Transforming High-Density Urban Living with Sustainable Vertical Integrated Urban Farming
By
MizaRaimiBintiAbdulRahim
P107744
Under supervision of
DrMuhammadFarihanIrfanMohdNor
ArFatinShazaBintiHassanudin
January ,2023
Transforming High-Density Urban Living with Sustainable Vertical Integrated Urban Farming
” Food security is attained when every person has constant and unrestricted availability to an ample supply of nourishing and safe food that aligns with their nutritional requirements and personal preferences, enabling them to lead an active and healthful life.... ” Food Summit 1996
I hereby declare that the work in this thesis is my own except for quotations and summaries which have been duly acknowledged
Miza Raimi Binti Abdul RahimP107744
Master of Architecture
National University of Malaysia (UKM)
I extend my deepest gratitude to my esteemed supervisor, Dr. Muhammad Farihan Irfan Mohd Nor, and Ar. Fatin Shaza, whose invaluable feedback and unwavering support have had a profound impact on the execution of my design. Their exceptional expertise and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my approach. I am also tremendously grateful to my esteemed studio coordinators, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Lukman Nik Ibrahim, Dr. Amirah Abd Samad, Ar. Zabidi Hamzah, and Ar. Dr. Noraziah Mohammad, for generously devoting their time, immense effort, and insightful guidance towards facilitating my academic achievements. Additionally, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Faiz Arshad for their technical prowess, which has proved indispensable throughout my design journey. The unwavering support and encouragement extended by each member of the studio exemplify their profound expertise in the field. Lastly, I owe a debt of gratitude to my husband and family, whose unwavering support and assistance have made this endeavor possible.
2 3
REVIEW
CLIENT AND END USER
SITE ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS
DESIGN STRATEGIES
DRAWINGS
SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM SPACE VISUALIZATION
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.0
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANCE
1.3 VISION STATEMENT
1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The Ecoscape embarks on a groundbreaking mission to explore the feasibility of a hybrid farm network in response to the rapidly increasing urbanization in Malaysia . With a focus on two key objectives, our project aims to revolutionize the way we approach food consumption, distribution, and supply while improving society's wellbeing and minimizing the impact on the built environment .
As for the first objective is to provide a sustainable alternative source of fresh and healthy food for the local community Our innovative multilayered urban integrated farming community hub serves as a beacon of self - sufficiency, nurturing a vibrant network of interconnected farms . By seamlessly combining integrated farming, educational spaces, communal amenities, and a commercial complex, we create a unique environment that enables the local community to grow, distribute, and access nutritious food in a sustainable and inclusive manner .
Enables the local community to grow, distribute, and access nutritious food in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
To provide a sustainable alternative source of fresh and healthy food for the local community
Beyond nourishing the community, our second objective is to improve society's wellbeing through enhanced social engagement and minimized effects on the built environment . Our holistic design fosters a sense of belonging and interconnectedness, promoting community interactions, knowledge sharing, and skill development . The integration of educational spaces ensures that individuals have opportunities to learn about sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and environmental stewardship, empowering them to make informed choices for a healthier lifestyle .
This vertical integrated urban farming building stands as a testament to the purpose, significance, and uniqueness of this transformative endeavor It represents a paradigm shift in urban farming, harnessing the power of technology, innovation, and community participation to forge a sustainable and resilient future . By reimagining the way we grow, consume, and distribute food, we pave the way for a more self - sustaining, inclusive, and thriving urban environment .
To improve society’s wellbeing through enhanced social engagement
OBJECTIVE 2
A self-sustaining, inclusive, and thriving urban environment by reimagining the way to grow, consume and distribute food
According to the UN World Urbanisation Prospects, it is projected that the global population will increase significantly by the year 2050 , accompanied by an uneven distribution of urbanization worldwide.
It is estimated that over 70% of the global population will reside in urban areas, with Asia experiencing exponential growth at 48% due to factors such as increased birth rates and migration.
This rapid urbanization poses challenges, particularly in terms of available land for agriculture and the high concentration of people in urbanized regions. In summary, by year 2050, urban residents would face a shortage of land to cultivate and grow their own food.
(https://www theguardian com/cities/2015/nov/23/cities-in-numbers-how-patterns-of-urban-growth-change-the-world)
(GBI 2020 , United Nation 2018, World Bank 2016) https://www frontiersin org/articles/10 3389/fnut 2017 00073/full
The above diagram shows the amount of land mass available for farming in relation to population increase
[1] Aseanup.com/infographic-top-cities-urbanization-asean/
Urbanization is one of the major trends currently shaping Southeast Asian societies, cultures, economies, businesses and environments. It can be seen in the figure that Kuala Lumpur is listed in top 5 urban cities in South East Asia where a high increasing population percentage can be predicted.
