In a few months time, Romainville, a town 3km East of Paris will grow their own tomatoes, mushrooms and strawberries in a tower block. It will be the first tower block devoted to vegetable growing in France. It is estimated to cost €5 million to build and the first brick will be played in 15 days. It will be built in the heart of the city and the South/South West facing walls have been specially chosen for optimal farming conditions. Architecturally, it is a cross between a giant horticultural greenhouse and an industrial building.
All of the produce will be grown above ground and use 100% organic fertilisers. No chemical fertilisers, pesticides, heating or artificial lighting will be used.
Annual production is estimated to be able to reach 12 tons of fruit, vegetables, edible flowers, plants and seeds. A good volume which could supply 200 families. Whilst this figure is not enough to cover the 25,000 habitants of Romainville, it is a huge project that creates employment and draws attention to urban agriculture.