Agricultural Architecture Innovations

The integration of agriculture and architecture yields four main design solutions: elevated agrivoltaic panels,
kinetic greenhouses, modular vertical farming facades, and multifunctional rooftop systems.

Abstract
Ten studies show that integrating agricultural needs with architectural planning yields four main spatial and
structural innovations:
1. Agrivoltaic systems use elevated photovoltaic panels (e.g., 3.3‑m panels as described by Barron‐Gafford
et al.) and customized bifacial modules (as in the east–west oriented design of Katsikogiannis et al.)
to combine energy production with crop cultivation on the same land.
2. Greenhouse concepts include transformable, curved thin‑glass structures with kinetic roof mechanisms
(Galuppi, 2018), spherical urban forms with double thermal envelopes guided by constructal principles
(Mavromatidis, 2019), and dual‑purpose structures that integrate solar desalination for irrigation water
and livestock housing (Martzopoulou et al., 2022).
3. Vertical farming innovations feature modular adaptive facades equipped with LED, photovoltaic, sensor,
and fan units (Ghazal et al., 2023) alongside modular building‑integrated systems that combine BIPV
with hydroponic farming (Zhang et al., 2025) to maximize yield in compact urban spaces.
4. Rooftop agriculture is achieved through active building envelope functionalization (Caputo et al.) that
integrates greening with solar energy systems to enhance both urban food production and building
performance.
These studies emphasize multifunctional, adaptable designs that optimize resource efficiency, environmental
control, and scalability while addressing challenges such as technical complexity and cost.

Paper search
Using your research question ”What are the spatial and structural design innovations that emerge from
integrating agricultural needs with architectural planning?”, we searched across over 126 million academic
papers from the Semantic Scholar corpus. We retrieved the 50 papers most relevant to the query.

Screening
We screened in papers that met these criteria:
• Integration Focus: Does the study examine the intentional combination of agricultural facili-
ties/spaces with architectural structures?
• Physical Implementation: Does the study include physical design solutions or structural modifi-
cations that specifically address agricultural needs (e.g., growing spaces, irrigation systems, climate
control)?
• Practical Evidence: Does the study present real-world implementation data or measured perfor-
mance evaluation of the agricultural-architectural integration?
• Technical Documentation: Does the study provide technical specifications, engineering details, or
systematic design methodology for the agricultural-architectural integration?

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 • Dual Domain Coverage: Does the study address both architectural and agricultural aspects in an
integrated manner (rather than focusing exclusively on one domain)?
• Practical Feasibility: Does the study include technical feasibility analysis or practical implementa-
tion considerations?
• Functional Purpose: Does the study focus on functional agricultural purposes beyond purely deco-
rative or aesthetic considerations?
We considered all screening questions together and made a holistic judgement about whether to screen in
each paper.

Data extraction
We asked a large language model to extract each data column below from each paper. We gave the model
the extraction instructions shown below for each column.
• Type of Architectural Design Innovation:
Identify and describe the specific spatial or structural design innovation presented in the study. Look
for unique approaches to integrating agricultural needs with architectural planning.
Extraction guidelines:
• Locate the description in the introduction, methods, or results sections
• Describe the core innovative element (e.g., transformable greenhouse structure, vertical farm design
principles)
• If multiple innovations are present, list all in order of prominence
• Be specific about the architectural or spatial design aspect
Example formats:
• ”Transformable curved thin glass greenhouse with kinetic roof mechanisms”
• ”Vertical farm design principles integrating contextual and functional design approaches”
• Spatial Integration Strategies:
Identify how the architectural design integrates agricultural needs with spatial planning.
Extraction guidelines:
• Search methods, results, and discussion sections
• Note specific strategies for combining agricultural functionality with architectural design
• Describe how the design addresses urban or architectural constraints
• Include any innovative spatial solutions
Possible elements to capture:
• Structural adaptations for agricultural use
• Urban context integration
• Spatial flexibility mechanisms
• Environmental performance considerations
• Technological Components and Materials:

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 Identify and describe the key technological components or materials used in the agricultural architec-
tural design.
Extraction guidelines:
• Look in methods, materials, and results sections
• List specific technologies, materials, or innovative components
• Note their specific function in the agricultural design
• Include technical specifications if available
Examples to capture:
• Thin glass technologies
• Adaptive facade systems
• Cultivation technologies (hydroponics, green roofs)
• Structural support mechanisms
• Performance and Functional Outcomes:
Describe the performance outcomes or functional benefits of the proposed architectural design.
Extraction guidelines:
• Search results and discussion sections
• Identify quantitative or qualitative performance metrics
• Note improvements in agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, or spatial efficiency
• Capture both intended and observed outcomes
Potential outcome categories:
• Agricultural productivity
• Environmental sustainability
• Urban integration
• Structural adaptability
• Energy efficiency
• Design Principles and Conceptual Approach:
Identify the underlying design principles guiding the architectural agricultural innovation.
Extraction guidelines:
• Review introduction, methodology, and discussion sections
• List explicit design principles or conceptual frameworks
• Describe how these principles inform the spatial and structural design
• Note any theoretical or philosophical approaches
Potential principles to capture:
• Contextualism
• Function-form symbiosis
• Structural identity
• Technological integration
• Urban environmental responsiveness

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Results
Characteristics of Included Studies
Agricultural
Integration Key Innovation
Study Design Type Method Features Full text retrieved
Barron‐Gafford et Field study Agrivoltaic system Elevated Yes
al., 2019 photovoltaic (PV)
panels (3.3m)
allowing crop
growth underneath
Caputo et al., Review Rooftop Functionalization Yes
”Elements of agriculture of building
Rooftop envelopes for
Agriculture greening and solar
Design” energy systems
Galuppi, 2018 Conceptual design Greenhouse design Transformable Yes
study curved thin glass
greenhouse with
kinetic roof
mechanisms
Ghazal et al., 2023 Parametric design Vertical farming Modular adaptive Yes
study facade system with
LED, PV, sensor,
and fan units
Katsikogiannis et Modeling study Agrivoltaic system East-West oriented No
al., 2022 wings agrivoltaic
(APV) topology
with customized
bifacial modules
Martzopoulou et Conceptual design Greenhouse with Dual-purpose Yes
al., 2022 study integrated solar greenhouse for
desalination irrigation water
production and
livestock housing
Mavromatidis, Theoretical Urban greenhouse Spherical form No
2019 modeling study with double
thermal envelope
using constructal
law
Zainol Abidin et Review Agrivoltaic system General design No
al., 2021 considerations for
agrivoltaic systems

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 Agricultural
Integration Key Innovation
Study Design Type Method Features Full text retrieved
Zhang et al., 2025 Conceptual design Building- Modular No
study integrated agrivoltaics
agriculture building envelope
system with
building-integrated
photovoltaics
(BIPV) and
hydroponic
farming
Zhdanova and Theoretical study Vertical farming Design principles Yes
Dorokhina, 2024 integrating
contextual and
functional
approaches

The table presents information on design types and agricultural integration methods for all 10 studies.
Design Types:
• 3 studies were identified as using conceptual design approaches
• 2 studies were identified as reviews
• 1 study each was identified for field study, parametric design study, modeling study, theoretical mod-
eling study, and theoretical study
Agricultural Integration Methods:
• 3 studies were identified as focusing on agrivoltaic systems
• 2 studies were identified as focusing on vertical farming
• 1 study each was identified for rooftop agriculture, greenhouse design, greenhouse with integrated solar
desalination, urban greenhouse, and building-integrated agriculture
The studies covered a range of design approaches and agricultural integration methods, with conceptual
design studies and agrivoltaic systems being the most common in their respective categories.

Thematic Analysis
Modular Integration Systems
• Ghazal et al. (2023):
– Proposed a modular adaptive facade system for vertical urban agriculture
– Incorporated LED, PV, sensor, and fan units
– Allowed customization based on building characteristics and environmental conditions
• Zhang et al. (2025):

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 – Presented a modular agrivoltaics building envelope system
– Integrated BIPV with hydroponic vertical farming
– Emphasized ease of construction and scalability through prefabricated units with interlocking
connections
• Advantages of modular approaches identified in these studies:
– Adaptability to different building types and orientations
– Scalability for various project sizes
– Potential for easier maintenance and component replacement
– Customization to optimize agricultural productivity and energy generation
• Potential challenges:
– Complexity of systems may affect initial cost and long-term maintenance