The above diagram shows the demographic growth of ASEAN countries and prediction of change in 5 years
[2]
It is estimated that over 70% of the global population will reside in urban areas, with Asia experiencing exponential growth at 48% due to factors such as increased birth rates and migration .[3]
Similar urbanization pattern can be seen in Malaysia specifically at urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Malaysia#/media/File:Malaya_PBT_population_(2020_census)_wiki.svg
[2] Mozakim / bigstock (2017) Competitive Cities: A Game Changer for Malaysia
[3] GBI 2020 , United Nation 2018, World Bank 2016 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2017.00073/full
Figure shows the population in Peninsular Malaysia (2020) [1] and an image of the Federral Territory of Kuala Lumpur which is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia and the largest city in MalaysiaIn 2022, the population of Selangor was estimated at approximately seven million. The figures shows that Selangor is Malaysia's most populous state.
Figure shows the population density in Peninsular Malaysia by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (2011)
Figure shows the population density in Peninsular Malaysia in year 2022 by the Statisca Research Department (2023)
Food Crisis
Overcrowding
Unemployment
Lost of Sustainable living
In this design thesis, the focus is on addressing two key challenges: “the food crisis” and “the lost of sustainable living” .
The aim is to tackle these issues through innovative design solutions and strategies.
Water shortage
Housing Problem
By addressing the food crisis, which pertains to the scarcity and accessibility of food, and the lost of sustainable living, the thesis seeks to propose sustainable and practical approaches to mitigate these challenges.
Food Price
Inflation
Strong demand and supply shortages tend to cause price inflation
Food Demand
The total global food demand is expected to increase by 35%56% between 2010 and 2050
FOOD CRISIS & LOST OF SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Low and unstable crop production, unstability, exposed to infectious diseases, polluted soil and irrigation water
Scientific studies indicate that extreme weather events such as heat waves and large storms are likely to become more frequent
HEALTH & COMMUNITY
Poor Nutrition
Unsustainable food systems reduce community’s access to affordable & healthy diets
Malaysia is facing a challenging time as the demand for food is increasing continuously year after year while the supply of food products from domestic farmlands is unable to meet the demand [1].
Malaysia has not yet reached the level of selfsufficiency for basic food. Malaysia heavily relies on imports for food produce [2].
Domestic food price trends have fluctuated higher than headline inflation due to low farm yields, lack of productivity improvements and rising production cost [1].
[1] https://27.group/food-industry-in-malaysia (27group 2020)
[2] https://tradingeconomics.com/malaysia/food-inflation
Malaysia Food Inflation has shown an increasing trend of 3.50% in 2022 and 4.10% in 2023 [2]
The higher the demand from global markets has reduced the supply of local food products in the local markets and as a result, increased the price.
Developing countries uses animal feces instead of artificial fertilizers for farming , although effective but comes with unfavorable factors such as parasites, infections and diseases. [1]
Cities price of land are high. Therefore farms are usually located outside the cities. Therefore, the long distance and transportation cost from outskirt farm to market affects food price. [2]
[1] [2] Despommier, 2010. The vertical farm: feeding the world in the 21st century. Macmillan
Extreme temperature, unstable water supply and high photo intensity has adversely affect crops and lead to a loss in production yield.[1]
Unprecedent natural disaster such a serious diseases and flooding are examples of crops vulnerability towards climate change. [3]
[1] Banerjee & Adenaeuer (2014). Up, Up and Away! The Economics of Vertical Farming. Journal of Agricultural Studies
[2] As The Planet Heats Up, Malaysia Needs To Look Beyond Rice For Food Security, (2021) The Star
[3] Wen Chiat Lee & Amir Hussin Baharuddin (2018) Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Malaysia
[4] Food supply hit ahead of CNY, Ramadan after floods wipe out Malaysian farms, (2022) The Straits Times
The arable land suitable for farming in Malaysia is fast diminishing from 0.75 ha per capita to meager 0.17 ha per capita in year 2030.
The unsustainable use has caused large area of land become degraded and unsuitable for food production . Thus this has contribute to extreme climate change due to shifted food production activities and reduced the yield
Figure shows that Malaysia’s temperature, rainfall and sea levels have been rising for the past four decades, a trend that is projected to continue for the next 30 years.
