“Only a catastrophic event would now persuade humanity to take the threat of climate change seriously enough” – James Lovelock
[2010]
In present time, there is not enough awareness about how current practices of humans will lead to a disastrous consequence in the near future. As the current ignorant and carefree attitudes of humans remain unchanged, sea levels and carbon dioxide emissions are on the rise.
[2050]
In 40 years, Dubai is in a completely different state. The weather patterns have changed, temperature and population has risen as expected. Water level has risen, and many areas have been submerged completely, due to the flood in the year 2040 Furthermore, food and fresh water is scarce and expensive and hence, the population of the poor has increased. Inhabitants moved away from small villas close to the Gulf, into newly constructed tall buildings away from the water.
It took a catastrophic event to create awareness about the significance of climate change. Oil is no longer used as a source of energy. Instead, solar farms, and wind mills exist on rural plots—building facades consist of solar panels and wind turbines that generate electricity. Desalination plants are built around the city that use water from the Gulf to produce fresh water, that are then stored in new water towers that are built around the city. Vertical farm towers are built to maximize fruit and vegetable production for the city.
This specific vertical farm incorporates a cardio health club that consists of exercise machines (such as stationary bicycles, stepping machines, elliptical trainers) that generate electricity as they are used. Individuals give up their calories to provide energy to operate a certain program, and in turn, they gain their energy by having high calorie fruits and vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes) that the vertical farm provides. Individuals use the exercise machines to generate energy which is stored in a battery. This energy is then used for two programs. Energy stored in the battery powers up a water pump which builds up water pressure and transports water to plants through pipes, forming a hydroponic system. Energy stored in the battery can also be converted into light energy to provide artificial lighting, allowing plants to photosynthesize. The vertical farm will also feature wind turbines that help generate electricity. For its construction, the Vertical farm will utilize waste aluminum and plastic to form a strong composite material. Like the current design proposal, there will be many more such projects around the city that require people to work for their food.
People’s lifestyles will need to change to live a more sustainable life. The Vertical Farm that will be designed for this project will target those individuals who are aware of the benefits of sustainable living. The health club will appeal to healthy individuals who seek to exercise with the additional benefits of healthy fruits and vegetables. The health club will also attract the poor who get a free meal for sacrificing some of their calories for the farm. This forms a symbiotic relationship between the vertical farm and the humans living around it.
