Ineractive Qualifying Project: Vertical Gardening in Cape Town

The Vertical Gardens Project in Maitland Garden Village, Cape Town, was developed through Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) in partnership with the Green Light Project. The main goal was to expand and revitalize the community’s existing garden by incorporating sustainable and accessible vertical gardening systems. The team collaborated closely with residents to assess local needs, environmental conditions, and barriers to participation. Findings revealed that economic constraints, water scarcity, and physical demands were the primary challenges to gardening. In response, the team implemented affordable, space-efficient vertical gardens designed to accommodate older and disabled community members, while simultaneously fostering social engagement and food security.

A major aspect of the project that I lead was the design and implementation of an irrigation system, which played a crucial role in the long-term sustainability of the community garden. The irrigation system was developed to minimize manual labor and water waste—two significant challenges in the area. Using a rainwater collection tank, pump-generator, and 42 sprinkler heads, the system distributed water evenly to all planter beds through a simple manual start-up process. This setup drastically reduced the time and physical effort required for daily watering, while ensuring consistent soil moisture for healthier plant growth. To support the community’s independence, the team produced a detailed irrigation manual and visual maintenance guides that allowed residents to operate and repair the system confidently without external assistance.

In addition to the irrigation network, the team built multiple vertical garden structures, both in the community space and at individual homes. Each unit was designed for accessibility and adaptability, featuring raised planter boxes and handrails where needed. The gardens were stocked with herbs and small vegetables chosen for their shallow roots and low water requirements, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. These installations expanded gardening opportunities beyond the communal space and into personal homes, helping restore residents’ pride and ownership in their surroundings.

Overall, the project combined engineering design, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. The irrigation system, in particular, became the cornerstone of the garden’s transformation, linking environmental adaptation to social renewal. Through collaborative design and education, the Vertical Gardens Project established a sustainable model for urban agriculture that not only addressed water scarcity and economic barriers but also revitalized the community’s connection to gardening and to one another.