The Seed: A New Farming System That Bridges Urban And Rural Areas

Year: 2025 Design & Honor Awards | Category: Student Project

This project sits at the urban-rural intersection, creating a buffer that connects the countryside with the city while retaining rural populations. The “Seed” concept, composed of adaptable 8m x 8m modular units, integrates vertical and traditional farming, forming courtyards and streets that foster community interaction. Dye workshops and factories provide space for local crafts and additional income for farmers. Glass farming modules maximize light transmission and allow multifunctional use. Solar tiles replace traditional roofing, reinforcing sustainability without compromising aesthetics. The project blends modern and traditional elements, ensuring a dynamic, self-sustaining environment that preserves agricultural heritage while embracing innovation.

Design Challenge

The project faces the challenge of balancing urban expansion with rural preservation while fostering a thriving, self-sustaining community. Situated at the urban-rural intersection, it must address population retention, agricultural sustainability, and cultural preservation. The “Seed” concept, composed of 8m x 8m modular units, allows for flexible growth, forming interconnected courtyards and streets that encourage social interaction.

Design achievements include integrating vertical farming with traditional agriculture, maximizing food production while preserving farmland. The strategic use of glass in farming modules ensures ample sunlight while maintaining multifunctional spaces for community activities. Solar tiles replace traditional roofing, reinforcing sustainability without compromising aesthetic integrity.

Programming requirements focus on maintaining a balance between residential, agricultural, and cultural spaces. Dye workshops and factories provide economic opportunities for farmers, preserving rural crafts while contributing to local industry. Public spaces, including courtyards and streets, serve as social and cultural hubs, enhancing the sense of community.

The project’s core intention is to create a sustainable model that revitalizes rural life by harmonizing traditional and modern elements. By integrating passive design strategies, renewable energy, and adaptive modular construction, it provides a replicable blueprint for future developments in similar contexts. The design not only bridges urban and rural environments but also celebrates agricultural heritage while embracing innovation.

Student(s)
Emma Flathouse

School
Savannah College of Art and Design

Project Location
Atlanta, Georgia

Completion Date
6/7/2023

Professor
Brent White