R-Urban Poplar is an eco-civic hub located on the corner of the Teviot estate, in Poplar, London. The project aims to develop civic resilience in the face of climate change through a public programme of events, workshops and infrastructures.
Using shipping containers housed in a disused car park, R-Urban provides space for green experimentation for solutions to London’s biggest environmental challenges, such as poor air quality and waste management. Over the past few years, the site has transformed into a learning facility equipped with a small kitchen, classroom, anaerobic digester, tool library, workshop and growing spaces.
Creating a closed loop system
A key aim of the project was to build a localised circular food system. This involves working with LEAP to develop anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting systems to deal with local food waste on the Teviot Estate. The digestate (fertiliser) from the AD, and compost from the composting units, is used to grow food in the allotment spaces, and the plan is that the gas will power a community sauna.
R-Urban also tested testing new growing systems and technologies such as low-tech hydroponics and have installed a rainwater and greywater harvesting system.
The site runs regular workshops around food and wellbeing, as well as growing, composting, and local energy production. It provides an important space for community, with discussions and educational workshops or simply a get together over a cup of tea. Hosting community meals enables people to get together, share knowledge and skills and celebrate different food cultures.
Learn more: Read Recipes of R-Urban
Visit their website: https://r-urban-poplar.net/
Follow them on instagram or on eventbrite.
