilised rooftops
Precedents Project: Rooftop farming Location: Cairo, Egypt Green space in Cairo: 0.33 m²/ person Urban problems of Cairo: Lack of green spaces, rapid and dense urbanisation, urban pollution, worst air quality, unemployment, urban heat island effect, high food prices, toxic contaminants food In 2001, the initiative of Rooftop farming was initiated by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and applied on a small scale in Cairo, and later Cairo saw some successful implementation of projects conducted by different nongovernmental organisation (NGO), public institutions and private initiatives. FAO has since then supported rooftop gardening project, and it has become an urban and peri- urban horticulture model. Many families in Cairo have supported this project and have started gardening on rooftop. Key learnings 1 Use of recycled material like wooden containers (barrel) with plastic sheets filled with organic elements for plants to grow (inexpensive system) 2 Techniques of soil- based (cobtainer) and hydroponics ( Nutrient film, floating) that simple, doable and costefficient 3 Use of wall for gardening consisting of plastic tubes or bags hung (recycle materials)
Precedents Project: Green Cloud Location: Shenzhen, China Area: 90 m² Year: 2018 Due to rapid urban development in Shenzhen, concrete residential buildings take up most of the space, leaving very less green public spaces. The Ganxia 1980 green roof, Green Cloud project, launched by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to showcase a model to improve living environment. Empty rooftop is renovated with the three-dimensional light steel structures integrated with 410 plant containers for urban agriculture. Key learnings: 1 green roofs help in reduction of urban heat island effect, improvement of air quality and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions 2 not only environment benefits, the green roof impact could be seen towards community providing space for social, recreational and educational activities 3 helps in bringing people together and creating sense of community
Buildings and Rooftops Building form and uses Households Rooftop Analysis Close-ups SWOT analysis
Building form and uses
Study area: Pepsicola residential area, Kathmandu
Almost every residence building in Kathmandu has rooftop.
300m x 200m block Building height: 2-5 storeys
Staircase cover
Rooftop/ terrace Bedroom/ Study Living/ Kitchen
Housed by a single family, joint family or rented house- rooftops are generally used by the family who owns the house. Private property
Residence building 70-80% Built up coverage 2-5 Storeys 75-80 % Open rooftop area
A typical Nepali contemporary residence building
Households
Bedroom Study room Toilets /bath Balcony
Bedroom Study room Toilets /bath Balcony
Bedroom Study Toilets/ bath Balcony Bedroom Kitchen Living Toilets/ bath
Kitchen Living room Guest bedroom Toilets/ bath
Joint family (6+ members) *Everyone dines in same kitchen
Tenants
Bedroom Study room Toilets /bath Balcony
Kitchen Living room Guest bedroom Toilets/ bath
Single family (3-5 members)
Rooftop
Landlord
Rooftop
Rooftop
Bedroom Kitchen Living Toilets/ bath
Rent purpose
*Landlord family use the rooftop space *Tenants aren’t allowed on rooftop
Rooftop Analysis Programs, activities , materials Cement plaster Cantilever slab Brick Beam
Upper rooftop Water tank Solar heater
Reinforced steel
Lower rooftop Spiral stair Mat for exercise/ sleep
Building’s main facade facing north
Building’s main facade facing south
East
Wind direction West Cloth drying
Sun basking
Beside basic activities like cloth dry, sun bask and view, no major activity happens on rooftop- making it less utilised.
Buildings built with...
Brick
Cement
Concrete
Rebar
Viewing
Rooftop underutilised in terms of activities
Closeups Santosh Joshi’s rooftop (At Pepsicola) Barren and underutilised
Raju Shrestha’s rooftop (At Bhaktapur) Partial utilised as gardening
Photo: Santosh Joshi
Photo: Rajkumar Shrestha
Lower rooftop
Upper rooftop Rajkumar Shrestha, university teacher (31) and Santosh Joshi, bank employee (29)- both my friends have wide space on rooftop of their house. Santosh wants something productive on his rooftop but doesn’t have knowledge regarding that. He would certainly want a rooftop garden if he could get certain education and skills about garden setup and gardening.
Rajkumar, on the other hand, has partial utilisation of the rooftop as garden in his newly built house. The garden setup and gardening skill seems limited but the interest and intention seems legit. i.e. turning rooftop space into productive space.
SWOT Analysis
Utilisation of underutilised space Enough sunlight availabilitygood for garden
Cost of garden setup, irrigation system, drainage, management
Environmental benefits Fresh food produce
Strength
Education about agriculture for all age groups Employment - manage aand distribute produce Agro- tourism
Opportunities
Weaknesses
Structural concerns- load bearing capacity of the building Crop failure due to lack of knowledge
Threats
Design exploration and ideas Green roofs Sketches and Ideation
Green roofs
Other methods of greening the roof Soil based (container agriculture- use of recycled materials)
Green roof, very new topic to Nepal.
