The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century – Dr Dickson Despommier
A foundational text that popularised the concept of vertical farming; it outlines the theory, benefits and potential global impact of growing food in high-rise urban farms.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vertical-Farm-Dickson-Dr-Despommier/dp/0312610696
Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production – Edited by Toyoki Kozai, Genhua Niu & Michiko Takagaki
A technical and comprehensive guide covering the design, operation and optimisation of plant factories, with a focus on LED lighting, environmental controls and crop management.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plant-Factory-Vertical-Efficient-Production/dp/0128017759
Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook – Howard M. Resh
An essential manual on hydroponic systems, widely used in vertical farming; it combines theory and practice, making it suitable for both professionals and serious hobbyists.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hydroponic-Food-Production-Definitive-Commercial/dp/1439878676
Urban Agriculture: Ideas and Designs for the New Food Revolution – Thomas Fox
While broader than vertical farming alone, this book places CEA within the larger context of urban food systems and presents inspiring case studies of localised food production.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Urban-Agriculture-Ideas-Designs-Revolution/dp/0865716943
Smart Plant Factory: The Next Generation of Indoor Vertical Farms – Edited by Toyoki Kozai
Focuses on high-tech plant factories using data-driven technologies, robotics and AI, aiming to improve productivity and efficiency in future food systems.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Plant-Factory-Generation-Vertical/dp/9811310645
Also:
Sustainable Food Production in Controlled Environments – Edited by Roberto Lopez & Erik Runkle
A research-based exploration of horticultural lighting, growth environments and production strategies for sustainability in greenhouses and indoor farms.
The Controlled Environment Agriculture Handbook – Edited by Leo Marcelis & Ep Heuvelink (Expected 2025)
A forthcoming volume by leading researchers that promises a holistic treatment of CEA science, technology and crop physiology, with strong academic and commercial relevance.
Agritecture: Designing the Future of Urban Agriculture – Henry Gordon-Smith (Forthcoming)
A modern perspective on integrating architecture, engineering and agriculture in urban spaces, focusing on sustainable design and CEA innovation.