Alternative agricultural technologies

Striving to degrow and rehumanize conventional agricultural practices while educating and connecting people to sustainable food production and the importance of nature

“Located in Fochriw- a small ex-mining village in the Welsh valleys, my project, the Centre for Alternative Agricultural Technology, is a scheme that works with the local community to educate and connect people to sustainable food production and the importance of nature in this process. Striving to degrow and rehumanize conventional agricultural practice, the project focusses on utilizing more personal spaces in order to make a positive change on a far larger scale – starting small and organically growing into a widely influential, yet successful system. Inspired by the wisdom of traditional, no-waste farming techniques such as companion planting and permaculture, while embracing modern technological advancements, the scheme aims for full self-sufficiency: generating all of its own food, electricity, and water. The project acts symbiotically with the local community and environment, as well as creating connections that reach out to sites around the globe. In the forging of these reciprocal relationships, across all scales, the project hopes to reignite the village’s once-flourishing community spirit, and in doing so create a resilient system, with a diverse, adaptable schedule, ensuring its success throughout the seasons.”

Contact Info:
Nick Cross
CrossN1@cardiff.ac.uk

1. Research into the impacts of agriculture, with a diagram comparing different agricultural methods, alongside their associated implications
2. Analyzing the dynamics of ‘the three sisters’ companion planting technique, identifying key principles in order to establish potential architectural metaphors and develop a successful architectural system
Visualization sketch – view from the new nature trail
  • Visualization render of the central seasonal permaculture garden, looking towards the tower and markets
  • Visualization render of the view behind from standing on the bridge, continuing down the Trailway