THE WORLD’S LARGEST URBAN FARM GROWS UP

Set to open in Paris 2020, the world’s largest urban farm is a colossal six-storey, 13,900 square-metre garden that aims to grow more than 900 kgs of fruit and vegetables a day from more than 30 varieties. Agripolis is part of the Parisculteurs Project, which is committed to planted 250 acres of vegetation across Paris, and will operate without the use of pesticides or soil.

Agripolis will operate with aeroponic farming practices, which will see the plants absorb water and nutrients through mist. "Our fresh produce will be used to feed the inhabitants across the southwest of the city – either directly, through veg box schemes, or via shops, hotels, and canteens – thereby helping reduce food miles," says Pascal Hardy, founder of urban-farming company Agripolis.

A rooftop restaurant will sit adjacent to the farm.

The collaboration with the Parisculteurs Project, Agripolis aims to reconnect the Parisian community with the source of their food in order to develop environmental and economic resilience. The farm will double as a community garden where residents can secure plots of land to plant and grow their own produce. “Our vision is a city in which flat roofs and abandoned surfaces are covered with these new growing systems,” says Hardy.

The ambitious new rooftop farm plans to open mid-2020.

Images courtesy of Valode & Pistre Architectes Atlav AJN