Easy setup - conventional gardening - light weight soil Good for residential gardening
Less costly
Simplified Hydroponics (Use of locally available materials)
Easy setup - orthodox gardening - light weight High production
Green roof elements
Good for commercial gardening
Aeroponics
Green roofs are heavy, costly and need continuous maintenance. Adding 60 kg/m²- 200 kg/m² (extensive and semi- extensive roof) is a big concern for already built buildings which are designed without considering these loads. Plus, for a earthquake prone region like Nepal, extra attention might be needed while adding green roof feature in the buildings.
Moderately complex setup - orthodox gardening light weight Requires high technical expertise and maintenance
Greenhouse rooftops Moderately complex setup - orthodox gardening light weight Requires high technical expertise and maintenance Extreme high production, good for commercial purpose
Some ideas and techniques that are easy to setup, light weighted, easy installation, maintenance, less costly.
Sketches and ideation
A A Exploration of ideas for climber vegetables and adding aesthetic value. The pergola structure is perfect for climbing vegetables and creating shade spaces. The light weight bamboo curved structure can also be thought of but requires some degree of expertise for installation.
B B Exploration of ideas for identifying zones for gardening on rooftop
C C Exploration of ideas for raised beds, growing system for soilbased, and identifying zone for NFT hydroponics
D
D Identifying zones that is capable of withstanding heavy elements And, what zone would be suitable for lighter elements
E
E Floating hydroponics exploration
F
F Nutrient Film Technique(NFT) hydroponics exploration
I
G
G Column hydroponics exploration
H
H Calculation of growing and yielding capacity of different hydroponics agriculture techniques
I Integrating basic design principles of gardening: regulating lines, transitional zones, varying sizes, sense of enclosure, repetition, central axis, focal point
Goals, Strategies and process A concept Explore Soil- based and hydroponics - methods Soil-based container - technique NFT hydroponics - technique Floating hydroponics - technique Column/ vertical - technique Vegetable types and lists Companion and opponent vegetables
Identify Buildings Zones suitable for agriculture Integrate Zones + Methods + Techniques
Goals, strategies and process
Add local healthy food production
Improve air quality
Design strategies and processes
Goals
Add greenery/ productivity
Urban Agriculture Beautification Rainwater harvesting Drip Irrigation Seismic sensitive consideration
1 Explore 2 Identify 3 Integrate 4 Implement
1 Explore methods
Agricultural methods
Soil- based
Simplified Hydroponics
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Soil- based agriculture method uses the combination of soil and organic matter ( e.g. compost, humus) and/or other substrates (e.g. perlite, peat) for growing and developing. Plants get nutrients from this growing media. Hydroponics agriculture method doesn’t use soil for growing. In this method, plants are supported on platform or net cups, and the water mixed with nutrient solution is delivered continously to the root of the plants.
Floating
Column/ Vertical
Why soil based? Familiar argricultural method. The weight of the soil can be reduced by mixing with other organic matters. Why hydroponics? Simplified hydroponics, specially applicable in developing countries due to its low cost, less use of water, low input and maintenance system and more productivity.
Why hydroponics in Nepal? Nepal being an earthquake prone region, for seismic sensitive design consideration due to its low weight.
Nepal: Earthquake prone region
Seismic sensitive design
1 Explore
techniques
Soil based method Cantainer cultivation
Components Vegetable Crops Container
Outlet
Polyethene film (waterproofing) Raised bed
Raised bed
Growing system: Crops grows in container filled with growing media. Growing media: The combination of soil and organic matter ( e.g. compost, humus) and/or other substrates (e.g. perlite, peat moss). For example: 2 part soil + 1 compost + 1 perlite, sand or vermiculite
Recycling materials
Drainage collection
Thermocol boxes
Plastic bucket
Polyethene film sheet
Grow bag
Earthen pot
Barrel drum
Simplified hydroponics Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Components Tubing
Net cups Channel Reservoir
PVC pipe
Air stone Air pump
Water pump with timer Nutrient solution water
Nutrient solution
PVC pipe
Air space Air observing roots
Cross- section
Growing system: Crops grows in net pots fit onto PVC pipe to absorb the growing media Growing media: Nutrient solution water.
Nutrient film tank
Timer
Closed hydroponic system- drainage is recycled.
Water pump
Net cups
Simplified hydroponics Floating technique
Components Net pots
Floating platform with plants Reservoir
Air pump
Air line
Air stone
5-20 gallons
Floating platform ( Styrofoam)
Growing system: Crops grows in net cups supported on floating platform (styrofoam) containing water nutrient solution underneath the crops. Water pump
Growing media: Nutrient solution water.
Local construction of floating hydroponics system
Timer
Net cups
Simplified hydroponics Column/ Vertical hydroponics Components Crops Tube PVC pipe
Net cups
PVC pipe
Air pump
Reservoir
PVC pipe
Net cups
Reservoir
Growing system: Crops grows in net pots fit onto PVC pipe to absorb the growing media Growing media: Nutrient solution water.
Column hydroponics made with PVC pipes and Styrofoam boxes.
