The Return of the Roof

Roofs aren't just for hulking air conditioning units any more. Here in Chicago we have the world's largest collection of green roofs, currently snowbound and frozen. (Pictured at left is the green roof of Chicago's City Hall, purifying the air of the stench of corruption inside the building itself.) There are so many green roofs a new breed of rat has evolved to live specifically on roofs. Now Google Earth has changed the way we look at architecture by showing us roofscapes of all the great cities in the world. With all those eyes peering down from satellites, architects and developers are now rethinking the tops of buildings. As Christopher Hume at the Toronto Star remarks,

after all, why don't we use roofs for more than a place to hide air-conditioning machines, heating units and communications equipment? Why not take full advantage of them, with their views, their space and the opportunities they offer for environmental remediation?

Besides, the idea of a communal aerie, dozens of storeys up in the sky, is immensely appealing. Who wouldn't love to hang out at such a place?

Before they reached into the realm of air traffic patterns, skyscrapers had much more interesting roofs.  The Hotel Pierre, built in 1930, is selling its penthouse unit for $70 million. The unit is only 500 feet above the ground, plenty tall enough for treetop view of Central Park. Taller buildings offer Google Earth views of the park plus the pink horizons of New Jersey.

Developers have started talking about placing swimming pools and other gewgaws on top of tall buildings. Roof decks are great--from time to time I miss the one we had while living in the city--but before you rush out and buy a condo underneath a sixty-ton pool, try out a roof deck on a six-story building and just imagine yourself sunbathing in full view of the surrounding office towers, dodging kamikaze chimney swifts, or gazing at the skyline while facing grit-filled winds that blow unfettered by other buildings. And good luck trying to keep a grill lit in those winds. I speak of all these from personal experience. You may find yourself choosing a building with some grass sprouting from the roof and leaving the roof to the rats.

Comments

[Weekend Roofer]

This is great! Just imagine roofs all over the world with veggie garden and private zen gardens. These are the roofs of the future. These would be perfect in creating micro climates maybe.

[Terence Watthens]

With all the millions of dollars spent on building these skyscrapers, a breathing organic roof can serve as a balance for a more aesthetic feel. And it is a plus that it doesn't cost much. Just add a spread of greenery and voila! You've got a wonderful park kissing the sky!