Maximum Yield USA 2011 May | Page 26

MAX facts hydroponic news, tips and trivia Get Smart In a study to be published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, researchers show that the mere presence of plants in an office setting boosts one’s ability to maintain attention. Scientists have also shown that exposure to naturalistic environments, such as those with much foliage, has regenerative effects for directed attention. (Source: www.scientificamerican.com) From Meat Packing to Vertical Farming One of Chicago’s most interesting real estate deals of the past year was a former meatpacking facility in Back-of-the-Yards acquired to be converted into a vertical farm. Developer John Edel acquired the four story building in July with plans to convert it into a vertical farm using aquaponics grow beds indoors and a greenhouse on the roof. In addition to the farm, Edel’s vision for the 93,500 square foot building calls for a brewery. According to a Chicago Reader article from August, Edel ultimately wants the building to be zero net energy, meaning that he’ll harness energy from one process to power another. (Source: http://chicago.curbed.com) 24 Maximum Yield USA | May 2011