ctbuh.

org/papers

Title: Vertical Farm: A High-Rise Solution to Feeding the City?

Authors: Timothy Heath, Associate Dean, University of Nottingham

Yan Zhu, Lecturer, University of Nottingham
Yiming Shao, PhD student, University of Nottingham

Subjects: Social Issues

Sustainability/Green/Energy

Keywords: Sky Garden

Urbanization

Publication Date: 2012

Original Publication: CTBUH 2012 9th World Congress, Shanghai

Paper Type: 1. Book chapter/Part chapter

2. Journal paper
3. Conference proceeding
4. Unpublished conference paper
5. Magazine article
6. Unpublished

© Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat / Timothy Heath; Yan Zhu; Yiming Shao
Vertical Farm: A High-Rise Solution to Feeding the City?
垂直农场:以高层建筑为载体来供养城市?

Abstract
The 21st century has seen explosive growth in global population, shortage of urban land
use, rapid urbanization and increasing problems associated with food security. One of many
solutions to these challenges could be the emergence vertical farming. Its advocators claim that
urban high-rise buildings can be utilized as a vehicle for this idea. To date, the market’s low-key
reaction has resulted in this innovative idea remaining at the conceptual level. This paper draws
upon cross-disciplinary research to outline the opportunity and to examine and analyze the
Timothy Heath Yan Zhu challenges between the theoretical concepts and practical delivery.. The future development
of the vertical farm should be based on a phased process (experimental / examples /
promotion) and as a newly developed typology it needs to be supported by policy, technology,
management and local communities if it is to move from concept to practice.
Keywords: Vertical Farm, Urbanization, Food Security

摘要
21世纪，人类面临着人口的爆炸性增长、城市用地的紧缺、城市化进程的加快和食品安
Yiming Shao 全方面的诸多问题。而垂直农场概念的出现成为了应对这些挑战的解决途径之一。该
理念的倡导者认为可以利用城市高层建筑作为垂直农场的载体。但是，市场的低调反应
Timothy Heath, Yan Zhu & Yiming Shao 使其始终停留在概念的层面。本文从跨学科领域的研究状况出发，列举了垂直农场的优
Department of Architecture & Built Environment, 势，并分析了从理论到实施时面临的挑战。文章指出，垂直农场作为一种全新的形式，
University of Nottingham 其发展应当循序渐进（实验/范例/推广），以政策、技术、管理和当地社区的支持等方
B7 Paton House, University Park
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire 式共同促进，从而推动其由概念向实践转化。
4 NG7 2RD United Kingdom
关键词：垂直农场，城市化，食品安全
tel (电话): +44 115 95 14887
fax (传真): +44 115 95 13159
email (电子邮箱): tim.heath@nottingham.ac.uk; yan.
zhu@nottingham.ac.uk; laxys13@nottingham.ac.uk
www.nottingham.ac.uk/Engineering/Departments/
ABE/People/tim.heath
Introduction 概述
Tim Heath is a registered architect and town planner
and is currently Associate Dean of the Faculty of As of October 2011, the world population is 截至2011年10月，世界人口超过70亿。据
Engineering at the University of Nottingham. Heath
has worked on many large-scale projects across China. estimated at over 7 billion. It is expected that 估计，到2050年，该数字将会突破83亿
He has published on urban design, conservation, the number will increase to 8.3 billion by 2050 （World Population Clock 2011） 。目
adaptive re-use of buildings, sustainable cities and
eco-urbanism. (World Population Clock 2011). Currently, 前，为了供养如此规模的人口，全球已有
Tim Heath是一位从事研究、教学和实践的建筑师、
over 800 million hectares (i.e. nearly 38% of 超过8亿公顷的土地（约占地球陆地面积的
规划师。他目前担任诺丁汉大学工程学院副院长职务 the total land of the earth) is used to produce 38%）用来种植农作物。照此推算，如果
并在中国不同地区设计了多个大型项目。他发表了
众多关于城市设计、城市保护、建筑改造再利用、
crops to support the population. On this basis, 以现有的农业生产方式来供养新增人口，
可持续性城市和生态城市等方面的书籍和文章。 feeding the estimated increase in people will 还需要1.09亿公顷的土地（Despommier
Dr. Yan Zhu is a Lecturer in Architecture and Urban require an additional 109 million hectares and Ellingsen, 2008）。但是，这些额
Design at the Department of Architecture & Built
Environment, University of Nottingham. He researches
of land using current agricultural methods. 外的耕地并不存在。气候变化和农药的滥
sustainable urban design and regeneration. He However, this additional fertile land does 用导致人们对食品安全愈发担忧，同时，
graduated with a B.Arch from Tsinghua University and
obtained his Master’s and PhD from the University of
not exist. Besides, climate change and the 在城市化加速的背景下（尤其在发展中国
Nottingham. Yan previously worked as an Architect abuse of agrochemicals has led to increasing 家），农业生产对生态环境的影响问题也
and Urban Designer.
concerns about food security and the impact 引起了广泛的关注。为了应对这些挑战，
朱岩博士是诺丁汉大学建筑与建筑环境学院建筑与
城市设计专业的讲师，主要研究可持续性城市的设
of agricultural production on ecosystems 城市农业越来越受推崇，并且发展出了不
计和更新。他本科毕业于清华大学建筑学院，后在 under the background of rapid urbanization, 同的策略。其中，有一种创新性的概念十
诺丁汉大学取得了硕士和博士学位。
especially in developing countries. In order to 分引人注目，那就是Dickson Despommier
Yiming Shao is a PhD student in the Department
tackle these challenges, urban agriculture is 教授所称的“根本性的解决方法”——垂
of Architecture & Built Environment, University of
Nottingham. After his B.Arch degree, he obtained increasingly being advocated and developed 直农场。
double master’s degrees in Urban Planning and
Renewable Energy and Architecture. He researches
in different strategies. Among these, one 二十世纪八十年代末，著名的生态高层建
urban regeneration, university design, eco-architecture innovative concept, defined as “a fundamental 筑师杨经文建议在高层建筑中进行植物种
and building simulation.
solution” by Dickson Despommier (2011), 植。他提出植物（包含农作物）应该种植
邵一鸣是诺丁汉大学建筑学院的博士研究生。他先
后取得了建筑学本科，城市规划以及可再生能源与
is gaining increasing attention. That is the 在混合使用的摩天楼的外围，以此来进行
建筑双硕士学位，研究领域包括城市更新、校园规 concept of vertical farming. 气候控制和供应消费。这些“绿塔”坐落
划、生态建筑设计和模拟等。
In the late 1980s, Ken Yeang, widely 在城市区域能够影响当地的微气候。可
considered one of the first high-rise eco- 是，这个模式的垂直农业是基于个人或社
architects, suggested a vision of high-rise 区尺度的，受其形式所限，产量无法满足
plant cultivation. He proposed that plant 城市规模人口的需要。他在1992年设计的

