# Library-Urban Farm Hybrids Farming Architects' Structure Embraces Self-Sustaining Ecosystems By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-01-21 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfsustaining-ecosystems References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2019/01/20/vac-library-farming-architects-hanoi/) & [farmingstudio](http://www.farmingstudio.com) A self-sustaining ecosystem is at the heart of this design by Farming Architects. The structure is located in Hanoi, Vietnam and serves a dual purpose. Its [modular wooden grid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-for-roundtable) is broken up by concrete slabs that offer a space for seating and reading. Various items -- like "acrylic boxes, housing lights, [planters for growing vegetables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balconyfarm-pot) and shelving units [with] children's book," are all part of Farming Architects' vision. The self-sustaining ecosystem utilizes functional aquaponics frameworks. This is a combination of [aquaculture and hydroponics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instafarm). The system reuses the "waste-water from ponds as a nutrient-rich resource for plants," while the vegetation purifies the water and return it to the ponds. Farming Architects' self-sustaining ecosystem currently produces vegetables, koi carp and makes use of chickens who provide eggs and manure for fertilizing the soil. Photo Credits: Thai Thach and Viet Dung An ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Self-sustaining Ecosystems:** Designing structures that incorporate functional aquaponics frameworks to create self-sustaining ecosystems. - **Modular Wooden Grids:** Implementing modular wooden grids in architectural designs to provide versatile spaces for seating and reading. - **Aquaponics:** Utilizing aquaculture and hydroponics systems to create efficient and sustainable farming practices. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Exploring the use of modular wooden grids and self-sustaining ecosystems in architectural designs for urban spaces. - **Agriculture:** Adopting aquaponics systems to enhance agricultural practices, promoting efficient resource usage and sustainable farming. - **Education:** Integrating self-sustaining ecosystems into educational spaces, providing hands-on learning opportunities about sustainable farming and ecology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eco-Farm Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxeisland.md) - [Eco-Farm Landscape Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxeisland-farm.md) - [Foldable Greenhouse Kitchens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/your-greenhouse-is-your-kitchen.md) - [Architecture-Inspired Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegetment-vegetable-cultivator.md) - [Aquatic Floating Farms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-marine-farm.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.md) - [Floating Wetland Bookstore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xixi-goldmye-bookstore.md) - [Furniture-Inspired Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indoor-garden-system.md) - [Community-Made Eco Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolves-lane-centre.md)