Cultivating Community - Exploring an urban design proposal merging food production with future development for sustainable living.

Abstract: With the global population projected to reach eight billion by 2022, the world faces significant challenges associated with rapid urbanization. The migration of individuals from rural to urban areas in search of improved opportunities exacerbates the strain on resources, posing obstacles such as housing shortages, infrastructure demands, and food scarcity in growing cities. This thesis aims to address these challenges by examining the potential of circular economy principles and urban food production as strategic approaches for urban development and design in heavily industrialized areas. Focusing on a selected test-bed site in Malmö, Sweden—an old industrial neighborhood currently utilized for shipyards and car storage—the study explores opportunities to reduce wastage, reintroduce resources into the economy, and promote sustainable urban practices. Through this research, valuable insights and recommendations can be derived to guide future urban planning and contribute to the creation of more resilient and resource-efficient cities. This master’s degree project aims to create a new neighbourhood that hopes to create a possible future that meets the needs of the people of Malmö, creates a potential for growth, and inspires food production on the harbour area. This project will analyse and create a holistic design proposal using the research, trends, and visions of Nyhamnen. Research Questions: 1. Can brown-field neighbourhoods be utilized for food production? 2. How can food production transform an industrial area to a sustainable and liveable neighbourhood? Ultimately, these research questions will guide the thesis direction and open the discussion about resilience, adaptability and the footprint of the city on Earth. The conclusions drawn at the end of the research process will formulate a system on which the design proposal will be based. The research and thesis work are focused on Nyhamnen, Malmö. Nyhamnen is a heavily industrialised neighbourhood located just north of the Västra Hamnen. As seen through google maps, it is dominated by cars and asphalt. With the application of the research interventions to the design proposal of the neighbourhood, a system for sustainable development can be brought to light.