Design and hydroponic systems Perspectives for and from the Global North and South

Abstract

In facing the complexity of the challenge posed by urban growth and increasing world population, design disciplines are called upon to question new strategies to mitigate their impact on biodiversity and the food production system. In this context, hydroponics represents a viable solution to help re-establish a connection with nature and to create productive greenery within the most diverse contexts. Although the potential of these systems is widely discussed from various perspectives, there is a lack of comparative and evaluative studies illustrating their potential for designers. Through the analysis of literature and case studies focusing on hydroponic crops, we intend to investigate the possibilities and criticalities offered not only for food production but also as a means to improve degraded contexts, trigger social innovation movements and restore identity and livelihood to people and territories. By comparing projects implemented at different latitudes and the transfer of solutions from one context to another, we intend to provide Design with virtuous models, integrating perspectives from the Global North and South, for a better understanding and new project management of these systems.