1 Explore Vegetable types and lists
Leafy
| common name...scientific name...sowing month...harvesting days
Leaf Mustard
Garden Cress
Spinach
Fenugreek green
Lettuce
Sow : Aug- Dec Harvest in 30 days
Sow : 12 months Harvest in 25 days
Sow : Aug- Feb Harvest in 25 days
Sow : Aug- Jan Harvest in 25 days
Sow : Aug- Feb Harvest in 30 days
Tomato
Brinjal/ Eggplant
Okra
Capsicum
Chilli
Sow : Jan- Jul Harvest in 70 days
Sow : March - May Harvest in 70 days
Sow : Aug- Feb Harvest in 70 days
Sow : Jan - Jun Harvest in 70 days
Sow : March- May Harvest in 80 days
Brassica juncea
Lepidium sativum
Spinacia oleracea
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Lactuca sativa
Amaranthus (Tender)
Amaranthus viridis Sow : 12 months Harvest in 25 days
Fruit
Root
Allium
Solanum lycopersicum
Solanum melongena
Abelmoschus esculentus
Capsicum annuum
Radish
Carrot
Turnip
Beetroot
Sow : Aug- Oct Harvest in 40 days
Sow : Aug- Oct Harvest in 45 days
Sow : Aug- Feb Harvest in 30 days
Sow : Aug- Oct Harvest in 100 days
Onion
Garlic
Leeks
Coriander
Sow : Sept - Jan Harvest in 100 days
Sow : Sept - Nov Harvest in 70 days
Sow : July - Sept Harvest in 45 days
Sow : Sept - Nov Harvest in 60 days
Raphanus sativus
Allium cepa
Daucus carota subsp. Sativus
Allium sativum
Brassica rapa subsp. Rapa
Allium porrum
Beta vulgaris
Coriandrum sativum
Capsicum frutescens
Flower
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Broccoli
Sow : Jul - Oct Harvest in 90 days
Sow : Sept - Nov Harvest in 90 days
Sow : Aug - Feb Harvest in 60 days
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Kohlrabi
Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group
Sow : Jul - Oct Harvest in 60 days
Brussels spout
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera Sow : Aug - Feb Harvest in 60 days
Marrow
Winter squash
Cucumber
Bitter Gourd
Bottle Gourd
Sow : Feb - Apr Harvest in 60 days
Sow : Feb - May Harvest in 60 days
Sow : Feb - May Harvest in 60 days
Sow : Feb - Apr Harvest in 60 days
Cucurbita
Sponge Gourd
Chayote
Sow : Feb - May Harvest in 60 days
Sow : Jan - March Harvest in 120 days
Luffa aegyptiaca
Seed
Cucumis sativus
Momordica charantia
Lagenaria siceraria
Sechium edule
String beans
Cowpea
Peas
Broad bean
Sow : Jan - Mar | Jun - Aug Harvest in 60 days
Sow : Jan - Mar | Jun - Aug Harvest in 60 days
Sow : Aug - Nov Harvest in 60 days
Sow : Aug - Nov Harvest in 80 days
Lablab purpureus
Vigna unguiculata
Pisum sativum
Vicia faba
Note: Above harvesting days apply to only soil- based.
Vegetable types and list
Leafy
| crop photos...sowing distance
Leaf Mustard
Garden Cress
Brassica juncea Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Spinach
Lepidium sativum
45 cm 30 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
30 cm 3 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Lettuce
Fenugreek green
Spinacia oleracea 30 cm 10 cm
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Lactuca sativa
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
30 cm 10 cm
30 cm 3 cm
Amaranthus (Tender)
Amaranthus viridis Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Fruit
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Root
70 cm 50 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
45 cm 25 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
70 cm 45 cm
45 cm 10 cm
Garlic
Onion
Allium cepa
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Abelmoschus esculentus
Capsicum annuum
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
60 cm 20 cm
Turnip
Brassica rapa subsp. Rapa Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
30 cm 20 cm
Leeks
Allium sativum
15 cm 10 cm
Capsicum
Okra
Solanum melongena
Daucus carota subsp. Sativus
Raphanus sativus
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Brinjal/ Eggplant
Carrot
Radish
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Allium
30 cm 3 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Capsicum frutescens 60 cm 30 cm
Beetroot
Beta vulgaris Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
45 cm 15 cm
Coriander
Allium porrum
15 cm 10 cm
Chilli
Coriandrum sativum
30 cm 45 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
45 cm 30 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
45 cm 30 cm
Flower
Cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
60 cm 45 cm
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
45 cm 45 cm
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
60 cm 45 cm
Kohlrabi
Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
40 cm 25 cm
Brussels spout
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Marrow
60 cm 45 cm
75 cm 75 cm
Sponge Gourd
Seed
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
150 cm 75 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
200 cm 200 cm
Sechium edule
