Rethinking architectural typologies in times of change – Integrating food production with high-rise residential development for resilience

Despite importing more than 90% of its food to meet its local needs, Singapore is ranked the fourth most food secured country in the world, according to the 2017 edition of the Global Food Security Index. Singapore achieves this by adopting a successful food security strategy that is heavily dependent on the global food supply chain and diversification of sources. Yet, considering the recent coronavirus pandemic and the growing threats from the impacts of climate change, a new strategy is needed. Such complex problems will require a design-led approach, leveraging on methods such as foresight, scenario planning and transition design. This paper examines the resiliency of Singapore’s food security and explores, through a scenario planning study, the possible roadmap for Singapore to enhance its food security through integrated architectural typologies. Approximately 80% of Singapore’s population live in public housing. This presents a unique opportunity as the government has control over a large building stock. How might the Singapore government increase production of leafy green vegetables through Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFAL) integrated with public housing. In a land-scarce country like Singapore, this presents an unique opportunity for agriculture to be practiced in a highly urbanised setting without using additional land.