Living roofs + living urbanism

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION:

How could the development of a Living Roof Design Manual increase the effectiveness of living roof design?

Living roofs are becoming increasingly common in cities throughout the world for their ability to improve climate change adaptation, energy conservation, food production, and the potential to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly living environments. Rapid population growth, advanced stages of urbanisation and the alteration of natural environments defined by increments of hard surfaces, along with pollution and a lack of contact with nature, underline the importance and relevance of green infrastructure solutions, such as living roofs. Despite this, in New Zealand, living roofs are rarely included in developments, and if they are, most are being designed in isolation. They are often disconnected, inaccessible, consist of vegetation monocultures, lack robustness, and are inappropriate for the location.

This investigation, which is comprised of three phases, aims to identify strategies for addressing these deficiencies. Phase One comprises of a literature and precedent review, which seeks to define the current situation, in Europe and locally, in terms of existing knowledge and practice. Phase Two consolidates the findings from Phase One, and focuses on the Northland region of New Zealand, to form a ‘Living Roof Design Manual’ for the city of Whangārei. The investigation culminates in Phase Three, with a living roof design for the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei that utilises the manual to optimise living roof outcomes.