In final year, Prototype Lab has focused on addressing the social, environmental, and economic challenges anticipated in 2050 through innovative and creative architectural solutions. Throughout my projects, there is a core theme of urban agriculture and sustainability informing design decisions.
Portugal is a European country that will be facing the
dire effects of climate change while ensuring food
security for a growing population.
As the capital city, Lisbon doesn’t only need to adapt
to change, but lead the way.
The radical transformation of food systems is essential
to produce enough crops to feed the population while
minimising carbon emissions. By 2050 a fundamental
shift in mindset and dietary habits will be imperative
for survival and to thrive within the existing ecosystems
in the urban landscape. The schemes emerge as a
solution to the crisis as an urban agriculture research
centre and food hub that showcases the process from
production to consumption to educate people about
the past, present and future of urban agriculture.
Through this journey of enlightenment and navigation
through the schemes, the users are educated with
knowledge, empowered with tools and enlightened
through experience to actively participate in a more
resilient future.
The spatial experience seeks to map the journey
of food from seed to plate through a continuous
unfolding of knowledge and participation. The centre
is a beacon of sustainability aiming to propel Lisbon
into an era of self-sufficiency and pave the way for
more robust food systems. The agricultural research
centre and food hub fosters direct connection between
people, place and food to become a living model for
how cities can reclaim food sovereignty. The project
is dedicated to reshaping the public’s perception of
food and instill a deeper appreciation for local and
sustainable food transforming it into a shared cultural
and environmental responsibility.
Through observation, interaction and collaboration
the scheme integrates high-tech and low-tech farming
methods on the journey of enlightenment mapping the
production-to-consumption pipeline paving the way for
more sustainable methods of agriculture and dining.
The narrative unfolds in the programme of the scheme
as the research centre and food hub deal with all
aspects of the food journey including research and
education, cooking and dining, as well as recreation and
retail.
Design Interventions
