selection)
The signature element that I will be focusing on for further detailed study
will be the greenroof/terraced rooftop gardens. This element is of
particular interest to me as it is a major part of my concept; The Green
Apple...
First, a little background on the value of a greenroof. In addition to being
aesthetically pleasing;
1.) They are comparable to other roof types when considering life cycle cost
2.) They are energy efficient, providing extra insulation in cold weather
and helping keep out heat in the warm weather
3.) They provide sound insulation
4.) They help preserve the roofing membrane
5.) They help retain and cleanse stormwater
6.) They provide usable space where there traditionally was none
(These benefits are from "Design Guidelines for Green Roofs" by Steven Peck
and Monica Kuhn)
The greenroof is an excellent step towards making better use of our
buildings where sustainability is concerned. Traditional roof construction
provides a horizontal plane to store rooftop equipment and hide "stink
pipes." It is a missed opportunity that can, and should, be taken advantage
of.
3 comments:
uhhh...Pete, how do you get a riding lawn mower up there?
The green roof is a great idea and definitely worth exploring. will customers/employees have access to the roof?
Will the roof be some what heated to keep snow loads down? Sorry, bak in work mode now.
Pete,
Look at path and hardscape as they relate to your green roof. I think there is an opportunity to use "path" to engage the surrounding urban fabric of Copely Square, Boston Public Library, and other areas. Is the entire roof "grass"? Given the climate of Boston, hardscape will be important for all season usage. How does "path" interact with the progression from one level to the next? Does vertical circulation reside within the interior only? Or are there ways to move from one garden level to another via exterior elements? Can those individual elements focus or direct a relationship to the surroundings?
Just some thoughts...
Okay. The green roof is definitely the signature element that you need to develop. No question there as it is the heart of your project. And I agree with all of the comments/remarks you posted regarding the need/benefit/viability of green roofs. But that is not the focus of your project. Your project is essentially about bringing the outside inside. And so your detail investigation needs to first and foremost explore that concept.
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