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Vertical Farming on Facades: The Future of Urban Agriculture and Real Estate

  • Writer: Nikita Suratwala
    Nikita Suratwala
  • Mar 26
  • 2 min read

We travel to so many different countries and there are always some key takeaways from each of them that stay with us for a long time. A lot of times, I keep thinking about the future of our cities not just as places to live, but as thriving, sustainable ecosystems.


Today, cities are expanding and the agriculture land is becoming scarce, which leads to a very pertinent question on food security. With urban populations growing rapidly, the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to food production is critical.


Lately, I have been thinking about the concept of vertical farming, which is basically a practice of integrating vertical farms into building exteriors or large walls around open land, transforming them into lush, productive green spaces. I sincerely believe that this method has the potential to reshape urban landscapes, increase food self-sufficiency, and significantly enhance the quality of life for local residents.


Traditionally, we have seen urban farming being limited to rooftops and small community gardens. While those were great in earlier times but probably not as scalable to meet the food demands of dense metropolitan areas.


Instead, if we utilize building facades, we can introduce high-yield vertical farms that can leverage hydroponic and aeroponic technologies to grow fresh produce without requiring additional land. For real estate developers, this presents a unique opportunity to add both aesthetic and functional value to properties.


Why can’t we think of integrating vertical farms into mixed-use developments or smart cities which can transform buildings into self-sustaining ecosystems that contribute to a greener, healthier, and more desirable living environment.


According to the United Nations, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. The global demand for food is expected to increase by 60% by the same year. With cities already facing space constraints, turning exterior walls into productive agricultural zones presents a unique and efficient solution that also enhances real estate value.


Imagine residents having access to fresh, organic produce right outside their door. This isn't just a perk; it's a lifestyle enhancement. Look at Singapore’s edible green walls or Milan’s Bosco Verticale (a vertical forest) or Sweden’s greenhouse.


Beyond providing fresh, locally grown food, vertical farming on facades has several benefits that directly impact real estate development – increase in property value, reduction in carbon footprint, improvement in AQI, and of course enhanced aesthetics.


Yes, there will be high implementation costs initially and more energy consumption and structural issues to be addressed but I’m sure that could be taken care of through smart irrigation, solar-powered hydroponic systems and other farming techniques.


I believe the future of urban sustainability lies in our ability to rethink how we use space that is not just livable but truly self-sustaining.


It’s time we start thinking and growing upwards. Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

 

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