In the past quarter century, food production has been pushed to the
periphery of the city. Today the trend is to connect it back to the
heart of the city and grow food in urban centers. This resurgence is in
response to concerns about rising food prices, food miles, and the
environment. Wiley today announced the publication of Designing Urban
Agriculture: A Complete Guide to the Planning, Design, Construction,
Maintenance and Management of Edible Landscapes(Wiley,
978-1-118-07383-4, May 2013, US $75.00), a framework of information to
aid in the creation of urban agriculture landscapes that promote
ecological biodiversity and social sustainability.
This photo-rich, full-color guide begins with a foundation of ecological
principles and the idea that the food shed is part of a city's urban
systems network. It outlines a design process based on systems thinking
and developed for a lifecycle or regenerative-based approach. Designing
Urban Agriculture also presents strategies, tools, and guidelines that
enable informed decisions on planning, designing, budgeting,
constructing, maintaining, marketing, and increasing the sustainability
of this re-invented cityscape. Case studies demonstrate the
environmental, economic, and social value of these landscapes and reveal
paths to a greener and healthier urban environment. This unique and
indispensable guide covers:
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Over a dozen typologies including community gardens, urban farms,
edible estates, green roofs and vertical walls, edible school yards,
seed to table, food landscapes within parks, plazas, streetscapes and
green infrastructure systems and more
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How to design regenerative edible landscapes that benefit both
community and ecology
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The connections between food, policy, and planning that promote viable
food shed systems for more resilient communities
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Integration of management, maintenance, and operations issues
The twenty-first-century sustainable city requires the merging of
urbanism with sustainable food systems. The design strategies for
agricultural urbanism are about re-inviting food back into the city and
reconnecting people with their local and regional food systems to
promote a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Designing Urban
Agriculture is now available for purchase online and at retailers
nationwide in both print and all e-book formats. For a list of
retailers, visit www.wiley.com
and for additional information, please watch the book
trailer.
About the Author
APRIL PHILIPS, RLA, FASLA, is founder and principal of April Philips
Design Works, an award-winning Bay Area firm that specializes in
landscape architecture and urban ecology. Her notable projects include
Union Square, Santana Row, Peet's Coffee and Tea Roasting Facility, 2001
Market Street, VF Outdoor Campus, and Oakland Memorial Park. Her recent
work includes the incorporation of urban edibles and increasing habitat
in the urban realm. Visit April’s blog: http://apdwblog.wordpress.com
