Foodscapes: Architecture and Agricultural Production

This lecture discusses the intricate relationship between architecture and food production, focusing on the concepts of domesticated foodscapes. It highlights the transformation of agricultural landscapes in the Netherlands and Spain, emphasizing how architecture influences food production systems. The instructor presents two interconnected projects that explore agricultural landscapes, starting with the highly engineered greenhouses in the Netherlands, which are designed for maximum efficiency and productivity. The discussion then shifts to the agricultural practices in Almería, Spain, where the architecture harmonizes with the climate, utilizing biological agents for pest control and pollination. The lecture also addresses the socio-political implications of these agricultural systems, including the role of migrant labor and the environmental impact of industrialized food production. By examining these contrasting approaches, the instructor encourages critical reflection on the sustainability and ethics of modern agricultural practices, ultimately questioning the narratives surrounding ecological architecture and food production.