200 cm 200 cm
String beans
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
200 cm 200 cm
Cowpea
Lablab purpureus Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
200 cm 100 cm
Lagenaria siceraria
Chayote
Luffa aegyptiaca Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Bottle Gourd
Momordica charantia
Cucumis sativus
Cucurbita
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Bitter Gourd
Cucumber
Winter squash
Peas
Vigna unguiculata 60 cm 45 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Broad bean
Pisum sativum 45 cm 45 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
Vicia faba 45 cm 45 cm
Sowing distance: Row to row Plant to plant
60 cm 45 cm
Companion and opponent vegetables
Beans
Cabbage
Carrot
Beets Broccolli Cabbage Carrot Cauliflower Cucumbers Eggplant Peas Potatoes Radishes Tomotoes
Lettuce
Beans Cucumber Lettuce Onions Spinach Potatoes
Broccoli Cauliflower Strawberries Tomatoes
Beans Lettuce Onion Peas Radishes Tomatoes
Anise Dill Parsley
Beans Cabbage Cauliflower Lettuce Peas Radishes Cucumber
Garlic Onions Peppers Sunflowers
Onionsv
Beets Brussels sprout Cabbage Carrot Cucumber Eggplant Onions Peas Radishes Spinach Tomatoes
Broccolli
Beets Broccolli Cabbage Carrot Lettuce Peppers Potatoes Spinach Tomatoes
Beans Peas Sage
Basil Coriander Onions
Kohlrabi
Beans Carrot Lettuce Onions Radishes Spinach Peppers Basil Asparagus
Broccolli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Kale Potaties
Radish
Aromatic herbs Melons Potatoes Tomato
2 Identify
buildings
Study area: Pepsicola residential area Kathmandu
Pepsicola is densely populated residential area in middle of the Kathmandu valley. The percentage of open/ green area is very less in this area. The residential development which started in early 2000 sits on large portion of agricultural/ productive land. Not only Pepsicola, the scenario is same in the whole city.
300m x 200m block Building height: 2-5 storeys
9 am
12 pm
winter
summer
Shadow Analysis 300m x 200m block
Fully shaded buildings
4.62 % (14/303)
Buildings without rooftops
4.95 % (15/303)
Highly favourable for rooftop garden
90%
(274/303)
3 pm
2 Identify
zones suitable for agriculture
Walls
seismic sensitive consideration
Light elements
Railings
Heavy elements
Columns
Heavy elements
Columns and beams of the buildings have highest load bearing capacity than other parts, so this informing the design to put heavier elements required for gardening on top of columns and beams.
Source: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/simply-supported-slabs-load-capacity-d_1803.html
Inward Spaces
Above beams
Light elements
Heavy elements
3 Integrate
zones + methods + techniques
Heavy elements
Container based
S
Container based
S
S
Soil- based
H
Hydroponics
H
Floating
Seed
Light elements
Container based
S
Column/ Vertical
H
Light elements Pot based
S
Container based
S
NFT
H
Heavy elements
Heavy elements
NFT
Container based
S
H
S
S
What crops? Leafy vegetables Fruit vegetables Root vegetables Allium vegetables
The potting soil when moisturized can be of weight 800 kg/cu.m The above stacked container raised bed can hold 1.05 cu.m of potting soil, making it 800 kg
Fir plywood for the stacked garden bed as material due to its light, strong and resistant to misoisture.
Yielding capacity? Leafy : Spinach, Mustard leaf Fruit : Tomato Root : Raddish Carrot Allium: Garlic
4 kg/m²/cycle 4 kg/m²/cycle 5 kg/m²/cycle 2 kg/m²/cycle 2 kg/m²/cycle Source: Rooftop agriculture training manual, UN habitat
Container width and height
Design ideas and test
1 Scale 1:20
S What crops? Leafy vegetables Fruit vegetables Root vegetables Allium vegetables Seed vegetables
Yielding capacity?
The potting soil when moisturized can be of weight 800 kg/cu.m The above stacked container raised bed can hold 1.05 cu.m of potting soil, making it 800 kg weight.
Leafy : Spinach, Mustard leaf Fruit : Tomato Root : Raddish Carrot Allium: Garlic Seed
Source: Rooftop agriculture training manual, UN habitat
Design ideas and test
2 Scale 1:20
4 kg/m²/cycle 4 kg/m²/cycle 5 kg/m²/cycle 2 kg/m²/cycle 2 kg/m²/cycle 1 kg/m²/cycle
H
What crops? Specially leafy vegetables
One Styrofoam tray
Yielding capacity? Lettuce Radishes Leef Beet Garden beet Baby Leaf lettuce
51.36 kg/m²/y 38.4 kg/m²/y 21.6 kg/m²/y 14.40 kg/m²/y 25.2 kg/m²/y Source: Orsini et al, 2010
Design ideas and test
3
75 litres of water (for 2.4 m x 1.2 m platform)
Scale 1:20
S
What crops? Seed vegetables
Yielding capacity? Seed : String beans Cowpeas Peas Broad beans
1 kg/m²/cycle 1 kg/m²/cycle 1 kg/m²/cycle 1 kg/m²/cycle Source: Rooftop agriculture training manual, UN habitat
The potting soil when moisturized can be of weight 800 kg/cu.m The above raised bed can hold 0.22 cu.m of potting soil, making it 176 kg weight.
