Going Green – Chicago City Hall

10 January 2008 | Category: Architecture Matters
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Going Green - Chicago City Hall
Image Source: Time Magazine, Photographer: Anne Ryan / Polaris

I came across an interesting article on the latest Time Magazine, it is about greening rooftops. According to the magazine, in an effort to conserve energy, reduce storm water runoff and deflect heat, the roof of Chicago City Hall has been transformed into a brilliant garden. Undeniably it is a good idea, since urban landscape viewed from above can sometimes be an eye sore, ugly in short, or at least that is what most people perceived it to be.

Green roofs are not limited to the city; instead it is what cities around the world needed the most. Chicago has 214,000 sq/m of rooftop gardens and many more on the way.

Going Green - Chicago City Hall

Its something organic but what type of vegetation are those?

Though green roofs are typically planted with only sedums and low grasses, the planting palette has been expanded significantly to accommodate research related to the viability of over 100 species of plants. The variety of plants include native prairie and woodland grasses and forbs, hardy ornamental perennials and grasses, several species of native and ornamental shrubs, and two varieties of trees. Source: Asla.org

What a waste, I doubt anyone would want to stroll through that garden, they should have grown corns on the roof top, harvest it and feed the poor.

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4 Comments

What says you? Drop your opinion in the comment box.

  1. Bruce Zaretsky
    on January 12th, 2008
    1

    I’m a bit surprised that an architecture studio would be this unaware of the concept of green roofs. Green roofs are proven to reduce water runoff, mitigate the heat island effect, insulate the building, prolong the life of the roof itself, and provide a green place to gather, whether an intimate gathering or, in the case of a commercial entity, for clients, employees, etc.

    As for the “what a waste” commentary, I both disagree and agree: people will want to stroll though a garden like this, especially city-dwellers; and they do make wonderful places to grow food. They can be great community gardens.

    Green roofs have been used for centuries in Europe and in fact many cities in Germany require them on new construction.

  2. admin
    on January 16th, 2008
    2

    Hey there Bruce, I am well aware of the concept of green roof, I did some readings before chipping in my point of view.

    It is a good idea, it would be a great idea if they grow food… just my 2 cents opinion.

  3. daisy
    on March 1st, 2009
    3

    what are the buildings on top of the Chicago city hall green roof?and why are they there please respond

  4. daisy
    on March 1st, 2009
    4

    Guss what my school is getting a green roof and the best part my classroom gets to take care of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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