Ancient rain forests give ground to a barren landscape of oil palm plantations and access roads in Sarawak. More than 90% of Borneo’s primary forest has been destroyed.[3]
[1] Rozhan (2020) Addressing Food Security in Challenging Times, Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region
[2] Malaysia’s current climate change report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
[3] Worrall (2015) Can Borneo's Tribes Survive 'Biggest Environmental Crime of Our Times’?
[4] Photograph by Matthias Klum, Nat Geo Image Collection
Unsustainable refers to elements that cannot continue at its current rate therefore will eventually run out such as agriculture practices like deforestation. [1]
Land-use, food and nutrition securities, and energy transformation are among the key challenges of sustainable development of urban areas.[2]
More than 1.65 million school children are expected to be overweight or obese by 2025. Malaysia is one of the top three countries with a high percentage of obese children, 11.5 %. [1]
Malaysian children today are growing up in an obesogenic environment that leads unhealthy eating habits. In choosing food, two major factors are cleanliness (65.8%) and the preference of their parents (12.3%).[2]
[1] Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, UMSC (2019) Childhood Obesity A Growing Health Crisis In Malaysia
[2] Hoque et al. (2016) Building healthy eating habits in childhood: a study of the attitudes, knowledge and dietary habits of schoolchildren in Malaysia
THREATS OF URBANIZATION
MACRO ISSUE
FOOD CRISIS & LOST OF SUSTAINABLE LIVING
MICRO ISSUES
HEALTH & COMMUNITY ECONOMY
Food Demand
Traditional Farming
ENVIRONMENT
Food Price
Inflation
Extreme climate change
NonSustainable Living
Poor Food Choices and Lack of Fruits & Vegetables
Unhealthy Life Style
In summary, the threats of urbanization towards the food crisis and the loss of sustainable living are significant and multifaceted . As the urban population in cities continues to grow, meeting the increasing food demands and ensuring equal access to affordable and nutritious food become increasingly challenging .
To implement innovative design strategies that effectively mitigate the threats posed by urbanization towards the food crisis and the loss of sustainable living.
This vision extens beyond mere mitigation of the challenges, this design thesis encapsulates a future where urbanization becomes an opportunity to revolutionize our food systems, ensuring that the growing urban population has access to affordable and nutritious food.
To design a mixed-use commercial building that incorporates a hybrid farm network through sustainable urban agriculture while actively engaging local communities in urban area.
1 . A sustainable alternative source to fresh and healthy food consumption, distribution and supply from the local community to the community
2. Improve society wellbeing by promoting social engagement and minimizing effects on the built environment in related to agriculture through a holistic self-sustaining multilayer of urban integrated farming community hub
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.0
2.2 DEFINITIONS
2.3 DESIGN FRAMEWORK
2.4 THE CONCEPT
2.5 CASE STUDY
2.6 ADVANTAGES OF VERTICAL FARMING SYSTEM
2.7 CONCLUSION
In fiscal year 2022, there was US$9.6 billion in new IBRD/IDA commitments to agriculture and related sectors. Among many commitments is :
Promoting farming systems that use climate-smart techniques, and produce a more diverse mix of foods, to improve food systems’ resilience, increase farm incomes and enable greater availability and affordability of nutrient-dense foods
[1] https://www worldbank org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update/what-is-food-security
VERTICAL INTEGRATED URBAN FARMING
Is aligned with the World Bank Commitment to improve food system
In response to the increase demand of food production, Malaysia is promoting the development of sustainable production, including horticulture, through advanced technologies which aims to increase production and efficiency while optimizing space through vertical planting techniques.
This approach allows for more efficient utilization of limited urban spaces by growing crops in vertically stacked layers . By implementing these technologies, Malaysia seeks to enhance food production and address the growing demand in a sustainable manner.[1]
[1] MARDI (2020), Pengenalan Kepada Teknologi Pertanian Vertikal, Seminar Fertigasi Jabatan Pertanian [2] MARDI (2021), Manufacturing Plant Dedicated to plants, The Star
URBAN
An urban area is characterized by a continuous urban settlement with population density higher than the surrounding space.[1]
Vertical farming (VF) is an agricultural technique involving large-scale food production in high-rise buildings that enables fast growth and planned production by controlling environmental conditions and nutrient solutions using cutting edge greenhouse methods and technologies.
