Agropolis Food Campus ©2013
Client: VZW Boterakker
Status: research – sketch design
Design: Monolab, team: Jan Willem with Kuilenburg with B.F. Fernandez, S.Kounaki, A. Lacruz, M.M. Ruidiaz, A. Mrden, V. Pitta, A. Sygacz, A. Tsiouti, P.V. Hermano

AGROPOLIS FOOD CAMPUS

…embedded, cycle driven programs

The client VZW Boterakker is planning the Agropolis project on a terrain of 40 ha East of Kinrooi village. It is situated between a lake, a deep hole made by local the gravel industry and conventional agricultural land. It covers the planning of an agricultural business district for newtech agriculture and horticulture and in due time a collective building. This innovative food industry starts up the transistion of conventional regional food production. The client targets onto new types of cops through new cleantech and sustainable techniques including green energy.

POINTS OF DEPARTURE TERRAIN

Our survey focuses onto durable new agriculture, improving local climate for citizens of Kinrooi, reinforcement of natural values, water recreation and toerism, development of synergic qualities which will transform the area into a pearl of Riverpark Maasvalley.

INTENSIFICATION

The area, like a park or campus, is a programmatic intensification like a fine tuned structure of small and midsize plots and a short term lease system. This intensification is to start up: 1. variations of programs and synergy of stakeholders initiatives (local administration, startups, companies, food professionals, visitors, tourists) 2. An adventurous campus with a maximized variety that triggers participation and visit and stay for longer periods. 3. Flexibility for growth and small scale local initiatives and startups through compact plots with short term leases.

LOOP

The intensification fits within a loop which is already potentilly present around the lake Visen Akker. On the mid term run the consession for the remaining gravel industry will expire. We anticipate for a transition of the South part as well.

CYCLES

Cleantech and a conscious application of cycles and energy resources fit together. Exchange of thermal energy surplus and waste water demand cooperation of industries.

WATER

Water will play a significant role in Agropolis. The subsoil water moving Eastward is of high quality and fits water based crops and aquaculture very well. Also natural helofyte filter zones can connect to context and deliver added natural values.

GEOTHERMICS

The area fits a geothermal plant that could be part of the agri collective building. It could deliver energy on a larger scale to neighbouring villages.

SYNERGY

The project is based on a translation of Agropolis principles into a productive architecture, into embedded cyclic programs in synergy with nature, agriculture, aquaculture and architecture.

TEN PRINCIPLES

01. A small scale plot and path structure triggers variety of programs and will connect to the green hinterland and historic cores. 02. From the start local administrations will finance and maintain public nature and facilities on spread plots as to activate the area from the start. 03. Every plot develops through an active plot passport with binding qualities (prpogramming, height, foot print, synergic parameters, etc.). 04. Plots will be leased on short term contracts. 05. Paths and plots evolve through temporary programmes. 06. Plot owners will become members of a trust. 07. The trust realises the first phases of paths, including maintenance. 08. The trust will realise a number of landmark like collective buildings for a second series of plot releases. 09. Paths are public and will not be blocked; connections between buildings are at +1 level. 10. All initiatives contribute to ecology, sustainability and cycles of people, water, energy, products and waste.

AGRO COLLECTIVE BUILDING

The building is a connective pavilion, embedded and in sync through cycles and with its surroundings. The first sketch models have a quality in common, a throbbing heart made by the expo, the labs and production spaces: agriculture and aquaculture, food production of the past, present and future. The collective building represents the campus, including possible geothermal and biobreeder plants.