Known for its density with nearly 20,000 people per square mile, Singapore is changing its food systems strategy to produce more food locally, and reduce food waste.
To feed its 5.31 million residents, Singapore imports almost all of its food from countries both near and far. With a land mass of only 276 square miles, Singapore is jam packed with civilization and cannot afford the space necessary for vast swathes of agricultural land. According to Fast Co.Exist, architects from the Barcelona-based design firm JAPA have proposed a "new system of looping towers that could float in local harbors, providing new space for year-round crops." The design, called "floating responsive architecture," is inspired by the floating fish farms that were used in Singapore since the 1930's. The towers, with their looped unusual shape, maximize sunlight while reducing significant shadowing.
In addition to their unique shape, the towers are also equipped with a network of sensors to create an enormous data management system. These sensors will communicate directly with networks within the city to monitor food purchases, and simultaneously adjust food production in an effort to achieve zero food waste.
While still just a concept, JAPA would like to further investigate capacity and energy usage. The next steps include prototyping the towers and assessing potential applications for China's densely populated coastline cities.
FULL STORY: These Floating Vertical Farms Are Designed To Bring Local Food To The Densest Urban Areas

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie