A Review of Research Progress in Vertical Farming on Façades: Design, Technology, and Benefits

Xuepeng Shi, Chengfei Shi, Abel Tablada, Xiaoyu Guan, Mingfeng Cui, Yangxiao Rong, Qiqi Zhang and Xudong Xie ()
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Xuepeng Shi: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Chengfei Shi: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Abel Tablada: Faculty of Architecture, Technological University of Havana J. A. Echeverría, Havana 10100, Cuba
Xiaoyu Guan: College of Architecture, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, China
Mingfeng Cui: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Yangxiao Rong: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Qiqi Zhang: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Xudong Xie: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-46

Abstract: The surging global population and urbanization trends present new challenges to food production systems and energy, especially in resource-limited urban environments. Vertical farming on façades (VFOF) is an innovative strategy to address this challenge by growing crops on building skins, efficiently using urban space, increasing food self-sufficiency, and reducing the environmental impact of carbon emissions. This article is a comprehensive review of VFOF and closely related topics based on 166 journal articles. It covers the latest research advances in design, technology, social impact, and environmental benefits. In addition to enhancing the autonomy of urban food supply and improving residents’ quality of life, VFOF also has the potential to optimize the thermal performance of buildings and promote energy conservation by having some of the qualities of vertical greening systems (VGS). The planting system design and technical support factors for different façade locations are explained in detail. The symbiotic relationship between VFOF and architecture is examined to enhance sustainability. The popularity of VFOF is increasing in terms of social acceptance, and the government, together with the private sector and communities, play a vital role in promoting its development. In addition, this review also collates the cases of VFOF implementation in recent years. Research shows that the implementation of VFOF has many advantages, especially when considering future urban challenges under climate change scenarios and the need to provide solutions to achieve carbon neutral buildings and cities. Still, high initial investment, operating costs, technical complexity, security issue, policy and regulatory constraints, and public acceptance are all challenges to overcome. Further research should be carried out in the above fields.

Keywords: building façades; urban food production; sustainable urban development; carbon neutrality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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