Urban Agriculture
Growing healthy foods serves many purposes, from mitigating food insecurity to education to therapy. Sometimes it’s just about having fun and growing things that taste good. BSD works with communities, school districts and developers to plan food production gardens of all scales and settings.
East Capitol Urban Farm
Size
3-acre site
Client
University of the District of Columbia and DC Housing Authority
Budget
$1M
WASHINGTON, DC — BSD led a complex team of city and federal agencies, non-profit organizations and corporate groups to design and build a three-acre community amenity in Ward 7. An intensive community outreach process was conducted to create a program that would provide relevant services and facilities for local residents. In addition to production areas for the University of DC’s agricultural research and demonstration efforts, the farm includes UDC’s aquaponics facility, community gardens, outdoor classrooms and performance areas, and a nature discover zone. A local artist led volunteers to paint a mural at the new farmers market venue, and a Seattle sculptor created dynamic elements near the entrance, producing a vibrant feature that announces the new farm.
Homewood House
Size
1-acre site
Client
Telesis Corporation
BALTIMORE, MD — This urban agriculture project was incorporated in a project to complete renovation designs for a historic residential building adjacent to a vacant lot. Building on a neighborhood tradition of community gardens, BSD collaborated with community members and property management to transform the lot into a productive garden, designing a set of raised beds, arbor, ADA compliant water pump and tool storage. A garden club was organized, and senior residents of Homewood House work alongside neighbor families under the guidance of local garden captains.
Joy Evans Park
Size
1-acre site
Client
DC Department of Parks and Recreation
WASHINGTON, DC — As part of the re-design of the Van Ness Elementary campus, BSD designed and detailed a new community/school garden on the grounds of an adjacent park, Joy Evans. Collaborating with multiple DC agencies, school groups and community members, the team laid out raised beds and outdoor learning areas under shade structures.
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BOWIE, MD — The Chance staff is moving its operations to the historic 10-acre Fairview Mansion site, where BSD is planning a campus of small classroom buildings and restorative spaces. Chance’s unique, affordable model to shape “compassionate thinkers” and support families from diverse backgrounds is driving the design; immersion in nature and outdoor learning play key roles. Students will tend school gardens that represent some of the site’s history.
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WASHINGTON, DC — Reggio Emilia concepts and mindfulness are guiding principles at this elementary school. Extensive school gardens are laid out on rooftop learning areas as well as on grade, where literature-themed gardens are tended and vegetables are produced for use in the cafeteria.
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WASHINGTON, DC — Even on this small, urban campus, the staff and students have carved out a strong tradition of gardening and learning outside. BSD worked with FoodPrints and Goding teachers to design new gardens as part of the school renovation project. Additional outdoor learning and production opportunities were designed on new rooftop spaces.
Marie Reed Community Garden
Barry Farm Senior Residence
Raymond Elementary School