xivFigure 2. Project Overview
Assessing the Stakeholder’s Needs
In order to fully understand the various stakeholder’s needs we participated in regular group meetings
at Worcester Roots and Technocopia to provide status updates, discuss design decisions, and steer the
course for the project. We met semi-regularly, starting with weekly meetings at the beginning of the
project, and later spreading out to weekly or monthly meetings as the project got underway. Early
meetings focused on identifying research areas and identifying the role of the IQP group in the greater
greenhouse project, while later meetings focused on refining an ongoing design and budget for the
greenhouse and growing system, and providing status updates. The project uses an email list for regular
communication and update that included all the sponsors and IQP group members and advisors, as well
as other interested parties.
Understanding Aquaponic Greenhouse Systems and Evaluating Design Options
To develop a strong understanding of both aquaponics and greenhouses we consulted the relevant
literature, considering both the technical and social aspects related to aquaponics. We investigated the
biological characteristics of aquaponics system, and evaluated the benefits and drawbacks that it poses.
We identified various components that would have to be used in an aquaponic system as well as in a
greenhouse, and researched each of the components individually to best assess the benefits and
drawbacks of each one. We also investigated the economic position of aquaponics and similar industries
CommunityFresh Food Availability
Work OpportunitiesGreenhouse
DesignGrowing System
PrototypeLiterature Review
Case StudiesInterviews
VisitsSponsorsLocally Sourced Food
Community Empowerment
Educational Outreach
Open Source DesignsResourcesFunding/Budget
Community Outreach
Workshop/ToolsEvaluate OptionsGrowing System
Design