New Stories From 'Urban Agriculture Notes'
Random header image... Refresh for more!

Foodshed Vancouver – envisioning a sustainable foodshed for Greater Vancouver

foodsystem3.jpgImage from thesis by James Richardson.

Foodshed Vancouver – envisioning a sustainable foodshed for Greater Vancouver

By Richardson, James M.
Degree – Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture – MASLA
University of British Columbia
2010

Abstract:

This study explored assessment methods for sustainable foodshed design. A sustainable foodshed was defined as a regional form that meets local food needs, is energetically productive, and is ecologically and socially resilient. Food system energy inputs were measured through a life-cycle assessment of production, distribution, processing, and nutrient cycling inputs to determine the food system energy balance for Greater Vancouver’s hypothetical foodshed. The model accounted for embedded variables such as dietary habits, circulation allotments and distribution chains, ultimately requiring the integration of qualitative and quantitative indicators at a regional, municipal and farm scale.

[Read more →]

August 8, 2010   No Comments

Highly productive roof garden at Noble Rot (formerly Rocket) in Portland

Seed to Plate: A Garden Story from Riley Hooper on Vimeo.

Seed to Plate: A Garden Story

A film by Riley Hooper

Portland, Oregon–home to bike riding, book reading, flannel wearing, farmer’s market shopping, local coffee drinking, forward-thinking, eco-conscious citizens. The folks at Noble Rot are just an example of the many Portlanders who are taking a different approach in order to preserve the beautiful place they call home–and to change the world.

[Read more →]

August 8, 2010   No Comments

Metropolitan Gardens in Berlin

berlin3.jpg
The two city gardeners: Robert Shaw (left) and Mark Clausen.

Wenn Städter Wurzeln schlagen

Junge Leute wollen sich erden. Am liebsten in Nachbarschaftsgärten mitten in der Großstadt. Der Kreuzberger Prinzessinnengarten ist einer davon.

By Anne Haeming
Zeit
6.8.2010
In German – translate here.

Excerpt:

Man könnte hier die Bienen summen hören, horchen, wie die Grillen zirpen. Prinzessinnengarten, märchenhaft klingt das. Doch der Presslufthammer schrillt, hinterm Zaun dröhnt der zweispurige Kreisverkehr. Berlin, Kreuzberg. Ein 1000 Quadratmeter-Areal am Moritzplatz, Ecke Prinzenstraße. Hier liegt der Prinzessinnengarten. Beet fügt sich an Beet, ein paar Bäume, in der Ecke ein Bienenstock. Knoblauch wächst hier, Kornblumen, und Kartoffeln über Kartoffeln. Landwirtschaft mitten in der Stadt.

[Read more →]

August 8, 2010   No Comments