SASAKI Urban Agriculture Initiative
The Sasaki Urban Agriculture Initiative was a concept put forward by Principal James Miner. His passion for urban agriculture and the access to locally grown produce has been a component in numerous projects within the office. He wished to bring this research and design onto the Chase Mills campus and the initiative was formed. Having worked with Green City Growers, a local company who converts unused spaces into vibrant urban farms, at his own home, Miner met with the founder and brought three raised beds and 20 milk crate planters to the Sasaki office in 2015. Led by a small group of employees coined the Garden Committee, the program has produced a number of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. After a very successful first season of the Urban Agriculture Initiative, the Garden Committee planned for greater yields and more participation in the second season. An additional 80 milk crate planters were added to the program and participation grew from 30 to 75 members. The committee also brought in a propagation bench to start seedlings, cold frames to extend the growing season in the spring and fall, and purchased seeds for 11 additional plants, for a total of 30 different kinds of fruit, vegetables and herbs. The Urban Agriculture Initiative ‘loans’ the raised bed and milk crates out to those who are interested in growing their own produce. The participants, known as Sasaki Farmers, propagate seeds, transplant seedlings, check for pests and diseases, and water, prune, and harvest their crops. All crops produced by a Sasaki Farmer is then used as they see
fit; whether they wish to give to friends, family or coworkers or enjoy themselves during lunch on the firm’s back deck.
Completed while Senior Landscape Designer at SASAKI
Location: SASAKI, Watertown, Massachusetts
Date: 2014 - 2016
Project Type: Agriculture, Urban Farming
Client: SASAKI
Owner: SASAKI
Team: SASAKI, Green City Growers