Exploring Prospects of Urban Agriculture in Indian Built Environment For Self-Sustainability | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

ABSTRACT

There is an increasing demand on metropolitan regions, and the cities may have ecological consequences that extend beyond their political borders, consuming resources and producing wastes that have global implications for environmental and social well-being. Since the 1990s, urban biogeochemical cycles have been studied, and urban planning and design practises have applied this knowledge and investigated many approaches for restoring biological functionality to the built environment. The load on rural production structures to meet expanding demands for fruits and vegetables in urban markets based on the above facts and needs may be answered by establishing a self-sufficient urban system. This research aims to identify and propose a sustainable system of agriculture in urban societies through Case Study of an apartment society in India. A mixed approach research methodology is adopted. Qualitative data is collected through case study of an apartment building and quantitative data collection includes closed ended questionnaire survey from residents of society, to understand their perspective towards sustainability issues. This research concludes that the occupants are aware of global warming and sustainability issues and are willing to participate in promotion of urban agriculture. Finally, a design was proposed for upgrading the existing apartment building into a self-sustainable society by exploring the urban agricultural possibilities serving the needs of an urban society.