Human desire
Land is an important natural resource necessary for the survival of humanity and for the maintenance of all ecosystems. During the millennia, one can notice the humanity's striving to use the resources of space mainly for own needs and own production.
The potential productivity of land depends on the management strategies. The increasing number of population in a given area increases the demand for production, which in turn may lead to soil degradation. The intensification of industrialization and urbanization is progressing, the cities are growing, which in a consequence generates a shortage of agricultural crops and makes it impossible to produce the necessary amount of food. In addition, cities absorb agricultural land. For example from 1987 to 1992 China was losing about one million hectares of land each year for cultivation as a result of industry development.
A phenomenon directly related to the reduction of space resources is the growing urbanization process. Agriculture has become less profitable and many farmers are migrating from rural to urban areas. In 1900, only 13% of the population lived in urban agglomerations. In the middle of the 20th century, this number increased to 29%. Statistics for 2030 show that the percentage of people living in the city can reach up to 60%. The main factors driving this phenomenon are economic migrations (attractive and diverse offers on the labor market) and social (better access to public services, public care, education, and the media). In Europe, despite the declining population growth and thus the decreasing number of inhabitants, the number of city dwellers is increasing. By 2100, the number of European citizens is expected to decrease by almost 100,000. (to 645 557), while the percentage of people living in the city will increase by 10% .
The influx of people to cities determines the so-called a demographic explosion. The need of satisfying such basic human need which is to provide food is increasing. To feed the residents of London, you need a plot of land across Sweden.
Why in Poland?
Agricultural production is carried out on almost 60% of the country's territory and uses over 50% of atmospheric precipitation. A significant part of this activity takes place in areas covered by various forms of protection or showing unfavorable conditions for agricultural production. This creates a number of restrictions for the intensification of agriculture.
For the Dolnośląskie voivodship, these difficulties occupy 44.5% for difficulties resulting from natural conditions and 43.9% for difficulties resulting from the established protection zones of forests of agricultural land in the voivodship, which means that almost half of crops are located in areas that are unfavorable to them. The conclusion that arises is one: agricultural areas are taken away due to the process of urbanization of Polish cities. In addition, 50% of them can not talk about the practice of intensive farming. An additional source of food is needed.
Answer to the city's needs
In many countries, agriculture is the most serious cause of pollution environment. The use of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals within the past years have increased significantly (for example - within 50 years the use of pesticides for spraying arable land has increased 26 times).
Due to limited surface resources, vertical farms are a reasonable alternative to traditional agriculture. It is estimated that one farm located on a plot of 1 ha can replace from 10-100 conventional farms with the same area. Cultivation in vertical farms is also burdened with low investment risk due to easier control of climatic conditions.
Producing crops locally in the city center reduces fuel consumption needed for delivery, eliminates the problem of storing and artificially preserving food and contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Controlled environment, always ideal temperature and humidity, eliminate the necessity use of pesticides and chemicals that have an adverse effect on the environment. Additionally, freshly produced, fresh organic food is healthier and tastier.
Independent, self-sufficient tower of a vertical farm in the center, integrated with tanks to the sales outlets located on the ground floor, it can not only contribute to such important environmental protection today, but also to increase public awareness.
Vertical farm as an example of factory of the future in Wrocław (Rychtalska street)/ Poland.
Questioning the future
How do you imagine a factory in your own city that can help to improve the quality of the food in the closest area?
In February 2018 Wroclaw become number one on the list of the most polluted cities in Europe. Maybe it is the time to grow vegetables and fruits in safe conditions?
Finding answers
Referring to the history of the district, the object was located in the area where grains were once stored. This plot has been the main food supplier for the city for years. Currently, there is a purchase of scrap metal, which presence in such a picturesque landscape is not justified. The district required revitalization and restoration of natural balance. We are located close to the city center next to the newly built residential districts and the old riverbed. This river becomes the main means of transporting goods. Around the water, a central, green point is formed, which creates the form of a hybrid combining the cultivation of fruit fish and vegetables with apartments, offices, a conference area and an urban market program.
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