2019 Directory

36 WYOMING ARCHITECTURE .19 | www.aia-wyoming.org Award of Honorable Mention Jackson, Wyoming, is an unlikely place for urban farming. At an altitude over 6000 ft., and a winter that lasts until May, the growing season is sometimes only a couple of months long, hence the majority of its produce is imported from outside Wyoming. Despite this, the Town is home to one of the world’s first vertical greenhouses located on a sliver of vacant land next to a parking garage. Thus 13,500 sq. ft. three-story stacked greenhouse utilizes 1/10 of an acre to grow an annual amount of produce equivalent to 10 acres of traditional agriculture all year round. Vertical Harvest’s architectural ecosystem enables the community to grow produce 365 days a year despite the difficulties posed by the harsh climate. In addition to fresh lettuce, microgreens and tomatoes, Vertical Harvest produces jobs. There is a 78% unemployment rate for people with different abilities in Wyoming. This underserved population deserves the opportunity to participate in the workforce, earn a competitive wage and contribute to their community in a meaningful way. While this project is technically ambitious, it is also the basis for a scalable, replicable model that embodies the belief that architecture is a vehicle for social and environmental change. After three years of operation, Vertical Harvest has establishes itself as a leader in the vertical farming movement and is working with cities to replicate this model to be a part of the infrastructure for urban communities around the globe. Vertical Harvest’s focus is to create partnerships to build cost-effective, profitable hydroponic farms that will not only act as innovative urban models for growing fresh food but will have a substantial social impact. Location: Jackson Hole, WY Size: 13,500 sq ft Category: Built Vertical Harvest GYDE Architects AIA WMR Design Awards: AIA WY Award Winners