G’day! Hope all are healthy and well. Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its dynamic and vibrant atmosphere, fantastic restaurants, world-class museums, and amazing architecture. One of the city’s latest architectural marvels, the Melbourne Skyfarm, is about to become a major attraction for tourists and locals alike.
The Project
The Melbourne Skyfarm is an innovative, urban rooftop farm that spans over 2,000 square meters atop a carpark building in the city’s central business district (Siddeley Street Carpark, Docklands). The project was developed with the support of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and City of Melbourne Urban Forest Fund., and it aims to provide a sustainable source of fresh, healthy produce for the city’s residents. The companies responsible for the installation of the project are group Odonata, urban farming company Biofilta and The Sustainable Landscape Company.
The project’s overview facing the Yarra River in Melbourne. Source: https://www.melbourneskyfarm.com.au
Agricultural System
The farm’s design incorporates cutting-edge technologies and practices to maximize the productivity of the space while minimizing its environmental impact. It features an aquaponic system that uses fish waste to fertilize the crops and recirculate water, a solar-powered irrigation system, and an automated control system that monitors and adjusts the temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels of the plants.
The Melbourne Skyfarm is home to a diverse range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. The produce is supposed to be grown using organic and sustainable farming methods, and it should available for purchase at the farm’s on-site market. However, according to their official website the space planned to be open in 2022 is not yet open to the public.
Melbourne Skyfarm view from the carpark rooftop level. Source: https://www.theslc.com.au/projects/melbourne-skyfarm
Melbourne Skyfarm view from the carpark rooftop level. Source: https://www.theslc.com.au/projects/melbourne-skyfarm
Melbourne Skyfarm view from the carpark rooftop level. Source: https://www.theslc.com.au/projects/melbourne-skyfarm
Community Support
The farm’s location in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD makes it an ideal destination for city-dwellers looking to connect with nature and enjoy fresh, healthy produce. It also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about sustainable farming practices and the benefits of locally sourced food. It also offers a contemporary cafe and exhibition spaces to its visitors.
The Melbourne Skyfarm is more than just a rooftop farm; it’s also a community hub for sustainability education and innovation. The farm will offer a range of educational programs and workshops for students, community groups, and businesses, including tours, talks, events and hands-on activities.
The farm’s education programs are designed to promote awareness and understanding of sustainable food production and to inspire positive change in the community. They cover topics such as composting, soil health, water conservation, and urban agriculture, and they are tailored to suit a range of age groups and skill levels.
Melbourne Skyfarm view from the carpark rooftop level. Source: https://www.theslc.com.au/projects/melbourne-skyfarm
Melbourne Skyfarm view from the carpark rooftop level. Source: https://www.theslc.com.au/projects/melbourne-skyfarm
Melbourne Skyfarm view from the carpark rooftop level. Source: https://www.theslc.com.au/projects/melbourne-skyfarm
Innovation
In addition to its educational programs, the Melbourne Skyfarm is also a platform for research and innovation in sustainable agriculture. The farm’s team of experts and researchers are constantly exploring new techniques and technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban farming.
One of the key goals of the Melbourne Skyfarm is to demonstrate the potential of urban agriculture to provide sustainable, healthy, and affordable food for urban populations. By showcasing the benefits of locally sourced food and sustainable farming practices, the farm aims to inspire more people to support and participate in the urban farming movement.
The Melbourne Skyfarm is a shining example of how urban spaces can be transformed into productive, sustainable, and community-oriented spaces. It’s a model for future urban farms and a beacon of hope for those looking to create a more sustainable and resilient food system. It has the capacity to grow five tonnes of fresh produce per annum and the biggest part of its produce is donated to food charity OzHarvest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Melbourne Skyfarm is a unique and innovative urban farm that is changing the way people think about food production and urban agriculture. It’s a space that brings people together to learn, grow, and connect with nature, and it provides a sustainable source of fresh, healthy produce for the city’s residents. With its cutting-edge technologies, education programs, and research initiatives, the Melbourne Skyfarm is setting the standard for sustainable urban farming and inspiring positive change in the community. ♥
Important Sources:
https://www.melbourneskyfarm.com.au/
https://www.beanscenemag.com.au/melbourne-skyfarm-rooftop-features-sustainable-cafe/
