At a time when food production is becoming increasingly de-localized, the Urban Food Jungle aims to provide a space where food is produced right where it is consumed. AECOM designed this conceptual cityscape in the face of dwindling resources and diminishing food security – the ambitious idea includes plans for building a sustainable food production network that supports local restaurants, and a spectacular center where visitors can view the entire process from farm to table.
The design incorporates an aquaponic system – a cool futuristic idea where nutrient-rich water from several fish ponds is circulated to the top of several sculptural pillars. These nourished plants would then form part of an edible canopy.
Providing easy access for visitors, the design includes a pedestrian walkway where people can observe the entire system. Complete with a “snack shack” and local restaurants supplied by the fruit and vegetables produced on site, the Urban Food jungle is just one piece of the larger puzzle of how to support a growing planetary population with dwindling resources.
Images courtesy of AECOM