EKÓS: A Proposed Complex Revitalizing Urban Commercial Framework through Agritecture
Proponents: Lady Chabellita B. Castro, Clarise M. Lutiva, Jessebel L. Vistro
Thesis Adviser: Ar. Adrian V. David, uap
University/Organization: Don Honorio Ventura State University, Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines
Year of Defense: 2023
EKÓS is a proposed mixed-use commercial complex that aims to expose people from high-density areas to a fresher and greener marketplace and sustainable food sourcing. Food shouldn't be something to worry about in the future. As a result, the integration of vertical aquaponics farms emerges. It is a system that generates agri-fishery products without taking up a lot of land area while thriving to meet the future demands of urban consumers; a step in future-proofing our cities.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT
The envisioned “EKÓS” is a proposed project in Quezon City that aims to improve the city's food security, boost its economic development, and gain recognition across the country as a self-sustaining commercial complex in an urban area. The EKÓS project emphasizes the need for an innovative urban development that takes on the challenge of futureproofing the metropolitan through Agritecture while introducing its residents to a better atmosphere and a greener approach to the commercial/retail industry.
In this study, the researchers carried out surveys from 119 residents of Quezon City who are aged 18 and above and conducted four separate interviews with an amateur farmer, an agricultural engineer, an administrative officer in Quezon City and an architect who founded the Agritektura Movement in the Philippines. The findings demonstrate that residents of Quezon City were aware of the issue of food insecurity and the necessity for a facility to address it. Urban commercial farming, especially in Quezon City, has the potential to increase food security and break the city's dependence on its neighboring provinces. However, the critical factors in creating a city that is futureproof are collaborative initiatives among the city and community openness.
Additionally, through these surveys, interviews and supplementary study, the researchers came up with components that will benefit the intended users – citizens of Quezon City. They came up with towers that enclose custom-designed aquaponics modules for various users: farming module owners, startup farmers, and large-scale greens production workers; an agrimall where end-users could experience farm-to-table shopping and consumption; an agriculture center for the continuous improvement and cultivation of modern farming methods; an apartment for the continuous accommodation of end-users; and a park for prominent green space and a recreational area.
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OTHER NECESSARY INFORMATION
EKÓS (Eco + Astikós, greek word for urban) a proposed mixed-use commercial development located within the Triangle Park in Quezon City. It is comprised of vertical aquaponics towers, commercial spaces, residential buildings, research and training facilities and recreational park. The project is strategically located within the city’s Central Business District, under Transit Oriented Zone. In line with the institution’s current architecture department’s thesis theme, ‘Architecture Reimagined: Future Proofing, Forward Thinking’, this development shall be able to provide the city with its own long-lasting and sustainable source of produce and fish in the middle of its highly urbanized neighborhood.
RESEARCH BODY
With the theme given, the proponents came up with interrelating problems that currently plagues the country and is sure to do more so in the future – agricultural sector’s degradation that leads to food insecurity. In line with this, the proponents of this study were able to recognize the condition of the commercial and agricultural industry in Quezon City. As the Philippine agriculture and the retail industry faces incredibly difficult tasks, particularly in this period of a global pandemic, natural disasters, and man-made disasters, the Department of Agriculture itself states that it is necessary to sustain and strengthen our food production, distribution, and logistics systems. Hence, the rise of the proposal of this project.
According to agriculture secretary William Dar (2021), urban agriculture was primarily addressed as a hobby for several decades rather than as a strategy to assist address the issue of food insecurity. Urban agriculture is becoming a realistic option to assist security in food demands, especially in urban communities, due to the diminishing land and water resources and the impact of climate change on smallholder farmers and fisher folk. Urban agriculture in the Metro needs to be well-implemented for there to be adequate food in urban areas even if the supply of food from the provinces is constrained. The primary objective is to maintain food security, but in the end, this might also create an opportunity in boosting livelihood in urban areas. To solve food security in an urban environment, sustainability strategist Henry Gordon-Smith coined the term "agritecture" in 2011. It combines the fields of agriculture and architecture. To create resilient food systems, it leverages agriculture, making urban farms not only useful but also well-designed (DA Communications Group, 2021).
Despite having an abundance of fresh products and natural resources, the Philippines lacks innovative food production and agricultural techniques. There are yet no new agricultural systems that are utilized constantly inside urban areas, unlike its surrounding Southeast Asian countries. Furthermore, rural areas are relied upon by urban areas, particularly Metro Manila, for their fresh produce, which has an impact on the accessibility and price of commodities in the city. This hinders every country's SDG (Sustainable Development Goal 2), which strives to promote sustainable agriculture, establish food security, increase nutrition, and eradicate hunger. In addition, there is no doubt that rural areas will become urban in the near future, and with the population growing quickly, they may experience issues like food insecurity that metropolitan areas are currently experiencing. For urban areas to be independent and self-sufficient, urban agriculture and farming must be established as soon as possible inside the Philippines’ urban cities.
However, there is a major gap in the number of vertical urban farming facilities that are nationally accredited, and as a result, the Philippines lacks establishments that are involved in agri-commercial development. This proposed project can contribute to this by giving residents of Quezon City access to top-notch farm-to-table market services and retail while also enhancing the framework of the city’s commercial agriculture sector. Better food production methods also translate into increased income and advantages for the nation's food security as a whole. Given the advantages up front, the Philippines is in a perfect position to develop an urban agricultural program to help urban areas across the nation.
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION
“EKÓS” is a project that aims to improve the Quezon City's food security, boost its economic development, and gain recognition across the country as a self-sustaining commercial complex inside an urban area. A building complex that introduces urban residents to a better atmosphere and a greener approach to the commercial/retail industry. The complex's buildings, particularly the agricenter, agrimall, and lodging structures, can have a source of fresh vegetables and fish by adopting aquaponics vertical farming as the focal development inside the complex.
The emergence of commercial farming in urban areas particularly in Quezon City has the potential to enhance food security as well as make the city self-sustaining and future-proof. However, there are obvious deficiencies that must be rehabilitated in order for it to truly grow. Through data gathering, it is observed that the pandemic caused by COVID-19 had heightened the threat to food security and the retail industry but Euromonitor International Survey (2021) reveals that the pandemic did not seem to affect the urge of Quezon City consumers in terms of spending intentions, since 60% of surveyed consumers reveal the same spending intentions. With the increasing number of consumers annually, there is also concern about how the city could cater the demand especially when it comes to sufficient food production. In addition, surveys also show that 70% of city residents are interested in engaging with new goods and services (QC-EDIP, 2022). This means that many customers desire a distinctive outlook on the business or retail sector. In complete awareness of issues on food security and the lacking of a commercial/retail framework, this project aims to aid the problems.
Given that Quezon City wants to be the "green lung" of the metropolis, it will be the optimal location for a self-sustaining commercial complex. The projected economic and sustainable growth may not only have a significant financial impact on the city or country's revenue but also have a beneficial impact on the future of the commercial and agricultural sectors. Since the proponents want to introduce urban residents to a new perspective on the commercial setting within the city's central business district, the location in the North Triangle CBD will be strategic. Due to the location's proximity to various small and large-scale business establishments, there is a possibility to outsource fresh produce to supermarkets, workplace canteens, restaurants, etc., giving them a chance to embrace the farm-to-table approach.
With the promising appeal of the site location, the development proposed by the proponents may provide an "oasis" that consumers or residents need in a bustling city like Quezon City.
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