FROM FARM TO FORK

Both Brexit and the pandemic highlighted the UK’s vulnerability in terms of food sustainability. The UK imports almost half its food and 85% of fruit and vegetables. Not only does this leave it susceptible to food shortages but the effect of importation and transportation negatively impact the environment. My thesis embraced Defra’s aims and live projects to make the UK more self-reliant in terms of food sustainability. A new headquarters for Defra and civic hub were set within an orchard of 600 newly planted trees. The building itself incorporated a roof top research farm, open floors in the tower growing Kentish hops, lavender and herbs and biophilic design throughout.