Seven years of interdisciplinary education for sustainable urban landscapes: results from the international student competition UrbanFarm

In a rapidly urbanizing world, urban agriculture represents an opportunity for improving food supply, health conditions, local economy, social integration, and environmental sustainability altogether. While a diversity of farming systems is encountered in the different world regions, it is estimated that about a third of urban dwellers is involved worldwide in the agro-food sector. In recent times, urban agriculture projects have sprouted across the world, both guided and promoted by governments and born by bottom-up grassroots initiatives powered by community-based organizations (CBOs). Accordingly, the concept of edible urban landscapes (edible cities, foodscapes) is today finding widespread application. In order to facilitate a wider uptake of innovative policies and tools for the promotion of the sustainable goals associated with urban agriculture, it is crucial to create awareness among both institutional actors and the civil society as a whole through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. The international student challenge “UrbanFarm” is a student competition running yearly since 2019, aimed at boosting cooperation between different disciplines by bringing together students from different fields of study into international teams addressing the regeneration of urban vacant spaces. The challenge aims at showing that another use for these urban voids is possible, overall contributing to creating cities that are more attractive, livable, inclusive and sustainable. The challenge became an opportunity to link viewpoints and approaches; while, integrating state-of-the-art technologies and design for urban farming and urban planning. Over the different editions, innovative ideas, visions, and approaches were brought together by teams of students with enthusiasm and dedication. Starting from these project ideas, local administrators and urban planners received tools to foster sustainability and livability of their cities. Beyond the elevated project quality, the major achievement of the UrbanFarm competition stands upon the geographical distribution and expertise covered by the participating teams. A network of experts and urban agriculture practitioners from universities from all over the world took part in the evaluation of projects prepared by teams involving more than 600 students. Looking at the projects, it clearly appears how competences were successfully integrated and communicated in both project redaction and visual materials.