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life (including agricultural plants) should be cultivated within open
air, mixed-use skyscrapers to assist with climate control and for
consumption. These ‘green towers’ were proposed to be located within
urban areas to influence the microclimate. However, limited by the
form, this version of vertical farming was based upon personal or
community use rather than wholesale production and distribution to
feed the wider population in the city. His project Menara Mesiniaga
Tower in 1992 (see Figure 1) fully illustrated his mixed-use ideas
(Ken Yeang, 1996). More recently, the vertical farm has been further
developed in 1999 by Professor Dickson Despommier. He proposed
high-rise buildings as vehicles to cultivate plants in hermetically sealed,
artificial indoor conditions with advanced greenhouse technology,
such as hydroponics and areoponics (soil-less cultivation). He claimed
that vertical farms would avoid a variety of adverse factors on crops
compared to the natural environment, which could greatly improve
the yield and quality.

Vertical Farming For Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture is the practice of cultivating, processing and
distributing food in, or around, a town or city. Urban farming is
generally practiced for income-generation or food-producing
activities, though at the same time it can also be used for recreational,
educational or environmental purposes. As these facts indicate, urban
agriculture is increasingly important to citizens for their food security:
•• Over 50% of the world’s population live in cities (Brook and
Figure 1. Menara Mesiniaga Tower by Ken Yeang (Source: www.flickr.com )
Davila 2000); 图1. 杨经文设计的梅那拉梅西加尼亚塔（出自：www.flickr.com）
•• An estimated 800 million people are involved in urban
agriculture world-wide and contribute to feeding urban 梅那拉 。 梅西加尼亚塔（请见图1）完整诠释了这种混合使用
residents (UNDP 1996); 的理念（Ken Yeang, 1996）。Dickson Despommier教授于1999
年把垂直农场发展到了新的高度。他提出以高层建筑作为载体，
•• Low income urban dwellers spend between 40% and 60% of
利用先进的温室种植技术（如水培法和气培法等无土栽培技术）
their income on food each year (IDRC/ UN-HABITAT);
，在与外界环境隔绝的室内人工环境中培育植物的理念。他认为
•• By 2015, at least 26 cities in the world are expected to have a 相对于自然环境，这样的垂直农场能够避免大量的对农作物不利
population of 10 million or more. To feed a city of this size at 的因素，从而极大地提高产量和品质。
least 6,600 tons of food must be imported each day (Drescher
et al. 2000);
•• 250 million hungry people live in cities (Food 2050. EU). 以垂直农场来实现城市农业