Design ideas and test
4 Scale 1:20
H
What crops? Leafy vegetables Plants, herbs Strawberries Also friuit vegetables, but needs support No root vegetables
Yielding capacity? If only leafy vegetables year round grown, Garden Cress, Swiss chard, Amaranthus
Source: Rooftop Urban Agriculture
20 plants
Design ideas and test
5
Scale 1:20
30.72 kg/y/column
S What crops? Fruit vegetables Leafy vegetables Flower vegetables
Yielding capacity? 42 pots
Fruit : Okra Capsicum Chillies
0.25 kg/m²/cycle 0.2 kg/m²/cycle 0.1 kg/m²/cycle Source: Rooftop agriculture training manual, UN habitat
Design ideas and test
6 Scale 1:20
S What crops? Marrow vegetables
Yielding capacity? Cucumber Bitter Gourd Bottle gourd Sponge Gourd Chayote
1.5 kg/m²/y 2 kg/m²/y 4 kg/m²/y 2 kg/m²/y 6 kg/m²/y Source: Rooftop agriculture training manual, UN habitat
Design ideas and test
7 Scale 1:20
H
What crops? Specially leafy vegetables No root vegetables No heavy flower vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli
Yielding capacity? If only leafy vegetables 38.4 kg/m²/y Source: Rooftop Urban Agriculture
25 leafy vegetables/ m²/ month 70- 100 litres tank for small module Source: Rooftop Urban Agriculture
8 Scale 1:20
Design ideas and test
S
H
Traditional railing
Design ideas and test
9 Scale 1:20
S
What crops? Marrow vegetables
Yielding capacity? Cucumber Bitter Gourd Bottle gourd Sponge Gourd Chayote
1.5 kg/m²/y 2 kg/m²/y 4 kg/m²/y 2 kg/m²/y 6 kg/m²/y Source: Rooftop agriculture training manual, UN habitat
Design ideas and test
Plants covering pergola
10
Implementation An idea Household and agriculture methods Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C
An idea
co n n
lore + exp
ecting with HOU
identify +i
nteg r
SEH
OLD
ate
IMPLEMENTATION
Rooftop Agricultural system
Soil- based Hydroponics
Design principles, guidelines and tools
Household status and agriculture Agricultural method
Agriculture attribute (Based on advantages and disadvantages)
Household
Single family (4-5 members)
Joint family (6-12 members )
Soil - based
Low food production
Single family
High time consuming
Home stay member
Low technical expertise
Old members
Requires more area
Big rooftop households
Less costly
Low income
Requires more water
Space for underground reservoir
Homestay members in the family
Working members in the family
Old members in the family
Young members in the family
Hydroponics
High food production
Joint family
Less time consuming
Working member
High technical expertise
Young members
Requires less space
Small rooftop households
Costly
High income
Requires less water
No space for underground reservoir
Low income (Unwilling to invest)
High income (Willing to invest)
Big area rooftop
Small area rooftop
Scenario A - Recommendation Joint family - Home stay member - Working - Old member
Design Drivers
SOIL + HYDROPONICS
Scenario B- Recommendation Joint family - Working member - small rooftop
HYDROPONICS
Scenario C- Recommendation Single family - Big rooftop - Space for underground reservoir
SOIL- BASED
Scenario A
Who? Joint family - Home stay member - Working member - Old member
How much? 2 Old
6 Adults
Total: 10 members Vegetable requirement/day (mimimum)
2 x 320 gm : 640gm
6 x 384 gm : 2304gm
*Total vegetable requirement 3.456 kg/day
2 Children 2 x 256 gm : 512gm
1244 kg/year
Where? Building storey: 4 Rooftop area: 114.8 m² Sunlight status:
What? Sun- loving vegetables
Shade- loving vegetables
Wind- tolerant vegetables
Peppers Tomatoes Watermelon Okra Eggplant Strawberries
Leafy greens
Lettuce Carrots Greens Dwarf beans
Rain- loving vegetables
Cucumber Gourds Tomato Radish
RECOMMENDATION
SOIL+HYDROPONICS
X Beam line
storage staircase
Hydroponics agriculture
seedling compost entrance area
NFT
vertical
heavy
ce wa nt lk ral wa ax y is
light container
heavy container
cloth liner
Floating
wind tolerant vegetables
heavy container recreation area
Existing activities
gathering area
Beam line
UPPER ROOFTOP
shade tolerant vegetables
al foc nt i po
sense of enclosure NFT (pergola) rain loving climber vegetables
Soil-based agriculture
staircase column moved hydroponics
LOWER ROOFTOP
view towards road NFT
wind tolerant vegetables
Road ahead prevalent wind
Bubble concept recreational gathering area
cloth liner
X 0m
1m
2m
4m
Column hydroponics
NFT hydroponics
floating hydroponics
0m
1m
2m
4m
Section X-X
Design principles View from the entrance
Companion vegetables lettuce
onion
eggplants tomatoes
cabbage raddish
regulating lines
