Research, conceptualize and present a smart city building that addresses a particular problem within the city.
Our project aims to solve two human problems; the inefficient use of land and the impact humans have on the immediate environment around us. These problems directly relate to the distribution of produce and energy. 'Vert' offers solutions to several problems with a holistic approach. The idea of urban farming is still not being taken advantage of in cities, which results in the necessary need to have a majority of produce imported.
Carbon emissions and food waste are substantial aspects in which humans have impacted the environment in a negative way. Part of the carbon emissions come from transportation of goods and the use of technology to harvest produce at such a great scale. One third of all food produced globally is wasted due to spoilage alone, and a produce experience a 60% reduction in nutrition in the first 10 days after harvest.
Land in cities is usually limited and expensive, but Vert maximizes space for growing as many crops as possible with the use of vertical farming’s space-saving design. One of the benefits of Ver t is having a closer food source that allows food to be consumed sooner after harvest. Local food has a shorter supply chain meaning it makes the produce last longer and significantly decreases long-distance transportation where the food loses nutritional value. It takes on average 16 days after harvest for produce to be consumed, there- fore farming within the city is going to allow access to fresher food.
Write up on our project, a PDF file including all assets created (Research, User Journey Maps, Personas, User Interfaces, Prototypes) and a Proof of Concept Video
