Green Roofs: This Way to Utopia

Imagine flying over a city in an airplane and looking out the window down at a sea of grass. Two words: Grass roofs. By sprouting gardens and greenery on rooftops, a comfortable urban jungle not only looks aesthetically pleasing as an observer standing atop a skyscraper, but also has great potential in taking a big step forward in environmental sustainability. Ecological advantages strives to contain water runoff, filter pollutants, reduce energy demand, cool cities, and preserve wildlife, just to name a few of the striking benefits of the project.
The California Academy of Sciences exemplifies a very attractive green roof, displaying the concept as being useful for public spaces as well as residential homes. Rooftop gardens have been growing in Norway for years, and they are also sprouting on top of apartments in Manhattan. Designed to serve many purposes and hopefully solve long-term environmental problems, the idea speaks to the impact of an architectural external design on an internal environment. In other words, green roofs will help to insulate homes and preserve heat inside.
The design is multi-purpose, with practical environmental advantages, as well as aesthetic appeal. With so many benefits, you may be thinking, it is a wonder we do not see more grassy roofs. One reason is that they are expensive to install at this point, but it is my hope that designers are working towards making the technology even more available, affordable and accessible to the general public. Green roofs are geared towards making a utopian society, and improving the world for humans and for planet earth.

Discussing vegetated rooftops is the first step towards not only educating but also inspiring designers, architects, and millions of people dwelling in cities all over the world, to contribute to the development of living roofs. Spread the word.

http://www.greenroofs.com/
http://www.roofportland.com/news-and-articles/guide-to-live-roofs-embracing-green-roof-systems-in-portland/
http://visitshoremagazine.com/2/?p=254