EDIBLE JUNGLES
Industrial Urban Farming in Torre Spaccata, Rome
Cornell University ARCH 4102 Design VIII
Professors: Gustav Düsing, Val Warke, Daniele Durante
"Edible Jungles" is a transformative urban farming project located in the Torre Spaccata neighborhood. This initiative aims to revitalize the disused Ex Mercato di Torre Spaccata site and address the community's need for fresh food. By incorporating innovative technology and automation, the project will establish a highly efficient, self-operating greenhouse industry.
The intervention will feature three levels:
the top level dedicated to food production, the underground level for distribution, and the middle level for observation and exploration. Inspired by the natural structure of food production, the design resembles a tree-like formation.
Existing umbrella-like structures on the site will be repurposed, with some removed to create open spaces, while others are retained for building upon. The greenhouse system includes tall and short structures to accommodate different plant types, along with an automated irrigation system.
The entire process is automated, with robot arms for planting, monitoring, and harvesting plants. The produce will be efficiently processed, with some of it distributed to nearby areas while the rest will be available for immediate consumption by the local residents through small markets and shops on the ground level.
Edible Jungles seeks to create a harmonious relationship between nature, humans, and machines, transforming the residential neighborhood into a thriving urban hub that bridges the gap between urban and rural environments.
