In the heart of Germany’s industrial landscape, a unique solution to two pressing urban issues—vacant department stores and sustainable food production—is taking shape. Hanna Bonekämper, a researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is pioneering a novel approach to adaptive reuse that could revolutionize urban development and the energy sector.
Bonekämper’s innovative idea is to transform obsolete department stores into vertical farms, a concept she explores in her recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Built Environment, which translates to “Frontiers in the Built Environment.” This interdisciplinary approach not only addresses the challenge of repurposing large, structurally complex buildings but also taps into the growing demand for local, sustainable food production.
The shift in shopping behavior due to digitalization has left many department stores empty, posing significant challenges for urban planners. “These buildings are often too deep for natural light to penetrate effectively, making traditional reuse difficult,” Bonekämper explains. “However, vertical farming offers a unique solution by leveraging the building’s structure and creating a new economic model that supports sustainable urban development.”
Vertical farming involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often using controlled environments and advanced technologies like LED lighting and hydroponic systems. This method not only maximizes space efficiency but also reduces the environmental impact of agriculture by cutting down on water usage and eliminating the need for pesticides.
Bonekämper’s case study focuses on a former department store in Wuppertal, Germany. Through a meticulous site analysis and iterative design process, she demonstrates how vertical farming can be seamlessly integrated into the existing structure. The proposed design includes detailed floor plans, elevations, and sections, showcasing how the building’s layout can be optimized for crop growth while maintaining its architectural integrity.
“This research opens up new possibilities for adaptive reuse in urban environments,” Bonekämper says. “By transforming vacant department stores into vertical farms, we can create mixed-use urban developments that not only support local food production but also contribute to the city’s energy efficiency and sustainability goals.”
The commercial impacts for the energy sector are substantial. Vertical farming requires significant energy input for lighting, climate control, and water management. By repurposing existing buildings, cities can reduce the need for new construction, lowering embodied energy and carbon emissions. Additionally, vertical farms can be integrated with renewable energy sources, further enhancing their sustainability.
Bonekämper’s work not only provides a blueprint for repurposing vacant department stores but also raises further research questions. How can vertical farming be optimized for different climatic conditions? What are the most effective ways to integrate renewable energy sources into these systems? And how can cities best support the economic viability of vertical farming initiatives?
As urban populations continue to grow and the demand for sustainable food production increases, Bonekämper’s research offers a compelling vision for the future of urban development. By blending adaptive reuse with vertical farming, cities can create vibrant, sustainable communities that support local food production and enhance energy efficiency. This interdisciplinary approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also paves the way for innovative solutions in the years to come.