Historically, urban agriculture can be categorized by its location as 城市农业的概念是在城市和城镇内部或周边完成种植、加工和食

community urban gardens and peri-urban farms. Community urban 品配送的过程。虽然城市农业具有休闲娱乐、教育和改善环境的
gardens, with their limitations of space, can never meet the complete 作用，但是其主要目的还在于生产农产品来产生效益。就食品保
food demands of cities. In the same way, peri-urban farms can neither 障方面而言，以下的数据也许可以解释城市农业为什么对于居民
be considered a long term solution, since the negative impacts of 的意义愈发重要：
unlimited urban sprawl on the environment has been increasingly •• 世界上超过50%的人居住在城市里。（Brook and Davila
recognized. 2000）
If vertical farms were to become widely adopted as a new method of •• 据估算，世界上有8亿的人口参与到了城市农业之中，来
urban agriculture, then the following advantages over traditional urban 保障城市居民的食品供应。（UNDP 1996）
food production would immediately be realized:
•• 城市低收入家庭每年在食物上要花费其收入的40%到60%。
•• Open land savings. (One indoor farm production area （IDRC/ UN-HABITAT）
is equivalent to at least 6-24 times that of outdoor farm
•• 预计到2015年，全球人口超过1千万的城市数量将达到26
production area, depending on the number of floors and
个，如此规模的城市每天至少需要从外地供应6600吨的食
stacked planting levels on each floor.)
物。（Drescher et al. 2000）
•• Year-round crop production.
•• 全世界城市里的饥民总数约为2.5亿。（Food2050. EU）
•• No crop loss from severe weather events.
历史上，城市农业出现的形式可以分为社区型城市菜园和城市周
•• No agricultural run-off. 边农场两种。对于社区型城市菜园来说，由于空间有限，不能满
•• Less 70% water usage and no agro-chemicals. 足城市供应的需要。而城市周边农场也不是长久之计，因为人们
已经逐渐认识到城市无限扩张造成的负面影响了。
•• Remediation of grey water.

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 •• Repair of damaged ecosystems by returning farmland to nature,
allowing it to “cure” itself.
•• Supply fresh produce for local city dwellers.
•• Create new employment opportunities.
•• Production of bio-fuels or plant derived drugs.
(Despommier and Ellingsen 2008)

