Invisible Farm: A Unique Approach to Urban Farming

Designers Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan Introduce a Revolutionary Vertical Farming Concept

The inspiration for Invisible Farm is rooted in the metal frames found on typical Taipei city residential building windows. These frames, often customized by residents for additional security or extra space, are commonly used to house planters. Nagatomo and Jan saw an opportunity in these spaces, and thus, the concept of Invisible Farm was born.

The Invisible Farm was part of the Taiwan Wanderer Guide 2012 exhibition in Taichung, Taiwan. The installation is a unique blend of traditional Taiwanese window covers, known as "Iron bars", and a vertical window farming concept. The hexagonal unit, which holds in-take and out-take water supply, can be configured into a window farming field. This allows residents to harvest edible plants right at their windows, a practical solution for urban living conditions.

The planter module of the Invisible Farm is made with molded PVC with heat pressing joint, and connected with stainless steel bolts and nuts. Each module installs a drip irrigation tube for water distribution. The hexagonal planter module measures 23 cm in width and 20 cm in height, and the entire installation spans 5 meters in width and 2.8 meters in height.

The Invisible Farm is a testament to the possibilities of window farming, based on the hydroponic agriculture concept. By creating an adjustable joint system and re-configurable geometry, the Invisible Farm offers unlimited possibilities for creating vegetating areas in urban living spaces. The most challenging part of the project was creating a water circulation system for irrigating the plants and making a feasible hydroponic system without expensive pre-made components.

The Invisible Farm project was initiated in early 2012 and took two months to develop the concept and design. The first prototype was made in June 2012 to test the joint and water tight system. The installation was installed in August 2012 in Taichung city, CMP Block, one of the most popular art galleries in the city. After the exhibition, the planter module was further developed for a larger number of production in 2013.

Invisible Farm was awarded Silver in A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award in 2017. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.