First Meet Up

On the 5th April 2016 I met up with my engineer, Francois Grobler, to discuss what exactly is required for me to. 

Myself and Francois

1. Francois explained to me exactly what a modular conversion container is, which is pretty much a fancy name for greenhouse container. It is a shipping container that has been converted into a greenhouse, with incorporating windows into the structure on the roof and the sides of the container. This container also has a solar panel on the roof and a rain catcher. The container will use the power stored from the solar panel for operational functions and the natural light to grow the produce inside the container. The water captured by the rain catcher will be used to water the produce, which is positioned on the one side of the container. Therefore, the basic structure, the design and the function of the container was explained to me.
   
   

   

   Potential container structure & design

2. After the description of the greenhouse container, Francois went on to further explain where and how these containers will be placed and implemented. They are being designed, as the cost of normal containers that have been converted for vertical farming purposes are astronomical, and in our circumstance it is unachievable. By aiming to design the containers in the manner described above, not only will it cut costs but also the likelihood of implementing these containers becomes greater. The idea is to put these containers in rural areas so that these communities can grow fresh produce to become self sufficient as well as to grow fresh produce for retail. 
3. Finally, what was required from me is to:

• Naming the container
• Designing the outside of the container
• Designing labels and stickers for the fresh produce or some sort of packaging
• An infographic and pamphlet
• Social media account, such as a Facebook page
• A landing page to a website

Planning time