Expo 2025: Source of Life Dome Seeds Future Cities

A pioneering food dome, dubbed 'Inochi no Izumi' or Source of Life, debuted at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, envisioning a future of urban food self-sufficiency. This 21-foot structure ingeniously integrates aquaculture with hydroponics, mimicking a natural wetland's recycling process within a compact, closed-loop system. Fish waste provides essential nutrients for multiple tiers of plants, from salt-tolerant greens to herbs and tomatoes, all grown without soil.

The dome's design features transparent ETFE panels for optimal light and climate control, with water pumps circulating nutrients and purified water. This sustainable model drastically reduces waste and external input, proving that food can be grown locally in dense urban environments. Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology designed the system to enhance food resilience and reduce reliance on traditional, large-scale farming.

This innovative concept offers a potential solution for cities facing space constraints, allowing for food production directly on rooftops or in small urban areas. It promises to shorten the farm-to-table journey, increase community control over food supplies, and ensure fresh produce availability even during disruptions. The Source of Life dome serves as a tangible preview of a future where fresh food is accessible and grown within arm's reach.