Building design innovations at the intersection of agricultural research and human health

Sustainability is a critical focus in agricultural research. These buildings must support groundbreaking research but also be responsible for serving as living models of sustainability. Sustainable design in these buildings amplifies their impact — aligning the research conducted within with the broader goal of addressing global climate challenges. Design solutions should incorporate the most advanced green building practices, renewable energy sources and water conservation techniques to create facilities that can teach, model and inspire the rest of the world.

For instance, mass timber has emerged as an in-demand material for sustainable building, sparking both enthusiasm and innovation across design and construction industries. As the only viable low-embodied carbon solution for larger structures, it offers a stark contrast to the carbon-intensive production of concrete and steel. Timber is also renewable, resulting in a reduced embodied carbon footprint. 

UC Davis Lynda and Stewart Resnick Agricultural Innovation Center

Slated for completion in 2026, the University of California, Davis, Lynda and Stewart Resnick Agricultural Innovation Center will address today’s most pressing challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Our design team utilized mass timber to highlight the public areas of the building. These areas will significantly benefit from the warm, inviting nature of the wood structure, which can be exposed to view within these areas. Consisting of composite wood columns, beams and decking (also called Cross Laminated Timber), the wood structure is an example of how an agricultural product can be manufactured into a higher-value material, further reflecting the mission of the building.

Modern agriculture is exploring the use of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and precision agriculture. AI tools like predictive analytics can forecast crop yields and detect diseases early. At the same time, robotics automates labor-intensive tasks such as harvesting and weeding, with precision-guided robots applying pesticides only where needed. Precision agriculture integrates GPS-equipped drones and soil sensors, enabling data-driven decisions for improved productivity and reduced environmental impact. Research spaces equipped with studying and improving these tools ensure that students and researchers can stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

University of Missouri East Campus Plant Growth Facility

For designers, a greenhouse is usually a cut-and-dry project with limited room for creativity. That was anything but the case for the University of Missouri’s East Campus Plant Growth Facility. Modular greenhouse compartments and various controlled environment growth chambers with controlled lighting, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels and extended growth heights provide a robust platform for experimentation on multiple plant models. These highly controlled environments can simulate growing conditions anywhere in the world and the effects of climate change and increasing carbon dioxide levels on plant health and yields. This range of flexibility between disciplines and adaptability of environments and systems provides the university with a high level of utilization and responsiveness to program changes and maintains the university as a leader in plant research and training.

Agriculture is increasingly blending biology, environmental science, engineering, data analysis, machine learning and more. Designing labs and learning spaces that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential for future research and innovation. Additionally, these buildings must create a culture and place that fosters partnerships with industry and visiting researchers to share ideas and explore the next stages of development.