Sasaki is hoping to create a new approach to urban agriculture with a 100-hectare swath of land between Shanghai’s main international airport and the city center.
The new plan for the district will integrate vertical farming systems with research and public outreach. The goal is to create a ‘living laboratory’ for innovation and education. Sasaki hopes to merge indoor and outdoor agricultural experiences in Sunqiao and turn the city’s food production into a social experience.
In addition to the very practical purpose of providing the city with food, Sunqiao will also help to educate the surrounding children about where their food comes from. A science museum, aquaponics showcase, skygarden, and interactive greenhouse are all included to help educate the population and include them in the growing process.
According to Sasaki, 56% of the vegetables consumed in the Shanghainese diet are leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and bok choi. The reason this is important is because these are the exact type of vegetables that thrive in the simple setups vertical farming can easily provide. They grow quickly, weigh little, and do not require a lot of attention.
The master plan does not just call for Sunqiao to become a completely agricultural district. A public plaza, civic plaza, digital amphitheater, commercial center, and office towers will turn the area into a true mixed-use development.
Construction will begin in 2017.
Image courtesy Sasaki.
Image courtesy Sasaki.
Image courtesy Sasaki.
Image courtesy Sasaki.
Image courtesy Sasaki.
Image courtesy Sasaki.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Coatings | Jul 17, 2017
Innovation with a green focus
As building codes become more stringent and green rating systems grow in popularity, Valspar has developed products that meet ENERGY STAR and LEED rating system criteria.
Sustainability | Jul 10, 2017
British Columbia receives its first WELL certified workplace courtesy of Perkins + Will
Over 100 wellness features are incorporated into CBRE’s Vancouver office.
Sustainability | Jun 29, 2017
The Dutch ‘Windwheel’ wants to create a new sustainable landmark for Rotterdam
The sustainable structure will be a mixed-use development with a hotel, apartments, and office space.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 29, 2017
Luxury, plant-covered hotel unveiled for site near the River Seine
Kengo Kuma is designing the hotel, which will feature a large garden and a plant-covered façade.
Sustainability | Jun 28, 2017
Mohawk College will have one of the region’s first net-zero energy institutional buildings
The project’s net-zero goals led to the development of a new curtain wall system.
Building Team | Jun 27, 2017
Bruner Foundation announces 2017 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence gold and silver medalists
The SteelStacks Arts and Cultural Campus in Bethlehem, Pa., receives the gold medal and $50,000.
Green | Jun 23, 2017
Want a healthy building? Follow this primer on two new wellness standards
Since its development in the 1990s, the LEED rating system has been applied to over 19.1 billion total commercial square feet.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2017
World Green Building Council: All buildings must be net zero by 2050 to avert 2°C rise
Building efficiency essential to tempering global climate change.
Green | Jun 16, 2017
Could this become London’s greenest building?
Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture wants to create a school powered by the River Thames.
Green | Jun 15, 2017
45-meter spiraling tower lets you walk above the trees
A 600-meter treetop path culminates with a 45-meter-tall spiraling observation deck.
