Seed bank: for indigenous Sub-Saharan plant & crop species

Abstract

The proposed design aims to create a Seed Bank for indigenous sub-Saharan plant and crop species that will be located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, Free State. This facility integrates on-site preservation processes in parallel with research on the preservation of seeds. The Seed Bank will function as a proactive catalyst for combatting climate change, food shortages, natural and made disasters pertaining to agriculture. It will be a point of exchange where the farmer can contribute seed samples and also have access to alternative seed species and research that can increase yield and preserve soil integrity. The facility is a statement of the importance that seed biodiversity holds for the survival of future generations that is in dire need of food security. Furthermore, the greenhouses will ensure the education and viability that non-indigenous plant species could contain as growing conditions will be simulated within a controlled environment. Local plant and crop species will be planted on large scales so to continuously retrieve new seed samples. The design is placed amidst already existing agricultural activities and will aim to be critical regionalist whilst ensuring a humane design as it will stand for many generations and serve as a beacon of hope in the open landscape. Ensuring the spirit of place is emphasized and embodied the design will strive to be identifiable, but timeless in relation to its function and context.