E3S Web of Conferences (Jan 2024)
Technological Innovation and Significance of Vertical Farming System in High-Density Urban Areas
Abstract
Recently, the issue of sustainability of food supply has arisen in some of the high-density cities. To meet the growing demand for food, a solution has been proposed which could be the development of urban vertical farms. Although many practical examples exist, their comprehensive analyses and comparisons still need to be developed more. Therefore, this paper provides an in-depth study of technological innovations in urban vertical farming systems in high-density cities. By selecting some critical cases, such as The Plant in Chicago, Sky Greens in Singapore, Aero Farms in New Jersey, and Sunqiao Urban Agriculture Zone in Shanghai, and explaining their sustainable and innovative applications, the article assesses the strengths and limitations of these developments. In addition, the contribution of urban vertical farming at the individual, city, and natural environment levels is discussed, and it is concluded that the combination of hydroponics and vertical farming is an effective solution to the challenges of urban agriculture. Overall, this study explores the solutions offered by vertical farming in increasing food production, maintaining high quality and safety, and promoting sustainable urban agriculture.