The Homefarm Concept Blends Retirement Home and Aquaponic Farm
Rahul Kalvapalle — December 2, 2014 — Eco
References: sparkarchitects & gizmag
Homefarm is a concept, developed by Spark Architects, that consists of a retirement home and retiree-operated urban farm that would both contribute towards increased food security and sustainability while also improving the physical and mental health and comunnity spirit of Singaporean seniors.
HomeFarm would offer accommodation designed specifically for seniors' unique needs. It would also include vertical aquaponic farming facilities as well as ground and roof-level soil planting. The farm would be supervised by a professional team of experts, but the day-to-day operations of the farm would be carried out by seniors.
This project would help boost the amount of food produced domestically in Singapore while also providing work and income for individuals post-retirement. The project could also serve as a hub for community education, and ultimately contribute to addressing two problems -- food shortages and lack of activities for seniors.
HomeFarm would offer accommodation designed specifically for seniors' unique needs. It would also include vertical aquaponic farming facilities as well as ground and roof-level soil planting. The farm would be supervised by a professional team of experts, but the day-to-day operations of the farm would be carried out by seniors.
This project would help boost the amount of food produced domestically in Singapore while also providing work and income for individuals post-retirement. The project could also serve as a hub for community education, and ultimately contribute to addressing two problems -- food shortages and lack of activities for seniors.
Trend Themes
1. Retirement-age Entrepreneurs - Retirees are taking on innovative projects and starting businesses, such as urban farms, to contribute to sustainability efforts and address various social challenges.
2. Multigenerational Collaborative Farming - Collaborative farming models that involve retirees working alongside younger generations offer an opportunity to foster intergenerational relationships and transfer traditional farming knowledge while addressing food security.
3. Senior-led Sustainable Communities - Retiree-run urban farms can help create sustainable communities by providing food security, promoting physical and mental health, and fostering a sense of purpose and community among seniors.
Industry Implications
1. Senior Living and Retirement Communities - The senior living industry can seize the disruptive innovation opportunity by integrating urban farming and sustainability concepts into retirement communities, offering seniors an engaging and purposeful lifestyle.
2. Sustainable Agriculture - The agriculture industry can explore partnerships with retirees to develop innovative and sustainable farming models, incorporating aquaponics and other vertical farming techniques for increased productivity and efficiency.
3. Social Impact Venture Capital - Investors in the social impact space can consider funding initiatives that bridge the gap between retirees and innovative urban farming projects, fostering sustainable communities and addressing social challenges.
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