Multifunctional city farm

NSUADA - Novosibirsk State University of Architecture, Design and Arts

Project idea

The reconstruction of the former chemical plant building into a multifunctional farm on Fabrichnaya Street is relevant for several reasons:

1. Development of abandoned areas.
Fabrichnaya Street boasts a rich history and a strategically advantageous location, essentially in the heart of Novosibirsk. Unfortunately, the area is currently in a state of disrepair, with numerous derelict and unsafe buildings, warehouses, and a lack of proper landscaping. The proposed project combines the reconstruction of the former industrial chemical plant building with new construction, revitalizing the area and integrating it into the urban environment.

2. Creation of new points of attraction.
As a major metropolis, Novosibirsk faces a shortage of green spaces and recreational areas. Establishing a new cultural and recreational space with abundant greenery will positively impact visitors' mental and emotional well-being and encourage new social interactions through shared activities and events.

3. Rethinking traditional agriculture.
- Urban farms enable the year-round production of food products, even under harsh climatic conditions, which is a significant advantage in the region's continental climate.
- More transparent technological processes in production ensure stable and predictable food volumes with less waste.
- In the age of urbanization, rigid functional boundaries are disappearing. An urban farm combined with other public functions represents a fast-growing trend.
- Growing food within the city eliminates long logistics chains, reducing costs and ensuring the delivery of fresh produce to consumers.

4. Environmental approach.
- By situating an urban farm within the city, logistics chains are shortened, leading to a reduced carbon footprint.
- Vertical farming technologies, such as hydroponics and aeroponics, minimize water use during production.
- Waste-free production: organic waste is reused as fertilizers.
- Food security: reduced use of pesticides and herbicides. Artificially controlled conditions allow for more effective management and prevention of diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical plant protection products.

This project represents a sustainable solution that combines urban development, innovative agricultural practices, and ecological benefits, addressing key challenges in modern urban planning and food production.

Project description

Fabrichnaya Street can be considered the urban origin of Novosibirsk, with a rich past and great potential.

The main concept of the agro-industrial complex is revitalization: the development of unused and abandoned areas through the utilization of existing resources, the creation of new meanings, and the preservation of historical prerequisites. Therefore, in designing the urban farm, the decision was made to preserve the architectural heritage of the chemical plant and seamlessly integrate new construction into the existing context.

During the reconstruction of the site, particular attention was paid to the surrounding context. The area primarily consists of architecture from the Soviet era, featuring various styles such as brick modernism, Soviet modernism, and renovated buildings.

The form and architectural appearance of the new construction are inspired by familiar typologies and the associative imagery of agricultural buildings. Recognizable patterns of greenhouses—gable roofs, transparent finishes, and visible structural elements—were incorporated. As a result, the central part of the complex refers to the typology of crop production facilities. To avoid monotony, vertical dominants act as compositional accents, demonstrating a reinterpretation of traditional agriculture within the framework of modern realities.

Given the increased electricity consumption during production, it is logical to include alternative energy sources such as solar batteries and solar panels. Solar batteries are installed on the accessible roof of the second floor of the public block, serving both their primary function and providing shade. Solar panels are mounted on the facade of the production block, oriented toward the south and southeast sides. These panels blend organically into the architectural appearance and complement the overall color scheme.

Functional and Layout Solutions of the Concept.
The automated production process is economically intensive. To enhance the profitability of the facility, it is advisable to diversify functions by incorporating recreational zones, scientific and educational spaces, gastronomic areas, and commercial features. This functional variety will increase the project's recognizability, attract a diverse target audience, and positively influence the development of tourism.

The main concept for the functional content of the public block is a year-round green oasis. A place where eternal summer and tropics reign—offering what Siberian residents often lack during the cold season. A greenhouse serves as the central element of the public block, spanning all three floors and connecting the other functions.

The planning solutions for the production block are dictated by the technological production chain and adhere to the core principles of vertical farm design: zoning based on product types, optimal space utilization, and vertical expansion to conserve horizontal space.

Technical information

The building has a parallelepiped shape in plan, with the number of floors ranging from 3 to 17. The roof is a combination of flat and gable types. A basement level is included, designed for underground parking and a technical floor located at -4.800 meters. Additionally, a technical floor is provided on the 7th floor for operational purposes.

The primary structural system of the building is a frame structure with columns and beams. It consists of precast columns with a cross-section of 400x400 mm, beams with a cross-section of 600x650 mm, and a monolithic reinforced concrete slab 220 mm thick in the public block. In the production and scientific blocks, the floor slabs are precast, using hollow-core slabs with a thickness of 220 mm.

Documentation

Show PDF 1Show PDF 2Show PDF 3