Introduction

Rapid urbanization, climate instability, and food supply disruptions demand new ways of producing food closer to where people live. Vertical farming has emerged as a promising solution—integrating agriculture into dense urban environments while minimizing land use, water consumption, and transportation emissions.

The Vertical Farm Tower competition challenges participants to design a high-rise agricultural structure where food is cultivated floor by floor, transforming the tower into a living, productive ecosystem. The project should demonstrate how architecture, technology, and nature can coexist to create resilient, self-sustaining urban food systems.

Objective

Participants are invited to conceptualize a vertical farming tower that:

• Integrates food production within a multi-storey building

• Demonstrates efficient use of space, energy, water, and resources

• Explores innovative farming technologies (hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, etc.)

• Acts as a landmark for sustainable urban living

• Connects farming with community, education, and urban life

The proposal should go beyond a functional farm and become an iconic, adaptable prototype for future cities.

The Building Program

• Vertical farming floors (leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, grains, or specialty crops)

• Seed germination and nursery zones

• Climate-controlled growing environments

• Water recycling and nutrient management systems

• Renewable energy integration (solar, wind, biogas, etc.)

• Research and innovation labs

• Food processing, packaging, and storage areas

• Community spaces (learning centers, viewing decks, farm-to-table café)

• Administration and control rooms

• Vertical circulation (elevators, ramps, service cores)

• Waste management and composting systems

(Indicative – participants may modify or expand)

Site

• Participants may choose an urban location anywhere in the world

• Climate, context, and surrounding density should inform the design

• Justification of site selection is required

• No fixed plot size or height restriction unless defined by the participant