Integrating Technologies
The vertical farm concept may have appeared a little futuristic some 20
years ago. However, it is now entirely practical, since most technologies
it employs are currently being used. Soil-less culture technology is
the fundamental technology that makes indoor farming possible and
effective. Hydroponics, a mature soil-less cultivation method, involves
using a suitable “fastening” system to hold the plants in place, so that
it develops its roots in a liquid medium (nutrients dissolved in water)
without any type of substrate or solid support for anchoring the
roots (Echeverria 2008). Other advanced indoor cultivation methods
have been developed based on hydroponics, such as aeroponics
and aquaponics. Unlike hydroponics which uses water as a substrate
medium, aeroponics involves growing plants suspended in a closed or Figure 2. Coloured LED cultivation, by PlantLab (Source: www.crispgreen.com)
semi-closed environment by spraying the plant’s dangling roots and 图2. PlantLab的单色LED种植系统（出自：www.crispgreen.com）
lower stem with an atomized or sprayed, nutrient-rich water solution
(Stoner and Clawson 1998). Significantly, aeroponics can save as
如果广泛采用垂直农场作为城市农业的新手段，很可能会体现出
much as 95% water compared to conventional soil-based agriculture.
如下优势：
However, it is still a relatively experimental method, as its effectiveness
has not been proven. Aquaponics is a sustainable food production •• 节约土地。（1单位面积的室内农场的产量相当于6-24单
system that combines a traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals 位面积的室外耕地，由楼层数和每层楼中叠加种植的层数
such as snails, fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics in a 决定）
symbiotic environment. These three new planting methods contribute •• 全年不间断的农作物生产。
a number of advantages such as being lightweight, high density,
recycling water, as well as delivering clean produce, all of which help to •• 农作物不会受严酷的天气情况的影响。
enable agriculture to transfer from the ground into high-rise buildings. •• 不存在农药污染。
The vertical farm may also take advantage of a series of breakthroughs •• 节水70%以上，不含化肥。
in terms of the building devices, materials and renewable energy •• 中水净化。
systems achieved during recent decades. Sunlight reflecting, collecting
and delivering devices, such as light shelves, light pipes and fiber •• 修复生态系统。（退耕还林，让生态系统自愈。）
optics, can penetrate natural light deep into buildings to provide •• 为当地居民提供新鲜的农产品。
energy for plant’s photosynthesis. As a cladding, ETFE (Ethyl Tetra
•• 提供新的就业机会。
Fluoro Ethylene) is a light, flexible and self-cleaning material that has
very high transparency (95% visible light transmission) and good •• 能够生产生物燃料或者种植植物性药物。
thermal properties. In fact, a standard three-layer cushion of ETFE can （Despommier and Ellingsen 2008）
achieve a U-value of 1.96 W/m²K, which is better than triple glazing.
There is evidence that ETFE can be suitable for vertical farms since it
has been applied to a number of high-profile projects, such as the 技术集成
Beijing Olympic swimming venue. Daniel Cardoso et al. (2007) explores
也许20年前垂直农场的概念还显得有些科幻。但是，如今它却是
the tectonic integration of a distributed computer network and the
完全可行的，因为它所需的技术大部分已经成熟可用了。无土栽
façade of a high-rise tower through the use of ETFE cushions. They
培就是一项基础的技术，它使得室内种植有效可行。水培法是无
propose a new design philosophy which not only potentially improves
土栽培里比较成熟的一种，使用相应的装置来固定植物，而把根
the energy-efficiency of a building, but also promotes a novel kind of
部浸在液体溶剂中（其中含有营养物质），在根部没有其他任何
dialogue between a space and its inhabitants. However, the feasibility
固体的支撑物 （Echeverria 2008） 。基于水培法还发展出了
of ETFE in a high-rise environment, subject to high wind speeds, needs
其他的先进室内种植方法，如气培法和水产复合养殖法等。气培
further research and testing. Renewable energy systems provide the
法不像水培法那样使用水作为培养基，而是把植物悬吊在密封或
opportunity to reduce the vertical farm’s carbon footprint. In the
半密封的环境中，在其悬吊的根部和较低的茎部直接喷洒营养液
right location, most micro-systems can be utilized on a vertical farm,
气雾（Stoner and Clawson 1998）。值得注意的是，气培法相
such as solar PV panels, wind turbines, biomass incineration or even
对传统的土壤种植农业节水率可达95%。但是，目前该技术还在
geothermal systems. Of course, their selection should be based on a
试验阶段，其有效性有待进一步论证。水产复合养殖法是一种可
case-by-case study according to the local climate and other factors.
持续的生产系统，由一套传统的水产养殖系统（在水箱中养殖水

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The significant development of LED (Light Emitting Diode) has
also made it possible for a vertical farm to be an entirely nature-
independent entity. With a high electricity-to-light conversion
efficiency, this artificial lighting can replace natural sunlight as the
energy for plants’ growth. In Plantlab (Netherlands), colored LED (red
and blue) has been used to further reduce energy consumption
(saving 90% compared to traditional requirements) and has doubled
the efficiency of photosynthesis to 18% (Plantlab 2011, see Figure 2).
Constructing the ideal vertical farm, with higher yield per unit area,
demands further research and collaboration between many disciplines,
such as hydrobiology, material sciences, structural and mechanical
engineering, industrial microbiology, plant and animal genetics, public
health, waste management, physics, and of course, urban planning and
architectural design.

