alt

Introduction to Rooftop Agriculture in the Pacific Northwest

12:10 - 1:10 pm
Location: Lynnwood Convention Center - Room 1BC
Speaker: Michael Sanchez, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, Washington State University

Description:

Urban agriculture in the 21st century is rapidly changing the face of food security and production, through backyard planters, community gardens and rooftop farms.  While urban farming alone can not replace the volume of produce needed by a growing population of city dwellers, it can begin to inform and educate everyone who eats, where their food comes from and empower them to have more control over what they eat and how they access their food.

Many cities in the East and Midwest (New York, Toronto, Chicago) are leading the charge in rooftop farming.  What is happening in the Pacific Northwest?  This session offers a broad overview of urban agriculture in the Northwest, with a special focus on rooftop farming, providing an array of resources, types of technologies available and case studies informing attendees of the complexities involved with this swiftly growing area of urban design. HSW-Yes

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the social, cultural, ecological/biophilic, economic and health benefits of urban agriculture.
  • Discover common challenges in the Pacific Northwest associated with introducing agricultural projects into urban environments and the necessities that lead to fruitful projects.
  • Identify ways of integrating food production into existing green roofs and roofs that were not originally designed as green roofs.
Speaker Bio:

Michael Sánchez
Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, Washington State University
Michael teaches design, site engineering, storm water management, construction technology and documentation, and foundational drawing at Washington State University. 

As a landscape architect his projects incorporate biophilic design principles to increase the public’s health and well-being.  His research incorporates biophilic patterns of design within living architecture, reconnecting people with nature and creating more resilient and sustainable urban environments.