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My topic: urban agriculture. I've participated in urban agriculture for nearly three years. Urban agriculture is fascinating to me in so many dimensions. At a personal level, farming is an activity interesting, enjoyable, and satisfying to me. My interest in that fundamental- food- is even stronger than my interest in shelter (bad architect?). When one critically considers food, a number of simultaneous implications arise: health, safety, nutrition; flavor, traditions, culture; agriculture, technology; environment, worker's rights, community, access... Cities, and by extension city planning, hosts, influences, interacts with all of these aspects.

Sustainable urban agriculture typically addresses all of the above in a most beneficial way. Food grown sustainably and locally often results in higher quality produce, especially concerning taste, freshness,  and nutritional value. Agricultural operations within urban areas operate at a relatively small-scale; food contamination outbreaks are largely tied to practices typical of large-scale, industrialized agriculture. Agriculture and food are centerpiece to culture! Community garden spaces cultivate traditions and bring various cultures into interaction. Agriculture utilizes a variety of technologies, encompassing a spectrum ancient to modern. Farmers and gardeners are known for their ingenuity; urban agriculture sites provide numerous opportunities for creative problem solving. Urban agriculture is beneficial to the environment and wildlife. Small-scale farmers know their land, their soil;  farming sustainably increases soil health and fertility. Green in the city is good for many reasons, from soaking up CO2, to reducing heat gain, to providing public places promoting recreation, relaxation, and mind-body wellness. Providing the opportunity to garden is a potent means towards promoting environmental awareness and appreciation. Similarly, through gardening and farming, one comes to understand modern-day agricultural systems, in comparison or in foil. Urban agriculture fosters community and increases access to fresh produce. In America, widespread diet-related diseases- including obesity, diabetes, heart disease- all arise in part due to limited consumption of fresh produce. Through these and additional implications, urban agriculture benefits society in significant ways.

I'm interested in researching how cities can foster the development of sustainable urban agriculture. In Austin, the newly created Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Community Garden Program is making first strides towards this goal. I'm particularly interested in issues of access, as many of the important benefits urban gardens provide are reaped and cultivated on-site. I'm also interested in envisioning ideal placements of such projects throughout the city- in terms of physical location, relationships to buildings and building-types, and community partnerships.