Typology, Strategies, and Challenges Figure 3. Different designs of vertical farms (Source: www.verticalfarm.com/designs)
图3. 垂直农场的不同设计方案（出自：www.verticalfarm.com/designs）
When Despommier proposed and discussed the idea of the vertical
farm with his students, there were no initial design drawings – just
descriptive text. Their group determined that a vertical farm could be 产品如田螺、鱼类、龙虾或基围虾等）以及一套水培法种植系统
achieved within an area of one square New York City block and be 30 组成了一个共生环境。上述种植的新方法带来的许多的优点，如
stories in height, with a total area of approximately 27,800,000 square 轻量化，高密度种植，循环利用水资源，清洁生产等，这些优势
meters. They estimated that this could feed 50,000 people providing 都会促进农业生产的地点由地面向高层建筑内部转变。
2000 cal/day/person (Despommier, 2010). So what does a vertical farm 垂直农场还可以利用人类近几十年内在建筑构件、材料和可再生
look like? Architects have provided many visionary designs (see Figure 能源系统方面取得的突破性发展。日光的反射、收集和传输装
3). 置，如反光板、光管和光导纤维的使用，可以把自然光输送到建
Although vertical farming has various possibilities in terms of its 筑物的内部，提供植物光合作用所需的能量。ETFE（乙基四氟乙
form, it can be classified according to the way the energy is used for 烯）是一种轻质、柔性、具有自净能力的材料，有很高的透明度
plant growth. Compared to conventional farming on the ground, （可见光通透性达到95%），同时具有较好的热工性能，很适合
plants in a vertical farm will acquire less natural light from above 作外维护材料。标准的3层ETFE幕墙的U值可以达到1.96 W/m2K，
(excluding the top floor), which means that additional energy is 保温性强于三层玻璃幕墙。ETFE已经在很多大型项目中得到了应
required to compensate. Thus, design strategies can be divided into 用（如北京奥林匹克游泳馆）。Daniel Cardoso et al. （2007
two categories, those that: 1) maximize the use of natural light; or ）探索了在高层建筑中使用集成独立计算机传感控制网络的ETFE
2) depend mainly on artificial lighting. The first method requires 幕墙的可行性。他们开发出一种全新的设计哲学，不但提高了建
optimizing building form and light reflecting/delivering structures 筑节能的潜力，而且让空间和它的使用者产生了一种对话交流。
or equipment, such as light reflectors or light tubes/fibers, in order 不过，如果把ETFE应用于高层建筑中，在较高的外部风速环境
to maximize solar radiation on the plants. Thus, the supplementary 下，其可行性还有待进一步的研究和检验。而可再生能源系统又
energy can be minimized and the initial investment and operating 使垂直农场减少碳排放量成为可能。大多数的小型系统，如太阳
costs are relatively low. However, this kind of design strategy poses 能光伏板，风力涡轮机，生物燃料焚烧系统甚至是地热系统，只
many challenges for architects, requiring a solution to capture sunlight 要安装在正确的位置，都能在垂直农场中发挥作用。当然，系统
and distribute it evenly to each story, meanwhile maximizing the space 的选择需要基于对当地气候和其他多种因素的具体分析而定。
for crops. Achieving this requires not only an innovative architectural LED（发光二极管）技术的发展使得垂直农场完全独立于自然环
solution, but also significant technological building performance 境的构想成为了可能。由于其较高的光电转化率，人工照明可
knowledge. As such, before designing a vertical farm, an architect 以完全取代自然光作为植物生长所需的能量。在荷兰的Plantlab
first needs to know the solar radiation quantity and intensity levels 中，单色LED（红光和蓝光）的使用进一步降低了能耗（相比传
that selected plants require, translating that to lux level metrix. Then, 统人工照明节电90%）同时使光合作用的效率翻倍，达到了18%（
the local weather data needs to be investigated thoroughly, since a 请见图 2）（Plantlab 2011）。
series of factors, such as solar altitude angle, solar radiation intensity, 建造单位面积产量更加理想的垂直农场需要深化多领域的研究与
temperature or even wind velocity, are likely to affect the design. 合作，如水生生物学，材料科学，结构和机械工程学，工业微生
The building form (i.e. floor height, depth, where to locate an atrium 物学，植物和动物遗传学，公共卫生学，物理学，垃圾处理等，
or sunlight reflecting/collecting/delivering devices) can then be 当然，还有城市规划和建筑设计。
determined according to the research results. During these processes,
computer simulation software can be utilized to determine and
eliminate the “weak positions”. Even so, there are likely to be spaces 类型，策略与挑战
with natural light illumination below the baseline condition. Thus,
a plant bed conveyer could be considered to enable plants to have 当Despommier提出垂直农场这个概念，并和他的学生进行讨论的
‘access’ to optimum sunlight conditions, or alternatively, an auxiliary 时候，还没有原始设计图，仅仅是一些描述性的文字。他们讨论
lighting system to supplement the solar energy can be applied. 认为一个垂直农场的占地大约占纽约市一个方形街区，30层的高
度，总面积大约27.8万平方米。如果按每人每日需要2000卡热量
计算，可以养活5万人（Despommier, D., 2010）。那么，垂直

