To obtain a copy of a specific publication, users should contact the publication's publisher directly.
Abstract
In the United States, contemporary discussions of green roofs located in urban settings tend to focus on quantifiable scientific and technical issues. Analysis of storm water impacts, water quality, and thermal improvement of building envelopes are central to professional discussions and research. Discussions within the marketplace and specifically with building owners tend to focus on the economic justifications including roof system longevity, storm water impact fee abatement, and the analysis of economic returns. It is important to note that over the last decade, these specific efforts have play important roles in expanding their appeal and acceptance in the US building market, and must continue to be supported by the industry. There has been, however, little attention, discussion, or research on the emotional and ethical benefits of green roofs in urban settings. It is easy to understand given the financial pressures placed on projects how non-quantitative factors have been overlooked. In the US, economic factors have been the primary driving force in design decision-making since the 1930s. This paper, however takes a broader multi-disciplinary view toward our urban built environment in order to develop an ethical and metaphysical approach that considers the contemplative, social, and broad ecological value that green roofs can and do play in modern urban life.
In the United States, contemporary discussions of green roofs located in urban settings tend to focus on quantifiable scientific and technical issues. Analysis of storm water impacts, water quality, and thermal improvement of building envelopes are central to professional discussions and research. Discussions within the marketplace and specifically with building owners tend to focus on the economic justifications including roof system longevity, storm water impact fee abatement, and the analysis of economic returns. It is important to note that over the last decade, these specific efforts have play important roles in expanding their appeal and acceptance in the US building market, and must continue to be supported by the industry. There has been, however, little attention, discussion, or research on the emotional and ethical benefits of green roofs in urban settings. It is easy to understand given the financial pressures placed on projects how non-quantitative factors have been overlooked. In the US, economic factors have been the primary driving force in design decision-making since the 1930s. This paper, however takes a broader multi-disciplinary view toward our urban built environment in order to develop an ethical and metaphysical approach that considers the contemplative, social, and broad ecological value that green roofs can and do play in modern urban life.
Date
5/2008
5/2008
Author(s)
Sean Wagner; Craig Wilson
Sean Wagner; Craig Wilson
Page(s)
Keyword(s)
green roof; ecology; social value
green roof; ecology; social value