Urban Farming

Nowadays, our relationship with the farming industry is getting more critical than ever. The more imports we depend on, the less we get to know about how food grows, how to use the land and what grows regionally. Raising the concept of urban farming reintroduces the public to the many aspects of food that we have lost as a culture and increases access to locally grown food that may need to be the front line of the food system.

A project by architecture students, Diana Enab and Rama Taha and supervised by Dr. Rim Meziani, Associate Professor at Abu Dhabi University looks at enhancing user comfort through creating a new experience that takes the user into a journey, while also considering resident’s adaptation through architectural, social, and environmental forms, that challenge the current context of the site. Located in the plot of E25, where a mixed-use area is situated between two major highways in the city of Abu Dhabi, the research of adapting urban farming is experimented at Site D. Based on the site analysis, E25 has no recreational areas at all, and Site D is the only part that includes a land of the local Al Ghaf trees, and located near a pedestrian bridge that connects E25 to the other side of the highway. This makes it a great opportunity to create a proposal for an inclusive public space that will serve users coming from other neighbourhoods and E25 residents.

These intentions go in parallel with the idea of carbs growing that put less pressure on the planet’s natural resources which is Hydroponics systems. It is the process of using a nutrient-rich water solution to sustain plants without the need for

urgent issues beside health arose during the Covid19 pandemic and that is food security. This project provides a significant solution for the postcovid pandemic urban design by introducing the urban farm as a key role in the community.”

As for the journey, it starts from the pedestrian bridge taking the user into a community hub created with multiple facilities and acts as an introduction to the recreational area, including the registration desk for the urban farming. The first recreational area includes urban farming, vendors selling platforms,

and family activity areas. The urban farming is created in two types: Hydroponics units and a traditional farming area. Registered individuals and families can enjoy this farming experience and kids can use the farming units designed for children. The

journey then continues into another portion of the site that has food trucks and eating area. These two portions of Site D are connected through a bridge that is also linked to the community hub and the existing pedestrian bridge. The connection bridge contains exhibition that displays educational art about urban farming and environmental solutions.

Dr. Emad explains, “The project places the farm in a very critical location beside the bridge changing the space from negative to positive. The border vacuum concept has been avoided in the project and converted to connect the community. Meanwhile, the project will have a positive impact on urban heat island by possible reduction of outdoor temperature with many degrees.”

The design also deals with walkability and accessibility and adds cycling lane that connects the landmarks of E25. The proposed design elements aim to enhance the social connections and promote a healthy lifestyle for the benefits of individuals and government.

Mr. Leo Gonzales says, “It is a timely concept considering the shift in local production and self

sufficiency due to the current pandemic. It is a promising idea that promotes social interaction and communal activity, a facet of sustainability that is often ignored or is challenging to implement.”

In the future, more urban farms are encouraged to make Abu Dhabi more green, vibrant, healthy, sustainable, and resilient.