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The second method uses more advanced technologies, i.e. colored 农场看上去是怎样的呢？建筑师们给出了很多梦幻的设计（请见
LED light, as the input energy. Since this method can be totally 图3）。
independent from the natural environment, it is more suitable for 虽然垂直农场形式多样，但是却可以按照植物摄取能量的方式来
locations where solar radiation is low or sunlight duration is short. 进行划分。与传统耕地农业相比，垂直农场里的植物接受的来自
However, current barriers to its promotion are the cost and energy 上方的自然光有所减少（顶楼除外），这就意味着需要额外的
consumption. The initial cost could easily be over $100 million, for a 能量进行补充。由此，设计策略分为两种：1）最大化利用自然
60 hectare vertical farm (OMAFRA, 2010). Indeed, the scientist and 光；2）主要依靠人工照明。第一种方式要求必须优化建筑形式
anti-global warming activist George Monbiot (2010) calculated that 和光线反射和传递结构及设备（如光反射板和光管/光纤），这
the cost of providing enough supplementary light to grow the grain 样才能够使照射到植物上的太阳辐射最大化，进而使得补偿的能
required for a single loaf of bread to be almost $10. If the power needs 源消耗最小化，以降低初期投入和运营费用。但是，这种设计策
of the vertical farm are met by fossil fuels, the environmental effect 略给建筑师们带来了很多挑战：需要设计出一种方案，在最大化
may be a net loss. If those powers are met by renewable energies, 种植空间的同时获取阳光，再把它较为均匀地分配到各个楼层中
the additional cost for systems will be added to the total investment, 去。这不仅要求创新的建筑设计方案，而且对关键技术和建筑性
which can make the vertical farm even more unaffordable. However, 能的知识要求也很高。所以，在设计垂直农场前，建筑师首先需
as the technology gets increasingly mature, the initial cost is expected 要知道的就是选定的植物需要多少照度和多长时间的日照。对当
to drop rapidly. There are already a number of small-scale prototypes 地的气象数据也要进行透彻的研究，因为诸如太阳高度角、太阳
of natural independent vertical farms, which are functioning and 辐射强度、温度和风速等一系列的因素都可能会影响到整个设
profitable (e.g. cases in Suwon, Korea and Kyoto, Japan). 计。建筑的形式，即层高、进深、何处设置中庭或者阳光反射/
The obvious opportunity is to integrate the two main typologies 收集/传送装置等问题，将根据先前的研究而定。在此过程中，
together, i.e. ‘sun-fed’ type where conditions are suitable and the LED 计算机模拟软件可以用来寻找和排除一些“薄弱点”。尽管如
type in other parts of the building (see Figure 4). It is also possible to 此，很可能仍然有一些空间的自然光照度会低于底线。因此，可
have a mixed-use high-rise building co-locating a vertical farm with 以考虑利用传送带使得每个植株都轮流享受到最优的日照位置，
offices or residential accommodation. Farming and occupants could be 或者采用补充照明系统来补偿这部分的太阳能。
separated within different floors or different zones on the same floor. 第二种方法使用了更加先进的科技（单色LED灯）作为输入能
It is because indoor farming usually supplies CO2 levels to 3-4 times 源。因为这种方法能够完全独立于自然环境，所以更加适合日照
the rate normally found in the atmosphere that photosynthesis rates 强度低或是日照时间短的地区。但是，目前该技术推广的障碍在
increase by 50%. Although pre-purified, the atmosphere with high 于它的花费和能源消耗。一个60公顷的垂直农场的初期投资很容
density CO2, coming from combustion of biomass and waste from 易超过1亿美元（OMAFRA, 2010）。科学家、全球变暖应对专家
the city, cannot be ventilated to occupant space for health concerns. George Monbiot 计算了使用LED光源种植谷物来生产一条切片面
Therefore, a mix-used high-rise building should contain two separated 包所需的费用将近10美元（George Monbiot, 2010）。如果垂直
ventilation systems, with the one used for farming being a closed-loop 农场所需的能源来自于矿物燃料，那么对于环境的综合影响反而
system. 是不利的。如果这些能源来自于可再生能源，其系统的额外花费
将使总投资额进一步增加，让垂直农场的费用更加难以承受。不
过，随着技术的成熟，初期费用有望迅速降低。目前世界上已存
Promotion of Vertical Farms 在少量的这种独立于自然环境的小尺度垂直农场的原型，正在运
More than ten years has passed since the vertical farm concept was 营并产生着效益（如在韩国水原和日本京都的案例）。
proposed. However, there are still only a few small-scale prototypes 很明显，以上两种形式也可以结合使用，即在日照条件合适的区
established in developed countries. To transfer the vision from concept 域采用自然采光而在其他区域使用LED照明（请见图4）。也可以
into practice, significant efforts need to be placed upon the following 对高层建筑进行功能的混合使用，即同时布置垂直农场和办公或
aspects: 居住空间。但是，农业生产区和人员使用区应当以不同楼层或是
Return on Investment (ROI) 同一楼层的不同区域相隔离。这是因为室内农业通常采用高于大
Since the vertical farm integrates a series of advanced technologies 气中正常含量3-4倍的二氧化碳浓度来使光合作用的效率提高50%
and the vertical farm itself needs to be relatively large-scale to 。尽管会对生物燃料和城市废弃物焚烧而来的含有高浓度二氧化
maximize its cost-effectiveness, the initial investment is considerable. 碳的气体进行净化处理，但是由于考虑到健康问题，该气体仍然
Gordon Graff (2011) estimates a ROI for a 10-story vertical farm to 不可流通至人员活动的区域。所以，混合使用的高层建筑应当包
be approximately 8%. However, most investors in business tend to 含两套相互独立的通风系统，而农业生产的通风系统应当采用封
set their minimum acceptable rate of return at 10-12%. Taking into 闭的回路。
account the risk of applying new technologies, the vertical farm
would likely be considered a desirable investment in the current
market only if it achieves an annual rate of return at 15%. However, the 垂直农场的推广
economic viability of vertical farming will undoubtedly benefit from 垂直农场的概念十多年前就提出了，然而仅仅在发达国家有少数
improvements in technology and productivity. For instance, according 几个小尺度的原型得以建立。为了让它由概念向实际转化，主要
to Haitz’s Law, in 2020 LED costs will be 1/10th the cost of current LED 应当在以下方面下功夫：
technology. In addition, in developing countries, overseas investment
can be very helpful in establishing vertical farms. 投资回报（ROI）
由于垂直农场集成了一系列的先进技术，而且，它本身也需要相
Policy 当大的规模才能使性价比最大化。Gordon Graff测算了一栋10层
Policy changes could be a catalyst for the promotion of vertical farms. 的垂直农场的年回报率大约在8% （Gordon Graff, 2011）。然
Government could support in three key areas. Firstly, sustainable 而，大多数的投资商都把能够接受最低的回报率设在10-12%。如
development regulations could be specified to control the unlimited 果把应用新科技的风险考虑在内的话，垂直农场的回报率只有

