a tree assembles in brooklyn with framlab's vertical farming solution, glasir

framlab introduces its envisioned urban farming solution, ‘glasir’ in which a tree assembles in brooklyn. while agriculture is the foundation of civilization, the ancient form of agriculture is a far cry from today’s industrialized and increasingly problematic counterpart. the majority of the planet’s freshwater supply is being poured into the extremely water-intensive industry. modern agriculture demands significant land area as an estimated 37% of the planet’s surface is used for farming — a number that is still growing. agriculture has historically been the prime mover for deforestation and loss of biodiversity. while the industry will need to almost double in size to serve the growing population, most of the planet’s land has already been claimed while the remaining arable land is being degraded at rapid rate.

all images courtesy of framlab

framlab proposes ‘glasir’ as a solution to this agricultural crisis, a systematic community-based urban farming intervention. by combining the flexibility of modularity with the efficiency of aeroponic growth systems, the project offers self-regulating, vertical farming structures that can provide neighborhoods with affordable, local produce year-round. using the tree’s adaptable growth processes as a framework for high-yield, vertical farming, the model is comprises a single trunk which rhythmic, modular growth, developing tiers of branches. the system catalogue consists of ten modules — five growth modules, three production modules, and two access modules. each type can interconnect, enabling the system to assemble into an endless number of configurations. through the elevation and distribution of production modules, farmlab’s glasir system enables high-yield, local production of greens and vegetables, while engaging with the streetscape as a distinct new urban figure.

with its two foot square footprint, framlab’s glasir can be erected anywhere in the city where a regular tree can be planted. the modular architecture of the system affords great flexibility and allows each structure to conform to local context and constraints. glasir’s proposition to offer affordable, locally-grown produce has the potential to not only boost the local residents’ nutritional profile, but also plant the seed for societal and economic betterment in food insecure neighborhoods. through their street presence, the tree-structures also serve the important role of creating visibility and awareness around the importance of greens and vegetables.