If you’re curious to get a glimpse into the climate-adaptive architectural developments of the future, take a look at the Thammasat University Rooftop Farm (or TURF) project by Bangkok-based architecture firm LANDPROCESS.
Repurposing a massive 236,806 sq ft of previously unused space, the new development is now Asia’s largest organic rooftop farm. Alongside a team of engineers and designers, the architects combined the tradition of rice terraces with modern green roof strategies to turn a once-neglected area into a lush public place for sustainable food production.
As an adaptive climate solution, TURF incorporates solar power and rainwater collection and is used to teach sustainable farming techniques. With an earthwork of rice terraces and modern green roof technology, the cascading rooftop absorbs, filters, and slows down runoff 20 times more efficiently than a conventional concrete roof.
The organic farm produces food to feed the university campus. At the same, carving into the mountainous architecture, TURF maximizes the terrain to create multi-functional public space and a large amphitheater with a 360-degree panoramic view of Bangkok. The roof is equipped with solar panels, capable of producing up to 500,000 watts per hour to irrigate the urban farm and power the building beneath it.
This project has been conceived as a realistic but hopeful solution to the climate crisis, putting urban dwellers back in tune with agricultural practices. Lessons on Thai agriculture, landscape, and native soil are embedded into TURF, educating future leaders to adapt and embrace climate challenges by building sustainable cities for generations to come.
