By Cindy Naas

Dr. Dickson Despommier, a professor of Public Health at Columbia University, is credited with starting the idea of vertical farming.

He’s also the man responsible for pushing it to the next level.

Despommier and French architect Augustin Rosenstiehl have designed a prototype of the 30-story building Dr. Despommier says is necessary for it to be commercially viable.

This building incorporates hydroponics, fish farming and egg production all literally under one roof.

It is estimated that 150 of these 30-story buildings could completely feed the residents of Manhattan. While that may not seem like a viable option, long-term predictions for worldwide crop yields estimate that crop production will fall by 20% over the next Read the rest of this entry »

By Cindy Naas

Earlier this summer, UGC writer Vanessa Richins wrote about some lovely wall gardens designed by artist Patric Blanc.

His beautiful creations are living works of art.

A non-profit group, Urban Farming, has taken the vertical growing idea and run with it.

A series of four walls in L.A. have been turned into urban farms in a collaborative effort between Urban Gardening and Cal Poly students. 180 growing panels were planted up with organic veggies and herbs and installed in the four designated areas.

The produce was donated to area food banks. One wall was tended by residents of a low-income apartment complex and the food was Read the rest of this entry »