Proposing a Pedagogical Framework for Integrating Urban Agriculture as a Tool to Achieve Social Sustainability within the Interior Design Studio

Abstract

Evidently, the global population is increasing. A decline in the stock of agricultural land per capita is becoming a global issue. The future agriculture output may need to grow in order to satisfy the future growing demands. Feeding the global population of 9.1 billion by the year 2050 requires growth in global agriculture output by approximately 60% to 110%. Urban agriculture as an alternative solution can reduce the future burden on agriculture sector. As a response to this issue, the interior architecture design studio-V (INT 401) proposes a futuristic vision which is based on the notion of urban agriculture. This vision requires a pedagogical framework to be defined for the interior design studio-V. The proposed pedagogy consists of the following three notions: (1) residential urban agriculture, (2) context-based and culture-based design approach, and (3) social sustainability. The proposed pedagogy follows a futuristic vision that advocates that future interior spaces and adjacent spaces should be capable of cultivating food. The proposed pedagogy tries to integrate the concept of residential urban agriculture within its core. The context-based and culture-based design approach highlights the importance of considering the local context during the design process. The interior design studio pedagogy should be valued, studied, and reflected in local traditions, practices, and values. The proposed pedagogy is based on the threefold schema of social sustainability that comprises development sustainability, bridge sustainability, and maintenance sustainability. The proposed design studio pedagogy highlights the following three points: (1) defining a vision for the interior design studio; (2) the interior design studio should be responsive to the contemporary and future social, environmental, and economic issues; and (3) the importance of considering the local context and reflecting it within the interior design studio pedagogy.