Structural Innovation Patterns

• Galuppi (2018):
– Proposed a transformable curved thin glass greenhouse
– Incorporated kinetic roof mechanisms
– Allowed for dynamic environmental control, adapting to changing agricultural needs and environ-
mental conditions
• Mavromatidis (2019):
– Introduced a spherical urban greenhouse form
– Utilized a double thermal envelope
– Applied constructal law for flow architecture integration
– Aimed to optimize energy efficiency and environmental control for urban agriculture
• Martzopoulou et al. (2022):
– Presented a greenhouse structure integrating solar desalination on its roof
– Combined irrigation water production with livestock housing
– Addressed water scarcity issues while optimizing space usage
• Key features of structural innovations:
– Integration of multiple functions within a single structure
– Adaptation to specific environmental challenges (e.g., water scarcity)
– Optimization of energy and resource efficiency
– Novel approaches to shape and form in agricultural architecture

Spatial Optimization Strategies

• Vertical farming integration:
– Featured in studies by Ghazal et al. (2023) and Zhdanova and Dorokhina (2024)
– Aimed to maximize agricultural productivity within limited urban spaces
• Multi-functional space usage:

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 – Barron‐Gafford et al. (2019): Demonstrated agrivoltaic systems using the same land for energy
production and crop cultivation
– Caputo et al. (2017): Discussed functionalization of building envelopes to integrate greening and
solar energy systems
• Environmental control systems:
– Ghazal et al. (2023): Proposed adaptive facade systems for creating ideal plant growth conditions
– Galuppi (2018): Designed transformable greenhouse for optimized environmental control

Innovation Type Implementation Method Agricultural Benefits Architectural Impact

Agrivoltaic Systems Elevated PV panels over Reduced plant drought Dual land use for energy
crops stress, increased and agriculture
productivity
Rooftop Agriculture Building envelope Local food production, Enhanced building
functionalization improved building performance, green
insulation aesthetics
Transformable Kinetic structures with Optimized growing Dynamic architectural
Greenhouses thin glass conditions, crop elements, energy
versatility efficiency
Vertical Farming Modular units with Space-efficient urban Multifunctional building
Facades integrated systems agriculture envelopes, improved
aesthetics
Bifacial APV Systems Customized module Optimized light Integrated
arrangements distribution for crops energy-agriculture
structures
Solar Desalination Roof-integrated Water production for Multifunctional
Greenhouses desalination system irrigation, livestock agricultural buildings
housing
Spherical Urban Double thermal envelope Optimized internal Unique architectural
Greenhouses design climate for plants forms, energy efficiency
Agrivoltaic Design Various PV Crop-specific light Integration of energy
Considerations arrangements management and agriculture in
landscapes
Modular Agrivoltaic Prefabricated BIPV and Efficient vertical Multifunctional building
Envelopes hydroponic units farming, energy skins, easy installation
production
Vertical Farm Design Contextual and Optimized urban food Harmonious integration
Principles functional integration production of agriculture in urban
fabric

• 4 main types of agricultural innovations were identified: agrivoltaic systems (4 studies), greenhouses
(3 studies), vertical farming (2 studies), and rooftop agriculture (1 study).
• Most common agricultural benefits identified:
– Optimized growing conditions or light management (4 studies)

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 – Urban agriculture (3 studies)
– Increased productivity (2 studies)
– Various other benefits mentioned in 1 study each, including drought reduction, local food produc-
tion, and water production for irrigation
• Most frequent architectural impacts identified:
– Integration of agriculture into buildings or landscapes (3 studies)
– Multifunctional building elements (3 studies)
– Improved energy efficiency (2 studies)
– Enhanced aesthetics (2 studies)
– Other impacts mentioned in 1 study each, such as dual land use, dynamic architectural elements,
and easy installation
• No innovations were identified that didn't have both agricultural benefits and architectural impacts,
suggesting a focus on multifunctional designs in this field.

