Growing High Value food in Small Spaces

Rooftop urban farm in Chicago

In an article published in the 11th journal of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), we researched the relationship between cities and food production. Even if it is not possible for a city to feed itself entirely from within its physical limits, we asked what might happen if cities at least aimed to be as productive, resourceful and self-reliant as their geography allowed. Considering urban microclimates, building typologies, blue - green infrastructure and the potential for coordinated economies of scale, the research concluded that urban agriculture has an important role to play in improving the sustainability of cities, and needs to be supported through strategic spatial planning and policy. The journal is available through the ISOCARP book shop.