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expansion of the city and to restore the natural environment. Secondly, 达到15%在目前的市场上才可能收到投资青睐。但是，毫无疑问
direct support to vertical farm projects, which may include providing 的是，科技进步和产量提升必定会大大促进垂直农业的发展。例
completed infrastructure, priority planning regulations, budget or 如，根据Haitz规律，到2020年，LED的成本会降低至现在的1/10
supplementary allowance, etc. Thirdly, support for research, design 。而且，对于发展中国家来说，海外的投资也能对垂直农场的建
practice and education on the theme of vertical farms, in order to 设提供有效的支持。
build a more knowledgeable environment for its development and 政策
promotion. 政策支持会成为垂直农场推广的催化剂。来自政府的支持可以三
Social Acceptance 种关键的形式出现。第一，应当订立可持续发展的法规，控制城
The vertical farm will obtain increasing social acceptance as long 市的无限制扩展，保护自然环境。第二，提供对垂直农场项目的
as it is designed and operated as a sustainable entity. It should not 直接支持，包括提供完备的基础设施，规划法规的倾向性，相应
only provide quality local food, but also re-use grey or black water 的预算或是补贴等等。第三，对垂直农场研究、设计实践和教育
and recycle organic waste for energy and nutrients. These green, 普及的支持将会加深认识，共同促进其发展和推广。
transparent, high-rise buildings can be new iconic structures inserted 社会认同度
into the cityscape. They can also be used as exhibition centers to 只要垂直农场的设计和运营的可持续性得以保证，那么它的社会
demonstrate that a sustainable, healthy future can be well within 认同度就会不断增加。它不仅应当提供高质量的地产食品，而且
citizens’ reach. Another important reason the vertical farm may be 应当担负起中水、废水再利用以及有机物废料作为能源和营养物
warmly welcomed within the community is that it offers a number 质再利用的责任。这些绿色的、透明的高层建筑可以作为城市
of new employment opportunities at a variety of levels. Skilled 景观的标志性建筑，同时也可以作为展示中心，让市民感受到可
professionals, e.g. biologists, developers, planners, architects, engineers,

