MOBILE FARMSTEAD

Sustainability

There are over 90,000 vacant lots in Chicago, representing more than 6,000 acres of unused space. To transform this vacant space into a source of fresh organic produce for local residents, farmers markets, and restaurants — as well as add needed green space and jobs to the area — Ken Dunn turns these spaces into the City Farm concept. Introducing a layer of transportable, nutrient-rich topsoil, City Farm creates temporary farms employing from one to three people, usually homeless or unemployed individuals for whom Ken provides training and a living wage.

The KOO design team developed a mobile solution for City Farm that provided a recognizable face for the concept while creating secure tool and produce storage, sheltered workspace, an office, restroom, temporary housing for one employee, and a small farm stand.

To match up with the mission of City Farm, KOO selected architectural components that were salvaged, inexpensive, biodegradable, and especially, easily transportable — so that, if the vacant space were sold or slotted for redevelopment, the site could be easily moved to another spot. We chose products and materials such as shipping containers, chain-link fencing, canvas, and straw bales — sustainable, easily moved, and efficient.

312.235.0920
55 W. Wacker Dr.
Suite 600C
Chicago, IL 60601