carrots
varying sizes
peach tree
central axis walkway
transitions
focal point
Sense of enclosure (pergola)
Rooftop Garden
Uses
Existing uses New uses
Agriculture method
Soil based Hydroponics
Drip Irrigation Drainage
Drip irrigation Nutrient solution
Rainwater Harvesting runoff slope
Catchment area: 140 sq.m Annual average rainfall: 1610 mm Collection capacity: 180,000 ltrs Underground tank 30,000 ltrs capacity
2/3
of water requirement covered
Food production and greenery Soil
Area cultivated
Leafy vegetables (shade loving) Spinach Mustard leaf Root vegetables Raddish Carrot Seed vegetables String beans Peas Cowpea Fruit vegetables (Sun loving) Tomatoes Allium vegetables Garlic Onion Food production 962 kg/y (77.3 % of required)
Marrow vegetables Chayote Bottle gourd Flower vegetables (wind tolerant - sun loving) Cauliflower Cabbage
Greenery added 63 m² (55 % of rooftop)
Hydroponics (NFT)
Root and leafy vegetables Lettuce Radishes
(Floating)
Fruit vegetables Tomatoes Eggplants
(Column)
Cycle in a year
Production
8.5 m²
4 kg/ m²/cycle
1
34 kg
5 m² 5 m²
5 kg/ m²/cycle 2 kg/ m²/cycle
1 1
25 kg 25 kg
4.5 m²
1 kg/ m²/cycle
2
9 kg
1.5 m²
4 kg/ m²/cycle
1
6 kg
4.5 m²
2 kg/ m²/cycle
1
9 kg
2 m² 2 m²
3 kg/ m²/cycle 3 kg/ m²/cycle
1 1
6 kg 6 kg
3 m²
3 kg/ m²/cycle
1
9 kg
Area cultivated
Leafy vegetables (year round) Garden Cress Swiss Chard Amaranthus
Capacity
Capacity
Cycle in a year
Production
15 m²
38.4 kg/ m²/year
-
576 kg
1.5 m² 1.5 m²
51.6 kg/ m²/cycle 38.4 kg/ m²/cycle
-
78 kg 58 kg
4 columns
30 kg/column/y
-
120 kg
Scenario B
Who? Joint family - Working member - Small rooftop
How much? Total: 8 members
6 Adults
Vegetable requirement/day (mimimum)
6 x 384 gm : 2304gm
*Total vegetable requirement 2.816 kg/day
2 Children 2 x 256 gm : 512gm
1014 kg/year
Where? Building storey: 3 Rooftop area: 63 m² Sunlight status:
What? Less variety of vegetables
Plants and herbs Strawberry, Kale, chard, mustard green, spinach, cabbage, broccolli, basils, mint, chives
Shade -loving vegetables: Leafy greens
12 months growing vegetables: Garden Cress, Swiss Chard, Amaranthus
RECOMMENDATION
HYDROPONICS
Road ahead X NFT on railings
Beam line Hydroponics agriculture
viewing
Beam line
storage column hydroponics
floating hydroponics
column hydroponics NFT on railings
stairase
entrance
LOWER ROOFTOP
NFT on wall
seedlings
floating hydroponics
NFT on railing
NFT on railings
exercise area
Bubble concept Cloth liner
NFT on wall
UPPER ROOFTOP
X
0m
1m
2m
4m
NFT on railing
column hydroponics
NFT on wall
0m
1m
2m
4m
Section X-X
Food production and greenery
Hydroponics Food production 709 kg/y (70 % of required)
Leafy vegetables (year round) Garden Cress Swiss Chard Amaranthus
Area cultivated (NFT)
Leafy vegetables (Floating) Lettuce Radishes (small root vegetable) Leef garden beet Greenery added 21 m² (31 % of rooftop)
Flower vegetables Cabbage Broccolli
(Column)
Capacity
Cycle in a year
Production
14.5 m²
38.4 kg/ m²/y
-
557 kg
1 m² 1 m² 1 m²
51.6 kg/ m²/y 38.4 kg/ m²/y 14.4 kg/ m²/y
-
51.6 kg 38.4 kg 14.4 kg
1 column 1 column
23 kg/column/y 25 kg/column/y
-
23 kg 25 kg
Plants and herbs (Column) Strawberry, Kale, chard, mustard green, spinach, cabbage, broccolli, basils, mint, chives Fruit vegetables (needs support) (Column) Tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, chilli peppers, squashes, cucumber
Scenario C
Who? Single family - Big Rooftop - Space for underground reservoir
How much? Total: 3 members
2 Adults
1 Children
Vegetable requirement/day (mimimum)
2 x 384 gm : 768 gm
1 x 256 gm : 256 gm
*Total vegetable requirement 1.024 kg/day
368.64 kg/year
Where? Building storey: 2 Rooftop area: 109 m² Sunlight status:
What? Sun- loving vegetables
Shade- loving vegetables
Wind- tolerant vegetables
Peppers Tomatoes Watermelon Okra Eggplant
Leafy greens
Lettuce Carrots Greens Dwarf beans
Rain- loving vegetables Cucumber Gourds Tomato Radish
RECOMMENDATION
SOIL
Road ahead X pergola covered by climbing vegetables
Beam line
storage
Soil-based agriculture Existing activities
gathering area
light container
Beam line
shade vegetables
gathering area
heavy container
seedlings
stair light container heavy container
vertical exercise area
light container
light container
cloth liner
sun loving vegetables
wind tolerantsun loving vegetables
vertical
compost
LOWER ROOFTOP cloth liner
Bubble concept
exercise area
cloth liner
X 0m
1m
2m
4m
Vertical agriculture
pot on railing
0m
1m
2m
4m
Section X-X
Food production and greenery
