FARM FACT

Urban farming can reduce the heat-island effect within cities, caused by concrete structures, asphalt and deforestation. Devoting more urban space to growing food and plants can help reduce the temperature in cities, just another way urban farming can combat climate change!

A study was completed by the University of Cardiff in 2007 that showed roof top gardens and vertical garden walls can significantly reduce the temperature of the surrounding air by as much as 6 degrees Celsius by shading building surfaces, deflecting solar radiation and releasing moisture into the surrounding atmosphere. In turn, this can reduce urban air pollution around cities.

OUR SITE: TIB STREET CAR PARK II

The site we have chosen to explore during our Farm Follows Function project is the NCP car park located on Tib Street. We have chosen this site firstly for its location. It is situated in the heart of the Northern Quarter - one of Manchester's most densely populated areas by restaurants and independent food sellers. This would mean that the produce grown on the site can be delivered easily and quickly on foot or by bike: completely cutting out food miles, reducing the carbon footprint of the produce and bringing food production back to the local area.

OUR SITE: TIB STREET CAR PARK III

Tib street car park has the potential to let an urban farm start on a smaller scale and expand as demand and crop diversity increase.
During our initial explorations of what a 'Superfarm' is and concept stage design we will investigate the potential of the site and propose phases of the superfarm as well as additional programmes that could link to the farm through the retrofit of the existing structure.