[2,3,4]
[1] Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research, Springer Link
[2]Kalantari et al. 2017; Opportunities and challenges in sustainability on Vertical farming: A review
[3]Abel, C. (2010). The vertical garden city: towards a new urban topology. CTBUH Journal,(2), 20–30
[4]Banerjee, C., & Adenaeuer, L. (2014). Up, Up and Away! The Economics of VerticalFarming
Food security is defined when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
For food security objectives to be realized, all four dimension of food security must be fulfilled simultaneously which includes physical availability of food, economic and physical access to food, food utilization and stability.[1]
[1] World Food Summit (1996)
Livestock are the domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to provide labor and produce diversified products for consumption or profit [1]
The action or process of combining two or more things in an effective way [2]
[1]Oxford Reference via https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100110145;jsessionid=CED7D09D9A2EC42854D0E36AA38FD0C7
[2] Cambridge Dictionary via https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/integration
Therefore, the definition of vertical integrated urban farming in this project is:
Incorporatingthecultivationofcropsandtherearingof livestockwithinthesameverticalurbanfarmingsystem whileensuringthat theintegratedsystemprovidesa cleanenvironment,nutrients,spaceoptimization,and seamlesslyreduceswaste
Economy
Sustainable fresh and healthy food system
Urbanization FoodCrisis
Environment
High-Technology Integrated farming
Circular economy
The continue expansion of cities nationwide places a heavy toll on the demand for resources
Health & community
A self-sustaining multilayer of urban integrated farming community hub which can improve society wellbeing and sustainable alternative sources to fresh and healthy food consumption, distribution and supply from the community to the community
Commercial programms
Verticalfarmingisanagriculturaltechnique involving large-scale food production in highrisebuildingsthatenablesfastgrowth and planned production by controlling environmental conditions and nutrient solutions to crops using cutting-edge greenhouse methods and technologies. [1] [2][3]
Vertical farming system are designed to optimizespaceutilizationbygrowingcrops in stacked layers systems which use nutrient-richwaterinsteadofsoil.
The controlled environment enables yearround production of various crops, independentofweatherconditions.
Livestock integration within the same urban facility creates a circular system where waste can be utilized as nutrient source.
[1]Abel, 2010
[2]Banerjee & Adenaeuer, (2014)
[3] Despommier, (2010) , (2011)
Recently completed in year 2022, Eco 1 is the world’s largest vertical hydroponic farm with a 330,000-square-foot facility located near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.
This hydroponic facility in Dubai is geared to produce more than 1,000,000 kilograms of highquality leafy greens annually, while requiring 95% less water than conventional agriculture.
At any point in time, the facility grows in excess of 1 million plants, which provides an output of 3,000 kg per day. [1]
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the unique initiative reflects the country’s commitment to food security by fostering sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices. The UAE has maintained the highest levels of food security with one of the world’s most comprehensive plans to address this vital issue.
A vertical framing system consists of a series of aluminium towers each containing 38 tiers equipped with troughs for the vegetables to focus on environmental sustainability. The water used to power the rotating towers is recycled within the system and to water the vegetables. Each tower consumes only 60watts of power daily similar to a single light bulb.
The philosophy behind the project is bringing plants to the users. The project has successfully supply customers quality, locally grown vegetables, fresher because they travel a shorter distance from farm to shelf. From the food security point of view, development of whole buildings designed to grow fresh produce is underway. [1]
[1] Seneviratne, 2012. Farming In The Sky In Singapore
Sky Greens Farm, Singapore
Society will be able to learn about the potential of marginalized land like rooftops for farming in landscarce Singapore. Bringing farm into the city will help strengthen community bonding and boost food sustainability. With more food grown locally, food supply disruption caused by trade restriction or bad weather will less likely affected food price.
The crops which are grown in vertical racks, draw water and nutrients from fish waste in water tanks containing tilapias. This creates a self-sustaining aquaponics systems that can yield eight to ten times more than a traditional land based farming.
Table below shows vertical farming projects in several cities
Pictures below shows completed and proposed vertical farming projects in several cities
Integrated farming system (IFS) is a crosslinked farming system where farmers use high-quality organic food and renewable energy.Themainprincipleofsuchsystemis toreducepollutionandincreaseincomeby combiningdifferenttypesoffarming.This method of improving agricultural productivity is absolutely safe and environmentallyfriendly.[1]
A series of technologies designed around providing optimal conditions fo plants as factors like temperature, lighting and humidyarecontrolledtoallowfarmersto grow plants without risks of extreme weather and other threatening challenges. By controlling the environmentaroundcrops,thesesystems keepoutpestsnaturally.[2]
[1] Hajer (2020) https://www.legit.ng/1129268-advantages-disadvantages-integrated-farming-system.html
[2] What Is Vertical Farming? Everything You Should Know About This Innovation. (2023) Edengreen.com
Integrated farming system (IFS) is a crosslinked farming system where farmers use high-quality organic food and renewable energy. The main principle of such system is to reduce pollution and increase income by combining different types of farming.
