Ho Chi Minh city is getting an urban farm
Under rapid urbanisation, cities in Vietnam have diverged far from their origins as sprawling tropical forests. The lack of green causes various social problems such as air pollution due to over-abundance of motorbikes, air pollution, flood and heat island effect.
In this context, new generations in urban areas are losing their connection with nature. Moreover, the country is facing changes as it moves to a manufacturing based economy, taking its toll on the environment. Increased droughts, floods and salinization jeopardize food supplies.
“Urban Farming Office” is an effort to change this situation. The aim of project is to return green space to the city and promote safe food production. Located in a newly developed area in Ho Chi Minh City, the office project demonstrates the possibility of vertical urban farming.
It's facade consists of hanged planter boxes with various local vegetation, allowing them to obtain sufficient sunlight. This green approach will provide safe food and comfortable environment with minimum energy consumption, contributing to the sustainable future of city.
The “vertical farm” creates comfortable microclimate throughout the building. Combined with glazing, the vegetation filters direct sunlight and purifies air. It is irrigated with stored rainwater while evaporation cools the air. Conversely the northern wall is relatively solid for future extension, with small openings to enhance cross ventilation. It is made of double-layered brick wall with air layer inside for better insulation property. All of these contributes to reduce the use of air conditioner.
The “vertical farm” is designed for vegetation with simple construction method- it consists of concrete structure, steel supporting and modularised planter boxes which are replaceable, therefore they can be flexibly arranged in accordance with the height and growing condition of plants, providing sufficient sunlight. Together with a roof garden and ground, the system provides up to 190% of green ratio to the site area, which is equivalent to 1.1 tons of harvest. Various local edible plants, such as vegetable, herb and fruit tree, are selected contributing to biodiversity of the region. They are maintained with organic treatment method.
Source: VTN Architects(Vo Trong Nghia Architects)
Program : Office
Location : District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Site area : 300m2
GFA : 1,386m2
Images: VTN Architects(Vo Trong Nghia Architects)
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