URBAN FARMING SYSTEM

Written by Beverly Pereira photography: courtesy of the 2011 Asia Pacific winner of the Kidd Holcim Silver Awards, Urban Farm The idea of a urban barn combines community markets, commercial space, and agricultural beds to revitalize a run-down urban neighborhood. With the goal of enhancing urban environments and urbanity, Isvaret Tamonut of TH Trading Co., in collaboration with the team of architect Kidd and Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Thailand’s leading expert in ecological design and project consultant, have reimagined a commercial area in Bangkok by repurposing cutting-edge irrigation techniques, a green supermarket, waste management facilities, cafes, and markets – all in an effort to close the gap between the production and consumption of organic produce. situated on a stretch of deserted farmland within a still-operational textile mill in Ratchaburna, close to the Chao Phraya River. once a lush place with coconut palms, banana plantations, vegetables, freshwater fish, and fireflies, the area is now in disrepair with foul-smelling canals. By purifying, reusing, and storing water to assist crops, the plan, if realized, seeks to restore the natural flow of the underutilized land and rivers. Additionally, it will act as a heat sink for the Thai capital, which is quite crowded. Situated under a canopy of greenery and fed by drip irrigation, this urban farm has a dining pavilion, a hanging vegetable garden, a mushroom cellar, and workshop space. Thanks to the local farmers who profit from this profession, diners and students will not only enjoy fresh, organic products but will also learn about green farming. urban market a woven and coated cloth A water-harvesting tube enables the passion fruit creepers to be drip-irrigated inside a bamboo pavilion. The fibonacci ratio-intersecting clockwise and counterclockwise upward spiral development of the plants is supported by vertical steel meshes, which closes the gap between fresh produce output and consumption. Not only do urban barn flowers and vines watered by captured rainwater pods atop the barn adorn the low-maintenance building, but they also cleanse the air. The eco-friendly appeal is enhanced by decks made of recycled plastic, vinyl, and wood, and enhanced by scrap metal railings that let in plenty of sunshine. Residents get organic wet and dry fertilizers, methane for cooking, and efficient microorganisms for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens in exchange for their composted waste, thanks to a waste system integrated into the urban market, urban barn, urban kitchen, and the existing textile industry. Even if the idea offers a well-thought-out win-win, Dr. Singh claims that there are always obstacles along the way, the largest of which is breaking through in the conventional way of thinking. Although the proposal has reached the marketing stage, he continues, the political and economic unrest in Thailand may make it difficult to implement. To see pictures of the suggested urban farm on indiaartndesign.com, visit this link.