Figure 4. Vertical farm designed by ODESIGN (Source: www.verticalfarm.com/designs)

图4. ODESIGN设计的垂直农场（出自：www.verticalfarm.com/designs）

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sales personnel, educators, technicians, as well as a large un-skilled 持续的、健康的未来其实近在眼前。垂直农场将会受到社会热烈
and semi-skilled labor force, will be required in the whole process 欢迎的另外一个重要原因是它提供了一大批不同技术水平的新
of proposal, design, construction, operation, harvesting, sales and 岗位。从训练有素的专家，如生物学家、策划师、规划师、建筑
marketing. 师、工程师、销售人员、教育工作者和技术工人，到大量的没有
经过专业训练的劳动力，都能在垂直农场的策划、设计、建造、
Although it has a promising future and most of the technologies are
运营、收获、市场营销和零售的全过程中找到用武之地。
already available, the target of using high-rise buildings as a vehicle
to feed the city is not being currently achieved, primarily due to 尽管垂直农场的前景光明，大部分技术也已经成熟，但是目前由
current high set-up costs, lack of research and practical examples. 于较高的建设费用以及研究和实际案例的不足，导致利用高层建
Promotion, therefore, needs to be based on a phased process. Starting 筑作为载体来供养整个城市的目标还没有实现。所以，推广工作
with reduced scale prototypes in research institution laboratories, the 应当逐步推进。首先应该在研究机构的实验室中测试缩小比例的
vertical farm could be realized in small-scale or low-rise projects to test 原型，而后建设小规模或是底层的垂直农场来进一步检验其有效
their effectiveness. As designs are refined, it could then be constructed 性。改进设计后，就可以在地价较为便宜的地区建设高层垂直农
as a high-rise structure in a location with low or subsidized land prices. 场。最后，当高层垂直农场的综合效益能够匹配较高的土地价值
Finally, as long as the comprehensive benefits can justify higher land 时，就可以把已经成功的范例“移植”到城市的中心区域了。简
values, a successful example could be “transplanted” into a more 而言之，即随着建筑和农业技术的进步，从低层低价逐步发展到
central urban area. Simply put, we need to start at a lower scale / lower 高层高价的模式。
value and progress to a higher scale / higher value as confidence in
this new building and agricultural typology grows.
结论
垂直农场是农业和建筑创新性的集成。它提供了城市农业颇有前
Conclusion 景的发展方向，并且很可能在2020年前就能够实现。但是，为了
The vertical farm is an innovative integration of agriculture and 达到这个目标，不但需要科学技术的不断进步，而且更重要的
architecture. It suggests a promising way forward for urban 是，垂直农场需要得到来自于政策、管理和当地社区的支持，才
agriculture and is highly possible to be realized in this decade. To do 能从概念向实践迈出重要的一步。如果垂直农场获得成功，它将
so, however, will require not just the continuous progress of science 对食品保障做出极大的贡献，并且改变发达国家和发展中国家城
and technology, but more significantly, the vertical farm needs to be 市里百万居民的生活品质。
supported by policy, management and local communities if it is to
take the significant step from concept to practice. If it does, then it
can make a significant contribution to food security and transform the
everyday lives of millions of city dwellers across the developed and
developing world.

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