Paul Valencia

Food In Transit: Architectural Strategies for Mitigating Emissions through Integrated Urban Food Systems

This thesis explores integration of food production systems in urban areas inspired by biomimicry and circular economies to mitigate transportation related CO2 emissions. It focuses on creating a sustainable, interconnected urban food systems in downtown Winnipeg, capitalizing on an adjacent dense population. This investigates architectural strategies to seamlessly host symbiotic food production systems for locally grown food. This provides an additional programmatic purpose by adaptively reusing the existing urban infrastructure without compromising their primary functions.

This design exploration’s primary concern is how architectural solutions can contribute to the mitigating emissions from food-related distribution. It is important to note that for every kilogram of food distributed, it produces approximately 0.42kg of CO2 emissions per kilometer. By embedding food production systems within urban centers, it not only reduces the carbon footprint attributed to food transport, but it also promotes waste reduction, economic opportunities, and community involvement.

This thesis work will focus on three design approaches. Firstly, employing the methodological approach rooted in biomimicry where modes of attachment are researched and is explored through both physical and digital modelling. This provides a way of understanding how the parasitic food systems can assimilate into existing infrastructure. Secondly, a systematic approach to resource management will be implemented using circular economies as a guideline. Creating closed-loop systems that prioritize the reuse and recycling of products and materials; minimizing waste discarded. Thirdly, site analysis will be conducted to comprehensively assess Winnipeg downtown's available spaces and building types. This explores the adaptability of different building structures and vacant lots to support food production systems without compromising their primary functions.

This thesis highlights how architectural solutions for urban interdependent food systems addresses the issue of transportation emissions and improving resource utilization, job opportunities and community engagement. Using the methodologies of biomimicry, circular economies, and site analysis, it provides viability for developing architectural solutions for efficient food distribution in an urban context.