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CAMPAIGN

Green roof

Chicago, IL
Description:

A green roof would help reduce the towers' reflective surface and help reduce the temperatures up there. while I would love to have some trees up there, honestly, the plants would have to have fairly short, and drought/wind tolerant. Probably anything rated for alpine climates. Solar panels would provide the energy to generate heat to keep planters warmer in the winters, and can produce more light up there for summer nights. Rain barrels can catch rain that will be used to water the plants. That way it won't be so industrial-feeling, and reduce the building's impact on the environment.

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Henry McAlevy Chicago, IL

Keep it simple, green, Seasonal, to start with. Containers with shady arbors and seating. Maintenance is a big issue.

Marc Beisler Chicago, IL

I'd be happy with just some seating and deck area but fully endorse a green roof campaign. What ever goes up there would need to be very heavy to provide stability in the wind. Fixing to the roof concrete surface is not desirable as roof penetrations promote leaks.

Holly Lipschultz Chicago, IL

That's why I want to try to avoid trees, as useful as shade is--I have hard enough time keeping trees alive on the 26th floor. But chairs (which may need to be rented from downstairs and returned to prevent flyaway stuff), planters with annuals/perennials (ideally the latter to save money) and stuff like that would be nice.

Marc, good point about anchors--I was thinking heavy planters, too, like the two by the door up there already. We'd just need more of them.

Would having roof volunteers to help water/plant/tend to the plants be feasible? I know I'd volunteer, but dunno about others.

What do you guys think about colorful floodlights or even a mural on the wall up there? It just seems so plain, and something to make it feel less industrial would be really nice.

Marc Beisler Chicago, IL

Did anyone see what they did at River City. http://hicksarc.com/portfolio/green-roof/