This method of improving agricultural productivity is absolutely safe and environmentally friendly. [1]
EBB & Flow System
Utilizes submerged pump connected to timer to control temporarily flooding root zone’s grow tray with nutrient solution which drains back into the reservoir
✓ Active System
✓ Media-Based
✓ Does Not recirculate water
[1] Hajer (2020) https://www.legit.ng/1129268-advantages-disadvantages-integrated-farming-system.html
Involves no moving parts, can be use variety of growing media. Nutrient solution is released onto growing tray and delivered to the roots through wick.
✓ Passive System
✓ Media-Based
✓ Does Not recirculate water
Containers hold plants inside floating Styrofoam platformroots suspended directly into the nutrient water
✓ Passive System
✓ Water Culture
✓ Does Not recirculate water
A series of technologies designed around providing optimal conditions fo plants as factors like temperature, lighting and humidy are controlled to allow farmers to grow plants without risks of extreme weather and other threatening challenges.
By controlling the environment around crops, these systems keep out pests naturally. [2]
A continuos flow of nutrients eliminates need for timer Pump forces nutrient solution over plant roots onto “grow tray”, then overflow drains into reservoir
✓ Active System
✓ Water-Culture
✓ Recirculate Water
[2] What Is Vertical Farming? Everything You Should Know About This Innovation. (2023) Edengreen.com
Recirculating drip systems recycle excess nutrient solution from reservoir. Time controls submersed pump to drip nutrient solution onto base of each plant via drip line
✓ Active System
✓ Water-Culture
✓ Recirculate Water
Aeropnics
Also known as “fogponics”, plant roots not suspended in water but hang in the air receiving nutrient-rich growing medium via misting.
✓ Passive System
✓ Fog Culture
Vertical aquaponic farming system are abletoproduceorganicfishrichinprotein with aquaponic system therefore this provides a healthier alternative for the peopleandaffordableforeveryone.[1]
Besides that, aquaponic farming system water uses are efficient. Nutrient rich wateriscirculatedthroughabiofilterand utilizedthroughthesystemsupplyingfish withahealthymedium.[2]
[1] Miller, 2011
[2] A Complete Guide to Aquaponic Gardening (2022) Trees.com
Tilapia Trout Catfish Carp Seabass Invertebrates Ornamental fishVertical integration in the chicken industry means using improved technology to produce more chickens in a larger size with better nutrition, health programs and pest management control for the welfare of birds. [1] This system has significant potential to reduce food insecurity and protein deficiency [2].
Vertical integration allows companies to control costs, better utilize space, feed production capacity, and better control over product quality and consistency. The modern poultry industry has seen remarkable growth over the past 50 years through scientific research, integration and innovation. [3]
[1] https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/industry-issues/vertical-integration/
[2] Adams et al. (2022) Modelling of vertical integration in commercial poultry production of Ghana: A count data model analysis
[3] Clauer (2023) Commercial Poultry Industry. Pennsylvania State University.
[4] https://www.chickencheck.in/faq/sustainability/
[5] FOMCA (2022) Time is ripe for Malaysia Government to have its own chicken farm
Is a model of production and consumption which involves sharing, leasing reusing, recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. For biological materials which can be decomposed by living organisms, the aim is to limit the leakage of resources as much as possible. In practice, a circular economy implies reducing waste to a minimum where materials can be productivelyusedagainandagain. [1]
Therefore, it is restorative by design and mirrors nature in actively enhancing and optimizing the systems. It applies several principles from nature such as production out of waste, resilience through diversity [2]. Adoptionoffoodsafetystandardshaveshow proclivity for sustainability-related issues in the food supply chain. In this system, sustainability, safety and nutritional quality are equally important [3].
Re-use of food
Utilize byproducts & food waste
Nutrient recycling
The diagram shows, the three stages in the food system. In a circular food system, once the edible waste is separated and distributed to other places, the by-product can provide additional values by creating new food products, or as sources of bioenergy.
High diversity & efficient food for diet
