TerreFarm

Summer Lab for students, architects, scientists, artists, and individuals of all backgrounds to explore the larger framework of urban agriculture and its effects on the architecture and urban design of NYC.


Set in New York City, TerreFarm Lab seeks to rethink what is salubrious about the city, in both its forms and its life, by reflecting on the consequences of a fundamentally new level of sustainability. We will base our investigations on one illuminating hypothesis: in the future New York will grow to be self-sufficient in its critical necessities. In particular, we will observe a series of specific technical, urbanistic, and architectural strategies not simply for the food production required to feed the city, but the possibilities of diet, agriculture, and retrofitted facilities that could achieve that level within the constraints of the local climate.

TerreFarm 2010

Productive Urban Laboratory and Design/Grow Workshop in Brooklyn, NY.

Individuals of all backgrounds to explore the larger framework of urban agriculture and its effects on the architecture and urban design of NYC.

Set in New York City, TerreFarm Lab seeks to rethink what is salubrious about the city, in both its forms and its life, by reflecting on the consequences of a fundamentally new level of sustainability. We will base our investigations on one illuminating hypothesis: in the future New York will grow to be self-sufficient in its critical necessities. In particular, we will observe a series of specific technical, urbanistic, and architectural strategies not simply for the food production required to feed the city, but the possibilities of diet, agriculture, and retrofitted facilities that could achieve that level within the constraints of the local climate.

This summer approximately 35 researchers will gather in New York City for 3 weeks of intense creative exploration. The TerreFarm Lab provides a unique opportunity for students to learn from established professionals in an experimental design/grow urban farm. The Interaction of students, builders, and architects is encouraged by the intense environment of The Metropolitan Exchange (MEx), located in downtown Brooklyn.

The Lab consists of a
Seminar Week (daily workshops lead by Terreform 1 and their collaborators),
Field Trip Week (guided architectural and exploratory tour of New York City), and Design Charette Week.

The TerreFarm Lab will take place inside the Metropolitan Exchange Building. All participants will have individual studio spaces and access to the MEx building. Each person will be responsible for their own housing, food and local transportation. We will provide assistance with finding affordable accommodations in the area. In addition, we will sponsor an opening and closing reception/exhibition and weekly gatherings.