The Vertical Farm

Dr. Kheir Al-Kodmany, an internationally reputed Professor of Urban Planning at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), boasts a prolific career spanning 30 years. His extensive research and teaching portfolio encompass diverse subjects, including vertical urbanism, sustainable design, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), visualization systems, public participation, crowd management, economic development, and skyscrapers. A prolific author, Dr. Al-Kodmany has published 15 books and over 150 scholarly works, earning widespread acclaim for their comprehensive insights into architecture and urban design. His publications are highly regarded, with over 250,000 reads on ResearchGate. Recognized for his academic excellence, he serves on 20 editorial boards of professional journals. Dr. Al-Kodmany's impactful teaching career spans 30 years at UIC and UIUC, where he secured grants totalling several hundred thousand dollars and developed innovative visualization software. Beyond academia, Dr. Al-Kodmany's expertise has been sought by governments, mayors, and organizations worldwide. Notably, the Saudi Government invited him to contribute to the planning of Hajj, earning international recognition for enhancing safety. His involvement in Chicago's "Taste of Chicago" event and contributions to Mayor Daley's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics further demonstrate his impactful civic engagement. Dr. Al-Kodmany delivered over 200 presentations globally at prestigious institutions as a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer. His leadership roles at UIC, including Director of Graduate Studies, Associate Director of the City Design Center, and the Urban Data Visualization Laboratory Co-Director, demonstrate his commitment to innovative tools in participatory planning and design. Affiliated with esteemed professional organizations such as the APA, ACSP, CTBUH, and URISA, Dr. Al-Kodmany continues to contribute significantly to the field of urban planning, carrying forward the legacy of his early architectural training from his father, Dr. Abdul Muhsen Al-Kodmany, a Le Corbusier trainee and École des Beaux-Arts graduate.

The Vertical Farm: Scientific Advances and Technological Developments systematically navigates the realm of vertical farming (VF), rooted in a robust, scientific foundation. Unveiling the intricate convergence of plant biology, environmental science, and agronomy, it provides a profound understanding of contemporary agriculture.

Chapter 1: Introduction (Book Editors)