Soil
Leafy vegetables (shade loving) Spinach Mustard leaf
Food production 208 kg/y (57 % of required)
60 m² (55 % of rooftop)
Capacity
Cycle in a year
Production
20 m²
4 kg/ m²/cycle
1
80 kg
3 m² 3 m²
5 kg/ m²/cycle 2 kg/ m²/cycle
1 1
15 kg 6 kg
12 m²
1 kg/ m²/cycle
2
24 kg
10 m² 5 m²
4 kg/ m²/cycle 0.2 kg/ m²/cycle
1 1
40 kg 1 kg
Marrow vegetables Chayote Bottle gourd Cucumber
2 m² 2 m² 2 m²
6 kg/ m²/cycle 4 kg/ m²/cycle 2 kg/ m²/cycle
1 1 1
12 kg 8 kg 4 kg
Flower vegetables (sun loving) Cauliflower Cabbage
3 m² 3 m²
3 kg/ m²/cycle 3 kg/ m²/cycle
1 1
9 kg 9 kg
Root vegetables Raddish Carrot Seed vegetables String beans Peas Cowpea Fruit vegetables (Sun loving) Tomatoes Okra Capsicum Chillies
Greenery added
Area cultivated
Sustainable thinking Climate and Rainwater harvesting Drip irrigation Growing media (Soil- based and Hydroponics)
Climate and Rainwater harvesting Summer, monsoon and winter are three seasons Kathmandu experiences just like other parts of the country. Summer starts in late April and starts monsoon in mid-June which lasts till mid- September. Winter season takes place at the end of November and lasts until March. The annual mean precipitation is recorded to be 1610 mm, of which about 75 % falls in monsoon. The mean temperature is 28º C- 30º C in summer. In winter, it can drop below freezing point. Snowfall occurs in the outskirt hills occassionally of the valley but not in the city.
35 °C
390mm
30 °C
325mm
25°C
260mm
20 °C
195mm
15 °C
130mm
10 °C
65mm J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Average rainfall and temperature (Kathmandu)
Drip irrigation layout
Rainwater harvesting is composed of a system: 1 the supply (rainfall) 2 the rainfall catchment (precipitation and conveyance pipes) 3 storage 4 the irrigation/ distribution system
Overhead storage
Once storage capacity exceeds, the excess rainwater can be channeled into grey water system.
runoff slope
Rainwater is preferable over greywater/ recycled water because of its quality of having less contaminants. In Kathmandu, the rooftop having catchment area of 140 m² has the capacity to store as much as 180,000 ltrs of rainwater annually.
rainwater
Rainwater storage (underground) 30,000 ltrs capacity
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation system helps in saving water and fertilizer since it allows water to drip slowly to the roots of crops. Sample of a drip irrigation system layout for rooftop agriculture
Irrigation system should incorporate design process comprising set of technical specifications to ensure optimum performance. 1 water supply and pumping needs 2 system capacity (flow rate) 3 irrigation system layout and characteristics A proper layout can balance the agro- environmental and economic parameters. A container garden requires 100 ltrs/ m²/ month of water in summer.
Growing media Potting soil and compost (Soil-based)
Nutrient solution (Hydroponics)
Potting soil is prepared by mixing vermiculite, perlite, peat moss and compost that allows good water retention, good drainage, light weight. Chemical fertilizers aren’t used in the mixing.
Nutrient solution is prepared by dissolving and mixing one or more soluble fertilizers in the water and it is delivered to the plants with the irrigation system.
Compost is prepared by decomposing organic waste which is used as fertilizer for the crops. Degradable kitchen waste is a stored for composting, which also helps in managing the urban waste. 50 % compost mix in the potting soil is good for the plants.
The essential elements for plant growth and development in a hydroponic system consists: 1 non- mineral elements, plants get from air and water (C carbon, H hydrogen and O oxygen) 2 mineral elements plants get from nutrient solution ( N nitrogen, P phosphorus, K potassium, Ca calcium, Mg magnesium, B boron, Zn zinc, Mn manganese, Cu copper, Ni nickel) The ratio important in nutrient solution is the ratio of (K: Ca: Mg) which should be 1: 0.5: 0.25. The ratio of nutrient solution to water should be 1:50 to 1: 250.
Kitchen waste
Homemade composting
Envisioning the vision Visualisation How to make this happen? The multifunctional benefits The conclusion
Visualisation
In this 300m x 200 m block, If 50 % of total rooftop space area (22,064 m²) is converted to rooftop urban agriculture, the space covered by greenery will be 11,032 m². (Little over 1 Hectare)
Added Greenery Local Food Production Improved Air quality
How to make this happen?
