Design Think Tank . . .

Indoor Farm Adaptive Reuse

P.A.D. SHELL

Created by: Design Think Tank

2022

The overall purpose of VF is to promote the production and purchase of locally grown organic foods and to demonstrate the viability and sustainability of urban food production and commerce and its role as an integral part of the community landscape. But, from the start, we also want to grow produce in a more sustainable, responsible way, by growing locally at or near the point of consumption. We can virtually eliminate the need for over the road transport and the associated consumption of oil and emissions produced by an unsustainable food system.

We think this trend will change, if we take a close examination of the effects of climate change you will notice the direct impact on our produce supply chain.

Some produce farmers in the Southwest and California experienced severe drought and raging wild-fires over the past few years, forcing them to overuse groundwater for irrigation.

The effect of this action has caused a severe e-coli outbreak in Arizona and California’s vegetable supply chain. And there appears to be no let-up from these weather anomalies, in fact climate scientist no longer use the term climate change, instead it is climate reality.

Verdure Fresche (VF)  intends to be an indoor aquaponics farm that will sell high quality fresh tilapia fish, vegetables, and gourmet herbs (the “Business”). VF is seeking $7.5 million in grant and investor funding for the startup of stage 1.) of this Business for system install and six months operating capital.

A team is being assembled made up of architectural design (Design Think Tank), economic forecasting (MSU) and lighting environmental control specialist (Signify Lighting). The overall focus of the team is to produce the best, tastiest and fresh organic lettuce and basil. Project lead Mr. White has spent over three years attending seminars, researching other systems, and traveling to other states to gather hands on knowledge and experience concerning indoor recirculating aquaponics.  

After construction, once up to full production we project annual yield of 42,718 lbs. fish, and 240,000 lbs.  U.S. fancy grade organic vegetable, and 67,500 lbs. organic basil. The VF aquaponics system is an indoor re-circulating aquaponic system designed to meet the needs of a 21st century food security concern. The recirculating aquaponic design are easy to incorporate and set up and, thanks to the research conducted by University Virgin Islands* and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems**.

Our aim is to expand on current research by installing a vertical tower conveyor production system to produce a variety of gourmet green vegetables and herbs. To complete the aquaponics cycle, fish stock will consist of Tilapia integrated into our recirculating system, thus provide the consumer with an organic, pesticide free product they find superior in terms of taste, freshness, and texture.