In conjunction with the Expo Milan 2015 - Feeding the Plant, Energy for Life, Skyfarm is a concept design proposal for a vertical farm; facilitating the growth of crops in a multi-storey structure within high density areas.
The farm's structure is built following the tensegrity principle, using bamboo elements to define the spacial system and deliniate its circular shape, while also allowing for maximum geometric flexibility. The open structure guarantees direct light at any level for the natural growth of crops.
Rain water is collected via tank located on the rooftop and distributed down the structure by gravity. The water services each level, where the food is produced using a system of aquaponics, combining conventional aquaculture - the farming of aquatic animals, such as fish - with hydroponics, in a symbiotic environment that recycles all it's elements. The aquaculture tank, located at the bottom of the structure, generates the production of nutrients for the crops.
Wind turbines are located on top of the building to generate enough energy for any mechanical system.
At ground level, a market or restaurant space encourages the public into the farm and ensures that food production and consumption happens in the same location, thus eliminating the need for transportation.
