Our team at Northworks Architects + Planners prides itself on the wide variety of projects we complete from private residences to public spaces. We do not limit ourselves to one signature style and instead vary the architecture to match a diverse range of clients. Some of the projects we find most rewarding are the ones that align with Northwork’s values. In 2017, we worked on two farms, one urban and the other rural that promote and facilitate the distribution of locally grown food in innovative ways. As our society gears more towards green and sustainable solutions, we are eager to contribute to this significant effort in improving our environment.

In Chicago, Northworks helped Herban Produce; a non-profit technology-powered farm bring their vision to life. Located in Garfield Park, Herban Produce grows fresh, high-grade specialty greens, microgreens, edible flowers, and herbs. They have perfected their distribution process, delivering farm to table in less than twenty-four hours. Local restaurants and grocers purchase the fresh produce while the farm donates it to food pantries.

The site consists of a 4,000 soft greenhouse, farm stand, raised beds, and an education area. Herban Produce hosts a variety of events inviting Chicago residents to learn how to access sustainable food options. Stop by Farm-to-Turntable, their summer series, and enjoy food, music, and art along with informative speakers and workshops.

From urban agriculture to a classic barn near Madison, Wisconsin, Northworks also designed Fitchburg Farm. The rustic gable-roofed structure serves as a place for professional chefs to demonstrate how to cook and prepare the food grown and cultivated in the adjacent field. We used reclaimed heavy timber components and designed the farm to reference the historic barns of the central Wisconsin region.

The community geared space features private conference rooms, and an open display, state of the art kitchen. During warm weather, the culinary immersion takes place in an outside kitchen. The barn also features a root cellar and vegetable wash-down area that makes it easy for the chefs to transfer the food from the field straight to the kitchen. Fitchburg Farm champions the beneficial farm to table process. The community geared space features private conference rooms, and an open display, state of the art kitchen. During warm weather, the culinary immersion takes place in an outside kitchen. The barn also houses a root cellar and vegetable wash-down area that makes it easy for the chefs to transfer the food from the field straight to the kitchen. Fitchburg Farm champions the beneficial farm to table process.

Moving forward, we hope that we can continue to put our time and efforts towards projects that provide innovative, eco-friendly solutions. We strive to achieve sustainability in the work we do.