I believe that the only “barriers” to implementing this idea is the short-sighted beliefs of governments and companies wanting quick financial returns. The money needed requires government backing and due to the low margins of profit that farms make, payback would take time. In most business cases, investors want a return in 5 years and at most 10 years. These farms may require long-term investment and so the return could take at least 20 years. However, as costs of fossil fuels rise and environmental issues become more frontline these farms will become the way forward.

15 years ago the cost of renewable energy was too much of a burden compared to its return. Now these energies are becoming a common place in our power supply. As the cost of land rises and the demand to expand our cities increases we need to produce more food from less space. Also, the ever expanding population also demands we produce more from less. These items above and the need to consider how we can service our growing population means that cost Vs profit, renewables Vs fossil fuels and environmental issues means we need these feasible and practical answers.

Animal husbandry, care and welfare, environmental impact and quality of life has to be one of the main driving forces in design and construction of this farm. By implementing this along with sustainable design and operation, we can not only offer environmental change but also offer a higher standard of life to our animals.

In my design, I have allocated the top third of the building to Human habitat which would include all living accommodation, commercial centres, educational centres, medical facilities, open space and community gathering points. This type of living would mimic normal village life in any rural community.

These vertical farms can exist both as a self-sufficient entity, when placed hours from a major city, or form part of a major city when placed on the outskirts, in areas such as industrial parks. Normal farm operation is intended to be the central operation and as such farming community socialization would form the major communal hub. Along with this certain other social aspects would evolve due to other community input i.e. scientific, energy generation and commercial hubs.

The towers themselves would attract outside interest and visits from the public would form part of the overall theme park effect like petting zoos and museums do in our cities now. Inter-tower connection has not been studied at this time as it is assumed that each Vertical Farm would be positioned many miles apart. However data transfer and solutions would be shared as it is done now.

I agree that controlling the climate indoors will use a lot of energy. There are some effective ways to generate power while still being environmentally conscious. Some ways to generate energy you may want to consider include wind turbines, thermal energy, and hydroelectric energy.

How many vertical farms will be built and how close in proximity will they be too each other? When you say 1 billion USD is that per farm or does that account for several farms?