Tokyo office grows own food in vertical farm

Summary

The Kisana Group's Tokyo headquarters showcases an innovative urban farming concept, integrating agriculture into the workspace for a symbiotic relationship with nature. The building features a rice paddy, hydroponic gardens, and a variety of vegetables, all grown under controlled lighting and humidity. This green initiative not only fosters a healthy working environment but also serves as an educational tool, promoting familiarity with agriculture. The fresh produce is utilized in the cafeteria, contributing to the employees' well-being and reducing the building's energy consumption through natural temperature regulation.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The Kisana Group's headquarters in Tokyo is designed to incorporate nature into the urban environment, promoting a symbiotic relationship between the building and its natural elements.
• 🌾 The building features an urban farm where rice, radishes, and a variety of vegetables are grown, contributing to a healthy working environment.
• 💡 The use of LED and high-pressure sodium lights simulate natural light for plant growth, and the building's air is controlled to create optimal growing conditions.
• 🌿 The HR company's CEO prioritizes the health of workers, believing that a green environment enhances well-being, which is reflected in the building's design.
• 🍅 The building includes a tomato guestroom where hydroponic systems are used for growing tomatoes, demonstrating innovative agricultural practices.
• 🌼 The garden serves as a familiar space for visitors, showcasing traditional Japanese vegetables and the use of mist to control humidity for plant growth.
• 🥬 Fresh produce from the garden is used in the cafeteria, providing employees with access to healthy, locally grown food.
• 🌿 The building's design includes green spaces that provide both mental and physical health benefits, such as reduced reliance on air conditioning and heating.
• 🌳 The building's exterior includes green cartons that save energy by providing natural insulation and reducing the need for artificial cooling or heating.
• 📚 The Kisana Group encourages education about agriculture, inviting students to learn about the growing process and the benefits of hydroponics.
• 🏙️ The concept of vertical farming is discussed as a potential next step for urban agriculture, with the Kisana Group serving as an example of how companies can integrate farming into their operations.

Q & A

What is the concept of the Kisana Group's headquarter building in Tokyo?

The concept of the building is symbiosis with nature, focusing on creating a healthy working environment.

What types of crops are grown inside the Kisana Group's building?

They grow rice, radishes, a variety of vegetables including lettuce, eggplant, corn, tomato, and okra, and also operate a hydroponic system for growing plants like tomatoes and lettuce.

How often can rice be harvested in the Kisana Group's indoor environment?

The rice can be harvested three times a year.

What types of lighting are used for growing crops inside the building?

They use LED lights and high-pressure sodium lights, with the white light being LED and the orange one being high-pressure sodium.

How does the Kisana Group control the environment for plant growth?

They control the air, mist, and humidity to create optimal conditions for the plants, and they also manage the lighting to match the office's use.

What is the purpose of having a garden inside the Kisana Group's building?

The garden serves as a familiar space for those who come to visit, connecting them with the agriculture sector.

How does the Kisana Group utilize the harvested produce?

The harvested produce is used in the cafeteria for employees to eat, promoting a healthy diet.

What is the significance of the sprouts grown in the meeting space?

The sprouts represent the seeds of growth and utilize the 'dead space' of the chairs, showcasing an innovative use of space.

How does the Kisana Group's approach to agriculture benefit its workers?

The approach provides both mental and physical health benefits by surrounding workers with greenery and offering fresh produce.

What is the role of the green cartons outside the building?

The green cartons serve as a natural air conditioner and heater, reducing the need for artificial climate control inside the building.

How does the Kisana Group encourage young people to engage in agriculture?

They demonstrate innovative farming techniques like hydroponics and vertical gardens, aiming to inspire and educate younger generations about modern agricultural practices.