Rooftop Urban Farm: A Modern Take on Traditional Farming

Designer Donte Dandridge's Innovative Approach to Urban Agriculture

Dandridge's design was inspired by the client's desire to provide a familiar yet modern take on rural life for the newly urbanized Chinese population. The result is a functional and innovative urban farm that beautifully integrates into the urban landscape. The design is a testament to Dandridge's ability to balance form and function, creating a space that is not only visually appealing but also serves a practical purpose.

The unique properties of the Rooftop Urban Farm lie in its strategic layout. The classroom, the only built structure in the farm, is positioned to maximize sun shading during the hottest months. The rest of the farm is organized around this central axis, creating a harmonious balance between the various functions of the space. The farm includes 52 plots for planting vegetation, all maintained by an automated watering and feeding system.

The realization of the design involved the use of natural materials such as gravel, wood, and cement, with minimal artificial color treatment. This choice of materials reinforces the farm's connection to nature and rural life. The most significant challenge was modifying the rooftop structure to support the load and drainage requirements of the farm. This was achieved by removing the top cement layer and redesigning the structure to suit the needs of the design.

The Rooftop Urban Farm is not just a design project but also a social initiative. By providing residents with a space to care for their own vegetation, the farm encourages community engagement and promotes sustainable living practices. The project, which began in Hong Kong in early 2017 and was completed in Changsha in December of the same year, is a testament to the potential of rooftop farming in urban environments.

The design's success is evident in its recognition by the prestigious A' Design Award, where it won Silver in the Landscape Planning and Garden Design category in 2019. This award is a testament to Dandridge's innovative approach to design and his ability to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.