GROWING IN CITIES : rooftop urban agriculture for sustainable cities

Abstract: The thesis takes into notice a rare case of integration of rooftop urban agriculture into sustainable development of urban areas. The current situation shows that the development of rooftop urban agriculture has not been adequately studied. This master thesis aims to enhance the understanding regarding planning opportunities and challenges for integration of rooftop urban farming in urban design and sustainable urban development with a focus on environmental benefits of its implementation. Furthermore, the thesis brings up a conceptual design programme «Malmö FIVE» that shows one of the ways how architects and urban planners could inspire city developers and municipalities to explore the ways of the redevelopment of the existing unused urban spaces into the new resilient environments.  The thesis based on a combination of literature review, analysis of planning materials, site visits, conducting interviews, discussions and attending seminars and lectures to answer the research questions. The research identified multiple challenges that can be encountered in the process of implementation of rooftop urban agriculture. The findings determined the importance of rooftop urban agriculture being approached from the strategic sustainability perspective to value its potential fully. Rooftop urban agriculture can provide significant environmental values thus have an essential role in the sustainable development of urban areas.