Cross-Study Analysis
Design Integration Patterns
Common architectural solutions and shared agricultural considerations identified across the studies:
1. Multifunctionality:
• Agrivoltaic systems: Barron‐Gafford et al. (2019), Katsikogiannis et al. (2022)
• Solar desalination greenhouse: Martzopoulou et al. (2022)
• Integration of energy production, water management, and agriculture
2. Adaptability:
• Transformable greenhouse: Galuppi (2018)
• Modular facade systems: Ghazal et al. (2023), Zhang et al. (2025)
• Incorporation of adaptable elements to optimize conditions for plant growth
3. Resource Efficiency:
• Focus on maximizing water use and energy production efficiency
• Key consideration in agrivoltaic systems and solar desalination greenhouse
4. Context-Specific Solutions:
• Tailored approaches based on local climate, urban context, and specific crop needs
• Evident in vertical farming designs and agrivoltaic system optimizations
5. Technological Integration:
• Incorporation of smart facades, sensors, and specialized materials (e.g., thin glass)
• Aimed at enhancing system performance and control

Implementation Challenges and Solutions

Challenges identified in the studies:

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 1. Technical Feasibility:
• Complex designs like transformable greenhouse (Galuppi, 2018) and spherical urban greenhouse
(Mavromatidis, 2019) may face real-world construction and operation challenges
2. Cost Considerations:
• Advanced technologies and materials in modular facade systems and integrated PV systems may
result in high initial costs
3. Maintenance and Longevity:
• Complex systems with moving parts or integrated technologies may present long-term maintenance
and durability challenges
4. Regulatory Compliance:
• Innovative designs may face challenges in meeting existing building codes and regulations, partic-
ularly for integrating agricultural functions into urban buildings
5. Optimization for Multiple Functions:
• Balancing agricultural production needs with other functions (e.g., energy generation, water man-
agement) requires careful optimization and may involve trade-offs
Proposed solutions and considerations:
1. Modular and Scalable Designs:
• Ghazal et al. (2023) and Zhang et al. (2025) propose modular systems adaptable to different
contexts and scalable as needed
2. Parametric Design Tools:
• Ghazal et al. (2023) use parametric design tools to optimize designs for specific contexts and
requirements
3. Multidisciplinary Approach:
• Several studies emphasize collaboration between architects, engineers, and agronomists to develop
effective integrated systems
4. Pilot Projects and Prototyping:
• Implementation of small-scale pilot projects to validate designs and identify practical challenges
before large-scale adoption
5. Life Cycle Analysis:
• Consideration of full life cycle of systems, including construction, operation, maintenance, and
end-of-life, to address long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness

References
A. Martzopoulou, V. Firfiris, and T. Kotsopoulos. “Agricultural Uses in a Greenhouse Structure with an
Integrated Solar Desalination System on the Roof.” Green Energy and Sustainability, 2022.

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G. Barron‐Gafford, M. Pavao-Zuckerman, R. Minor, L. Sutter, Isaiah Barnett-Moreno, Daniel Blackett,
Moses Thompson, et al. “Agrivoltaics Provide Mutual Benefits Across the Food–Energy–Water Nexus
in Drylands.” Nature Sustainability, 2019.
Iyad Ghazal, Reema Mansour, and Marie Davidová. “AGRI|gen: Analysis and Design of a Parametric
Modular System for Vertical Urban Agriculture.” Sustainability, 2023.
L. Galuppi. “Transformable Curved Thin Glass Greenhouse,” 2018.
L. Mavromatidis. “Constructal Macroscale Thermodynamic Model of Spherical Urban Greenhouse Form
with Double Thermal Envelope Within Heat Currents.” Sustainability, 2019.
Mohd Ashraf Zainol Abidin, M. Mahyuddin, and Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri. “Solar Pho-
tovoltaic Architecture and Agronomic Management in Agrivoltaic System: A Review.” Sustainability,
2021.
Odysseas Alexandros Katsikogiannis, H. Ziar, and O. Isabella. “Integration of Bifacial Photovoltaics in
Agrivoltaic Systems: A Synergistic Design Approach.” Applied Energy, 2022.
S. Caputo, P. Iglesias, and H. Rumble. “Elements of Rooftop Agriculture Design,” 2017.
Yaryna Zhdanova, and Hanna Dorokhina. “Principles of Integrity and Harmonization of Architectural and
Spatial Solutions for Vertical Farms.” Current Problems of Architecture and Urban Planning, 2024.
Yihan Zhang, Tianyi Chen, Eugenia Gasparri, and Elena Lucchi. “A Modular Agrivoltaics Building Enve-
lope Integrating Thin-Film Photovoltaics and Hydroponic Urban Farming Systems: A Circular Design
Approach with the Multi-Objective Optimization of Energy, Light, Water and Structure.” Sustainability,
2025.

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