Skip to main content

Urban Farm Versus the Apocalypse

Urban Farm on a Rainy Day © Jon Ellis (aka jonorobo). Click each image to see enlarged version on DeviantArt. Most concept art is obsessed with various forms of self-inflicted apocalypse.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Urban Farm on a Rainy Day © Jon Ellis (aka jonorobo). Click each image to see enlarged version on DeviantArt.

Most concept art is obsessed with various forms of self-inflicted apocalypse. If humanity has any hope to avert future catastrophes, that hope lays with designers, architects and engineers.

I came across the Urban Farm concept art by architect Jon Ellis and was struck by the beautiful images and what they represent. Creative thinking that builds inspiration for practical solutions - yes. Looking at this, the angles and green crops growing skyward, the market level and how it all fits in a conceivable way into the landscape, I want one here in my home city. The angled building is like a jungle canopy in reverse: letting more light reach the ground floors, or perhaps drawing in more sun in a northern hemisphere when the winter sun lays low to the south.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


Let's work to make sure the future isn't something that just happens, but is instead designed.

- -

Make sure to visit Jon Ellis's sites to see even more images from the Urban Farm project.

__________________________________

Want more science+art from Symbiartic? Visit our Post Archive.