Introduction
In October 2008, Tjep. initiated an investigation into new developments in the agricultural sector. What we came across were radical ideas with regards to self-sufficiency, capable of getting us quite a bit closer to the concept of a sustainable society.
As a creative agency focusing on 3D design and visual communication, our approach was not technically oriented, but rather we chose to put the accent on cultural aspects and social implications through design. The central question that we set ourselves is: how can we, as designers, contribute to the fundamental developments that are taking place in Dutch agricultural research? Is self-sufficiency the path towards a more ecological sustainable society? And if so, on what scale is it workable? Can we combine the advantages of a globalized world with aspirations towards physical independence? These are some of the questions Oogst is trying contextualize.
After preliminary encounters with engineers from the University of Agriculture in Wageningen and the Innovation Network in Utrecht, our attention was particularly drawn to two projects. Both projects were initiated and supported by the Innovation Network in Utrecht and are called Agro Park and the Greenhouse Village (Zonneterp in Dutch).
These two concept plans are about creating synergy between production processes in agriculture on the one hand, and, on the other, energy consumption and waste production in the residential sector.
The Greenhouse Village is self sufficient in energy and water and recycles nutrients and carbon. Both concepts mimic the idea of a ecosystem as found in nature.
We noticed, as a design agency, that these developments are rarely linked to a satisfactory form or image. The ideas proposed by engineers are radical and have large social and economic implications. However, when it comes to design, as often happens in the early stages of a technical breakthrough, finding satisfactory new typologies for the proposed technology always seem to lag behind. We also tend to stick to a nostalgic image of what the essence of a traditional farm should be like and look like. This is hardly surprising as agriculture is one the most basic and fundamental human activities, changes or revolutions will always go hand in hand with strong emotions. In any case, it is clear that the traditional models of agriculture are not future-proof when it comes to environmental issues.
On Oogst.org you will find three proposals for farms designed by Tjep.. These are based on the technology proposed in Agro Park and the Greenhouse Village. We cover the basics of the technology without going into detail. For more information, please consult links at the bottom of this page.
For each new farming concept, the production scale has served as a basis for the design.
Tjep. would not be Tjep. if we hadn’t added a hint of provocation and irony along the way.
To get an idea of the necessary area and the number of animals necessary to be self-sufficient, we carried out a theoretical study into the relationship between production volume and the number of consumers.
Oogst 1000 combines extreme fun with extreme usefulness, we call it ecotainment.
Oogst 1000 / Wonderland
Oogst 1000 Wonderland is a self-sufficient farm, restaurant, hotel and amusement park for 1,000 people per day.
All food for the restaurant comes from the central structure and directly adjacent fields. Oogst 1000 combines extreme fun with extreme usefulness into a form of ecotainment.
One can see this amusement park as a huge people processor. Hotel guests are also the farmers, when you work, you can stay for free.
Original Dutch farm buildings have been implemented but the traditional layout of the farm has been completely re-arranged.
Everything is linked by technology proposed in the Greenhouse Village in order to create a self-sustainable system.
The entire process is visible to the visitor, giving the complex a didactic function as to new agricultural developments.
Oogst 1000 Wonderland toilets are also linked to to a bio-gas energy system, so Oogst 1000 offers the worlds first toilets were you actually get paid Euro 0.50- per visit.
Fly around Oogst 1000 / Wonderland
Oogst 100 / Community
Oogst Community 100 is a self-sufficient farm for 100 people. The residents are all farmers. In the central greenhouse, all necessary crops are grown, the surrounding fields are for livestock. The central windmill provides all the necessary energy, there is a water-well under the windmill. But clean water is mainly collected condensed water from the greenhouse.
The technology involved is the same as in the Greenhouse Village and Oogst 1, only here it is hidden. There are studies that show that communities of between 100 and 150 people are the most optimal and harmonious. Therefore, the concept never grows beyond 100 people but it can be multiplied to form a society without shopping centres, banks, roads, cars or airplanes. An irrigation system makes navigation possible (electric of course).
Every community needs a space to gather, the construction halfway up the windmill has a cross (church like) floor-plan, this is where meals are served and marriages organised between communities, but be careful, never more than 100 people can join in.
Oogst 100 can be multiplied to form a society without shopping centres, banks, roads, cars or air planes.
Netherlands could sustain 18 million people in a sustainable manner.
Oogst 1 / Family
Oogst 1 Solo is a house for one family that provides its residents with food, energy, heat and oxygen. In principle, one could live in Oogst 1 Solo without ever having to leave the house.
Oogst 1 Solo has a cross-shaped floor plan. The heart is the living area, with the kitchen, bathroom, storage room, living-room and at the top, the bedroom. The biggest part is reserved for the greenhouse and one section is reserved for all the recycling process such as seen in the Greenhouse Village.
The only animals held at Oogst 1 are chickens, for their eggs and an occasional meat dish. On the top of the house one can find a windmill for electricity production. Also included are solar panels. Different energy sources are included to minimize dependence on one source. All CO2 is turned into oxygen by the plants, making it possible to keep the house air-tight and air pollution proof.
The Greenhouse Village model has been implemented for a house with one occupant. The goal is the realization of an iconic statement and to provide evidence that one person can live comfortably within an identifiable recycling process. The ultimate idea of sustainability is made visible and tangible.
The house can be put almost anywhere, like a lunar module. For example, on top of a building or on water. The house stands from the ground on three points, literally leaving the smallest possible footprint on the earth.
The house has been turned inside out in the sense that all systems are visible for maintenance and repair. But more importantly, to show the technology that is put to work.
