Noah Graj has a vision. Through his company, Urban Farmers, he wants to build sustainable, year-round farms throughout New York City.

"Geodesic Dome Sidewall" photo courtesy of Jim Hulme

In a place as crowded and expensive as the Big Apple, where would these farms be located? In the only part of the city that makes sense: rooftops.

Graj’s vision was inspired by Buckminster Fuller, a philosopher and architect who invented the Geodesic Dome. Graj realized that lightweight domes, constructed of advanced and recycled plastics, metals and wood could protect crops from the elements all year long.

The company will install the rooftop farms and domes, and will counsel clients on how to make them fruitful. Though a manufacturing deal for the domes is still pending, Urban Farmers has secured 50,000 square feet of rooftop space, which will house its first farms.

“Some people are scared that the domes will be detrimental to buildings,” says Graj, “but the structures will prevent roof damage and reduce energy costs by serving as heat insulators.”

Graj also believes that the farms will benefit “economically neglected neighborhoods” by providing a source of income and organic nutrition for community residents. The company hopes Urban Farmers will build a connection to nature and the earth that many city dwellers have never experienced.

Graj’s plan is an example of rethinking your physical environment. By reconsidering urban and farm spaces, he’s opened up unused rooftops for rich opportunities.

(For a related post on physical environments, visit the Kennedy School.)

For more information about rooftop farms, contact:

Noah Graj
Founder & Chief Growth Officer
Urban Farmers - Grow®
UrbanFarmers.Org
Noah@UrbanFarmers.Org
Tel: 914.953.9826

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