We want rooftop garden and like gardening
We want rooftop garden but don’t like gardening
Government Designers
Employment
People
People
Farmers (marginalised people)
Engineers
Technicians
Garden setup
Stakeholders
a framework
NGOs/INGOs
Have professionals do it 1 improved aesthetic value 2 food productivity calculation 3 also hydroponics
Do it yourself (Informal) 1 less aesthetic value 2 no food productivity calculation 3 soil- based method only
Training centres on agriculture and garden maintenance
Government Funds: e.g. Interest free loan
* Those households who doesn’t want rooftop garden can have the option to rent the space for the farmers to grow vegetables and let them earn.
The multifunctional benefits social (bring people together, sense of community, education, healthy food) environmental (added greenery, improved air quality, UHI effect reduction) economic (employment to farmers, trainers, professionals)
The conclusion Hydroponics method is perfect method for urban agriculture specially in a country like Nepal, along with soil- based since these methods can be assembled with locally available materials, is light weight, uses less water and less costly compared to other green roof system. Hydroponics seem to work out well in a seismic sensitive and developing region like Nepal. Combating complex urban problems and issues for a country like Nepal can be a rigorous assignment. Something holistic solution like urban agriculture through everyone’s participation and engagement is a way to tackle with these complex problems and issues. The model explored, tested and designed on this project can be expanded out to other areas and other cities as well so as to yield out maximum multifunctional benefits of urban agriculture to community, health, environment and local economy.
References
Orsini F, Dubbeling M, Zeeuw H, Gianquinto G 2017, Rooftop Urban Agriculture, Springer International Publishing AG, Switzerland Gorgolewski M, Komisar J, Nasr J 2011, Carrot city: Creating places for urban agriculture, Monacelli Press, New York, USA Poudel B 2013, Rooftop farming training manual guidelines, European Union and UN-Habitat under Green Homes Project, Kathmandu, Nepal, <https://www.eyosa.org/post/present-practices-and-future-prospects-of-rooftop-farming-in-nepal-roadtowards-urban-sustainability> Novak A 2016, The rooftop growing guide, Ten Speed Press, New York, United States Germain A, GrĂŠgoire B, Hautecoeur I, Ayalon R, Bergeron A 2008, Guide to setting up your own edible rooftop garden, Alternatives and the rooftop garden project, Quebec, Canada, <https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/9301648/guideto-setting-up-your-own-edible-rooftop-garden> Buehler D, Junge R 2016, Global Trends and Current Status of Commercial Urban Rooftop Farming, Creative commons attribution <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309583924_Global_Trends_and_Current_Status_of_Commercial_Urban_ Rooftop_Farming> Mengual E, Orsini F, SolĂ J, Rieradevall J, Montero J, Gianquinto G 2015, Techniques and crops for efficient rooftop gardens in Bologna, Italy, INRA and Springer-Verlag France < https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13593-015-0331-0> Haradaand Y, Whitlow T 2020, Urban Rooftop Agriculture: Challenges to Science and Practice, Urban Horticulture Institute, Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States <https://www.frontiersin. org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2020.00076/full> Pell B 2010, Urban Agriculture as a Tool for Community Development: A Case Study in PortauPrince, Haiti, University of
FloridaCollege of Design, Construction and Planning, <https://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00016067/00001> Tuladhar A 2019, Roof-top Gardening in Urban Limited Spaces-Kathmandu’s context, International Young Scientist’s Conference 2019, October 21-23, Kathmandu, Nepal, <https://www.academia.edu/40742082/Roof_top_Gardening_in_Urban_ Limited_Spaces_Kathmandu_s_context> Thapa S, Bhandari R, Rai N 2020, Rooftop Gardening as A Need for Sustainable Urban Farming: A case of Kathmandu, Nepal, <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342476887_Rooftop_Gardening_as_A_Need_for_Sustainable_Urban_Farming_A_ case_of_Kathmandu_Nepal> Hegazy A, Attia S 2009, Green Roofs in Cairo: A Holistic Approach for Healthy Productive Cities, 7th Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities,2009, Atlanta, USA, <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269873380_Green_ Roofs_in_Cairo_A_Holistic_Approach_for_Healthy_Productive_Cities> Mitchell M, Iglesias A 2019, Urban agriculture in Kathmandu as a catalyst for the civic inclusion of migrants and the making of a greener city, CASS School of Art, Architecture and Design, London Metropolitan University, UK, <https://www.sciencedirect. com/science/article/pii/S2095263519300615> Safayet M, Arefin M, Hasan M 2018, Present practice and future prospect of rooftop farming in Dhaka city: A step towards urban sustainability, Journal of Urban Management · January 2018, <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322247058_ Present_practice_and_future_prospect_of_rooftop_farming_in_Dhaka_city_A_step_towards_urban_sustainability>
Photo: Shrestha Photo:Rajkumar Kathmandu Post