Sustainable Farming Pods

Research Project

This research-driven project explores innovative design solutions to address urban sustainability challenges.

The modular farming pods aim to:

Increase access to fresh produce
Reduce carbon footprints
Enhance urban greenery
Foster healthier lifestyles

Aligned with academic goals and a commitment to sustainability, the project emphasizes evidence-based design and impactful research methodologies.

Duration

6 Weeks

Institution

De Montfort University

Team

7 members — Team Leader: Samdanielraj

Discover

Problem

84.4%

of people in the UK are now urban dwellers (IBIS, 2024)

With this in mind, the UK Government and devolved governments are supporting increased domestic production, particularly of UK fruit and vegetables, to strengthen food security.

The process of urbanisation has detached a large proportion of people from food production

and made them dependent on food imported from increasingly distant regions (Howe and Wheeler, 1999; Martin et al., 2016).

A significant proportion of the UK's fresh fruits and vegetables are imported from other countries

These imports and supplies can be affected negatively by countries are vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather.

This has potential consequences for food security, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental sustainability, and social justice (de Ruiter et al., 2016).

INSUFFICIENT ACCESS TO FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Is one of the leading causes of reduced life expectancy and potential health issues. (Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition, 2016).

Figure 1: UK fruit & vegetable import shortages (BBC, 2024)

Our Motivation

Is one of the leading causes of reduced life expectancy and potential health issues. (Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition, 2016).

About the project

Aim: To create a modular urban farming pod that increases access to fresh food while promoting sustainability in urban spaces.

Explore the topic of agriculture, specifically urban farming
Investigate the issues and problems in urban agriculture
Conduct market research on existing products and solutions

Ideate and design a modular farming pod concept
Develop a prototype to test the concept
Evaluate the design’s effectiveness and make improvements

Define

Methodology

A combined secondary & primary research approach was used:

Market Research & Literature Review → to understand trends and sustainability practices
User Personas & Surveys → to reveal preferences, pain points, and barriers
Design Rationale → to ensure solutions are evidence-based and practical

Secondary Research

Key findings:

Urban agriculture improves food security, reduces emissions, and enhances ecosystem services (Yan et al., 2022).
Hydroponics & vertical farming bring produce closer to consumers but face high setup costs and regulatory hurdles (Teoh et al., 2024).
Farming pods are promising for reducing pressure on agricultural land (Despommier, 2009; O’Sullivan et al., 2020).

Market Research – Insights

Current Products:

Click & Grow Garden Kit, Mars Hydro, etc.

Often high-cost, high-energy use, and limited scalability (Robert, 2019; Shaun, 2023; Tom, 2023; Riley, 2024)

Key Gaps:

High costs limit accessibility
Lack of modularity for different urban spaces
Rigid structures unsuitable for diverse households

Our Solution:

Cost-effective, modular, scalable pods adaptable to various spaces
Energy-efficient systems to lower environmental and financial impact
Improved accessibility & customization for urban users

Our Target Audience

Urban Dwellers with Limited Space

Living in limited space. Urban farming pods provide the opportunity to grow fresh produce at home

Health-Conscious Individuals

Want access to Healthy and fresh produce. Growing their own vegetables gives them pesticide-free, nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs at home.

Environmentally-Conscious Consumers

Passionate about sustainability, climate change, and environmental impact. Reduce the need for food transportation and usage of water.

Primary Research

To fill gaps in secondary research, we focused on:

Plant Preferences – which crops people want to grow
Daily Impact – effect on routines and lifestyles
Health Benefits – perceived health improvements
Cost Considerations – willingness to pay for pods
Interest Origin & Functionality – why and how users engage in home farming
Space Constraints – available growing areas in urban homes
Limitations & Barriers – time, knowledge, or maintenance concerns

Research Tools:

Online Surveys
Questionnaires
Focus Groups

Develop

Design Rationale

The farming pod concept integrates findings from both research streams:

From Secondary Research:

Plant Growth Support: optimal indoor conditions with light, temperature, humidity, and water control
Energy Efficiency: powered by sustainable energy sources like solar panels
Eco-Friendly Hydroponics: reduces water and resource use

From Primary Research:

Modularity: adjustable pod structure for varying spaces
Space-Efficient Design: ideal for compact urban settings
Automation: self-watering, smart lighting, climate control
User Monitoring: app-based real-time plant health tracking
User-Centric Interface: intuitive and low-maintenance
Customizable Planting Options: for herbs, vegetables, and microgreens
Educational Component: in-app tutorials for beginners
Aesthetics: blends with modern interiors as a stylish, functional unit

Moodboard

Ideation

Sketches of concepts, modular configurations