Known for its density with nearly 20,000 people per square mile, Singapore is changing its food systems strategy to produce more food locally, and reduce food waste.
To feed its 5.31 million residents, Singapore imports almost all of its food from countries both near and far. With a land mass of only 276 square miles, Singapore is jam packed with civilization and cannot afford the space necessary for vast swathes of agricultural land. According to Fast Co.Exist, architects from the Barcelona-based design firm JAPA have proposed a "new system of looping towers that could float in local harbors, providing new space for year-round crops." The design, called "floating responsive architecture," is inspired by the floating fish farms that were used in Singapore since the 1930's. The towers, with their looped unusual shape, maximize sunlight while reducing significant shadowing.
In addition to their unique shape, the towers are also equipped with a network of sensors to create an enormous data management system. These sensors will communicate directly with networks within the city to monitor food purchases, and simultaneously adjust food production in an effort to achieve zero food waste.
While still just a concept, JAPA would like to further investigate capacity and energy usage. The next steps include prototyping the towers and assessing potential applications for China's densely populated coastline cities.
FULL STORY: These Floating Vertical Farms Are Designed To Bring Local Food To The Densest Urban Areas

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland