An architectural firm based in Barcelona, Spain, has launched an innovative concept to
construct solar-powered vertical farms that float offshore and provide a viable solution to future food scarcity issues. Designed by Forward Thinking Architecture (FTA) architects Javier Ponce and Jakub Dycha, the small floating farms include a modular-expandable, multi-layered buoyancy system that integrates solar energy, hydroponics, green growing and aquaculture.
The farms will be installed in open sea areas to eliminate the use of large land properties and minimise agricultural imports. Each farm will yield fish and crops, and will be placed near areas with high food demands. The smart floating farms will be developed in multiple layers with workers catching fish in the lower section. This level will also have wave barriers, boat decks, a hatchery for fish eggs, a nursery for growing fish, a packaging area and a processing centre.
The next level will feature hydroponics, a method for cultivating crops without soil, thus removing the need for natural precipitation. An on-board desalination facility has been proposed to supply the greenhouse plants with sufficient water. Solar panels will be installed in the upper level to generate power to operate fans and tools for the farms. They may also have rainwater collectors and skylight openings to provide the plants with natural light.
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