Presenters:

Critter Thompson, Mithun, Seattle, WA

Mark Boucher-Colbert, Urban Agricultural Solutions LLC

Dan Bravin, City Garden Farms, Portland, OR

Kevin Cavenaugh, Ten Pod, Portland, OR

The local food movement acknowledges the need to reduce our carbon footprint, and improve the healthfulness, access to, and security of our food supply. Experts in many fields are seeking to address this issue, from policy and public health to energy independence and climate change. How can the design community marshal these efforts to realize multiple benefits by addressing not only the local or site specific issues but improving the food equation at a district and regional level? 

The first half of the session will explore key dimensions of the urban food equation from the vertical and rooftop farm to site and district scale production and distribution. The second half will involve small group site visits and an interactive charrette on urban food production. Join Dan Bravin of City Garden Farms, Marc Boucher-Colbert of Urban Agriculture Solutions, Kevin Cavenaugh of Ten Pod and Critter Thompson of Mithun as they discuss the advantages and challenges of designing, building and operating urban food systems and as they lead the group on an urban agriculture treasure hunt.

Engage with experts in these questions:

• Are density and food production in competition?
• How can production occur within and outside of the urban district?
• What is the urban expression of agriculture?
• What does the reintroduction of habitat and farming into our cities mean for mental and social wellbeing?
• How can local food projects spur economic and equitable development?
• How can we reduce our food related carbon footprint?

Speaker Bios

Critter Thompson

Christopher "Critter" Thompson provides a deep understanding of the interaction between built and natural systems. He joined Mithun from the Yale University of Forestry and Environmental Studies where he distinguished himself by integrating knowledge of marine and terrestrial ecology with planning sustainable urban settlements. By analyzing natural and urban systems, their interconnectedness and their impact on each other, he provides clients with the ability to leverage natural resources to their fullest extent, repair the natural environment, and provide healthier places for people, as well as local plants and wildlife. His special skillset and knowledge are integral to Mithun's exploration into creating restorative ecological systems with vibrant urban communities.

Marc Boucher-Colbert

Marc Boucher-Colbert is currently Garden Specialist at Franciscan Montessori Earth School in Portland, OR.  He also runs Urban Agriculture Solutions LLC, which provides creative garden solutions for gardeners in the city and for cities that want to be gardens.  For years he operated Urban Bounty Farm, a community-supported farm in Portland and helped start Portland’s Zenger Farm in its current incarnation as an urban agricultural park and education center.  

Dan Bravin

Kevin Cavenaugh