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Multifunctional Vertical Farming Systems as a Basis for Transforming Urban Food Systems Amid Climate Change

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Zaręba

    (Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław, ul. Cybulskiego 30, 50-205 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Alicja Krzemińska

    (Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław, ul. Cybulskiego 30, 50-205 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Mariusz Adynkiewicz-Piragas

    (Institute of Meteorology and Water Management—National Research Institute, ul. Podlesna 61, 01-673 Warszawa, Poland)

  • Todor Stojanovski

    (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Haifeng Jia

    (School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Riccardo Privitera

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Dan van der Horst

    (School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Street, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, UK)

Abstract

Vertical farms, associated with mass production and devoid of influence on the shaping of a healthy urban biome, face new possibilities. Policies such as climate change declarations, adopted by many European capitals regarding the transition to “zero emissions”, open potential directions for shaping new multifunctional urban systems. The aim of this article is to indicate how the multifunctional vertical farm system can coexist with existing and planned blue–green urban infrastructure systems of the future. This article draws attention to the possibility of creating innovative food systems for cities while considering closed-loop circulation and the efficient management of key resources such as water and energy. Model solutions are proposed at various spatial planning scales: suburban zone, city, district, and neighborhood.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Zaręba & Alicja Krzemińska & Mariusz Adynkiewicz-Piragas & Todor Stojanovski & Haifeng Jia & Riccardo Privitera & Dan van der Horst, 2025. "Multifunctional Vertical Farming Systems as a Basis for Transforming Urban Food Systems Amid Climate Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8668-:d:1758949
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mariusz Ptak & Sebastian Wasieńko & Piotr Makuła, 2024. "A New Approach to Vertical Plant Cultivation Maximises Crop Efficiency," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-12, August.
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