As global warming intensifies, we must keep global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees celsius.To do so, carbon emissions must be cut in half by 2030 and entirely eliminated by 2050. It is worth noting that buildings, which contribute 40% of global emissions, are expected to double in the next 30 years. Therefore, it is essential to find ways to significantly reduce the total amount of carbon in all buildings, while also dramatically increasing the number of buildings, to avoid irreversible catastrophe.

Hokkaido is an important base for agriculture and animal husbandry in Japan. The vertical farm and pasture will serve as a new mixed farming prototype, gradually replacing part of the former horizontal farming system over the next few decades.

The design focuses on the food production industry and aims to address the carbon emissions problem in two directions: one is to address inefficient land use problems through vertical growth structures, and the other is to address carbon emissions problems from cattle through plant capture and photosynthesis.

Looking at the bigger picture, this design is poised to serve as a “bridge” project that will span several decades, bringing together cutting-edge technology, sustainable farming practices, and a forward-thinking approach. As our dietary preferences continue to evolve, and we make adjustments in our consumption patterns, the demand for beef is expected to decrease significantly. This, in turn, will lessen the impact of cattle farming on global temperature change. As we move towards this new reality, the innovative combination of vertical farm and pasture that this design incorporates will be transformed into a state-of-the-art vertical farm.