The Growing Machine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

KSS Houses “The Growing Machine”

AeroFarms Breaks Ground in Newark on World’s Largest Indoor Vertical Farm

KSS Architects attended the groundbreaking ceremony for AeroFarms on July 9th, in Newark, NJ, officially kicking-off construction on the world’s largest indoor vertical farm, operated by aeroponic technology.  Aeroponics is the indoor farming method of growing food vertically with the use of recyclable seed cloth, through which roots are misted with nutrients and water.  LED lights deliver just the right amount of light required for photosynthesis.  Greens and vegetables grown via aeroponics require 95% less water and are 75% more productive per square foot annually than a traditional farm field.

As AeroFarms perfected its “Growing Machine” farming technology, KSS engineered and scaled the most effective electric, mechanical and plumbing systems to support the indoor farm.  The architecture firm also consulted on Newark’s Ironbound District site – suggesting the renovation of an existing steel mill, complemented by the design of an addition warehouse unit.  KSS’s experience in the commercial and distribution markets added value to the enterprise.  Phase One is due to be completed in late 2015.  Phase Two will incorporate a corporate headquarters for AeroFarms and additional warehouse growing space.  Once completed, the farm will have the capacity to produce up to 2 million pounds of leafy greens and herbs each year.

Through close working relationships with RBH, the “Makers Village” developer of the city’s Ironbound District, and citing previous project experience with the City of Newark, the State of New Jersey, and RBH’s “Teachers Village,” KSS is thrilled with the opportunity to contribute to such a game-changing endeavor.  “In addition to giving the world a new way to feed itself,” observed Merilee Meacock, Partner, KSS, “AeroFarms is giving to Newark good jobs, economic growth, and a source of city pride.  We are proud to work with the city and the people of Newark”.

 

About KSS

KSS Architects LLP is an award-winning architectural design firm with offices in Princeton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA.  Founded in 1983, KSS specializes in the design and planning of places for learning, commerce and community.  The firm brings to each project the unique ability to create meaningful change through architecture, and has been named AIA New Jersey’s Firm of the Year in 2002, 2005, 2009, and 2013.

KSS delivers a diverse breadth of work that includes a precedent-setting distribution center for Coca-Cola, the “workplace as marketplace” corporate headquarters for Burlington Coat Factory, a research institute to reposition Rowan Business School as a regional promoter of economic development, the mixed use, education-based consortium of Teachers Village, and a leading edge learning and residential campus for Bancroft, the non-profit helping those with disabilities lead independent and fulfilling lives.  For more information, please visit www.kssarchitects.com.

 

Contact:

Beth Sherby

Marketing Manager

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