Seed Bank competition – aasarchitecture

Humans have thrived and survived because our ancestors learnt how to gather, produce and consume food. Our has sustenance has been ensured due to these crucial elements of knowledge passed through generations. As industrialization percolated in the civilization, mass production began. Then there was an influx of consumers – who were capable of paying for the food, instead of producing it. The need to grow food depleted, and as a result, skills and crafts related to agriculture and food production are gradually becoming mostly obsolete in the urbane environment.

Mass consumerism through supermarkets is slowly changing how we perceive, acquire and consume food. The paradigm shift in food production and consumption interspersed with the rising population of our cities creates a bigger problem. As individuals, not only we are losing access to crucial, knowledge pertaining to self-sustenance but also losing the diverse species rapidly. This cyclic process of decreasing plant diversity in tandem with worsening climate makes things even gloomy for our urban lifestyle in the coming future.

Image © uni.xyz

Challenge
The Industrial Revolution has provided us with a highly consistent supply of processed food. In a way it has given birth to issues like overconsumption, poor quality, high wastage and an over-dependence on manufacturing agencies. In the longer run, our perception of fresh food will be completely eroded. By this model, only economically viable species will flourish, everything else will wither. This rampant commoditization is a slow time bomb that will deteriorate our environment.

Brief
How can we inspire a positive change in cities we live in where people can learn about these vanishing species and grow/maintain on their own? How can we change the downside of cities, i.e. overcrowding and increasing susceptibility to collapse, to more self-sufficient and more resilient places of living? How can we create cities as micro seed economies where not only urban farming happens, but everyone contributes to the food chain by small endeavors and smarter techniques of farming? Source and images Courtesy of uni.xyz.