Green Roof

Imagine going onto google earth and viewing the natural landscape of the earth, where their would not be any black, grey spots, but the natural aesthetic beauty of greenery. Well what if I can tell you it is possible if we made our homes and buildings with flowers and gardens instead of tar, asphalt or gravel. The social benefits of green roofs are improved livability, physical and mental health from exposure to nature, and increased sense of pride and place. Then their are the aesthetic benefits which are, that green roofs are better looking than asphalt, tar, and gravel, natural views create more productive, healthy, happy, creative, relaxed people, and green roofs expand the usefulness of buildings via patios, gardens and vistas. Most importantly green roofs benefit the environment. 
Urban Heat Island MitigationThe temperature differential causes air currents and dust, and even contributes to violent weather events within urban settings. Green roof vegetation helps by cooling the air, slowing air movement and acting as a substrate for pollution to settle out and detoxify.
Noise ReductionPlants, soil, and air trapped in the soil are great acoustic insulators.  Tests indicate that green roofs can reduce indoor sound by as much as 40 decibels, which is of great benefit to occupants of buildings affected by airports, industry, trains and traffic.
Fire PreventionSucculent green roof plants help reduce the risk of fire.
Water Conservation/Reduction of Storm Water RunoffThe soil in green roof systems acts like a sponge and absorbs excess rain water.  Research has shown that extensive green roof systems can reduce runoff by up to 90+% annually.
Green roofs reduce the impact of each new building on the municipal storm drainage system and surrounding watershed. They reduce flooding, erosion and artificial heating of water which helps preserve fisheries and other aquatic life. When combined with an effective rain garden, green roofs can make it possible to have zero discharge of rainwater from the site, therefore saving money by not having to connect to the storm sewer system.
Green roofs filter water prior to returning it to the aquifer. They buffer acid rain and remove nitrate pollution as water slowly percolates through the soil. What runoff remains will usually occur hours after peak flows, providing additional time for sewer systems to handle the runoff burden from impervious surfaces. 
Habitat RecreationPlants and soil help recreate habitat for butterflies, insects, and songbirds.

 

These photos are examples of green roof technology being put into practice. As I stated before I am not concerned about the function of green roofs, but the design and concept. My building will have a green roof and similar designs like these.