Urban foodscapes: Integrating horticultural design and ecological principles for sustainable food production

Résumé fourni par la source

Abstract Urban foodscapes are a transformative approach to food production that integrates horticulture designs within cities. It is a sustainable approach to combat food insecurity and environmental pollution. In urban foodscapes, previously neglected spaces such as rooftops, balconies, and vacant areas within cities are being utilized for food production. Instead of traditional agriculture and a long supply chain, urban foodscapes foster local food sovereignty, reduce urban heat, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and social cohesion. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the role of urban foodscapes in addressing food insecurity, environmental degradation, and structural barriers, and to examine their theoretical and practical dimensions. It further seeks to develop a conceptual framework for designing sustainable, process-oriented urban food systems that support food production, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and community development. Different design strategies used in urban foodscaping include polyculture, companion planting, and water and soil conservation techniques that support ecological health and strengthen community engagement and food literacy. Case studies of different cities like Detroit, Singapore, Milan, Cape Town, and Bangkok have highlighted the environmental and socio-economic benefits of urban food systems. These cities were selected based on their representation within existing literature and their diversity in climate, urban form, and governance models, offering a broad understanding of urban foodscapes practices. However, challenges such as zoning restrictions and infrastructure limitations have illustrated the necessity of coordinated planning among urban designers and policy makers. In the future, the integration of new technology, such as IoT sensors and AI-driven optimization, may support policy makers, urban designers, and residents in designing urban foodscapes. Ultimately, urban foodscapes aim for a regenerative approach for sustainable food production by improving environmental and ecological health with socio-economic prosperity.

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