CityFarmer cube

A new project further establishes Hannover as a hub for innovative sustainability and urban farming. In bustling city centers, where housing, work, mobility, and nature are in constant competition, Hannover is emerging as a model project by finding innovative solutions to these global challenges. An outstanding example of this is the CityFarmer Cube, a revolutionary “vertical garden” that creates 57 square meters of additional, valuable usable space in the heart of the city on just 9 square meters of floor space. This project illustrates how creative use of space and architecture can harmoniously combine climate protection and aesthetics, even where traditional green spaces are not feasible.

© Joerma Biernath

The cube uses the air as a growing surface to reduce urban heat, increase biodiversity, and efficiently store rainwater as part of a sponge city. This creates high-quality public spaces that simultaneously help sequester CO2 and support insects and bees. The concept is based on the visionary work of Joerma Biernath, an expert with over 70 years of family-run botanical knowledge. As a garden designer and founder of Hannover Gin, Biernath designs gardens, landscapes, and sponge cities that set both aesthetic and ecological standards.

© Joerma Biernath

With a footprint of 3x3 meters and a height of 4 meters, the CityFarmer Cube maximizes its space efficiency by 500 percent by utilizing all five sides for planting. Its integrated automatic irrigation system and selection of climate-resilient plants make it a multifunctional space-saving marvel that also serves to revitalize urban brownfields.

This innovative project underscores Hannover’s role as a pioneer in the development of sustainable and forward-looking urban spaces. It impressively demonstrates how cities can be transformed into more livable places through creative solutions and a commitment to climate protection. Hannover is thus setting new standards for urban quality of life and sustainability.