Designing Green Roofs and Walls

SUBJECT OVERVIEW

Open to students undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Urban Horticulture and a Master of Urban Horticulture, the Designing Green Roofs and Walls subject explored the design and specification of building elements to support living vegetation and ecosystems that improve a building’s energy and water usage performance, while supporting the health and wellbeing of inhabitants.  Students must consider what is required for the successful construction and maintenance of their designs by investigating local and international case studies. Students gain a thorough understanding of green roof, wall design and function, the benefits provided to cities and people, and gain hands-on experience through practical activities and visits to local project sites.

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

Students undertaking the subject in 2017 designed a rooftop landscape for the existing Frank Tate Building and the Precinct’s future Arts and Cultural Building.  Student’s design responses considered how the space could support student-led activities and events, and how the design of rooftop spaces can connect buildings across the Precinct, creating a sense of cohesion and flow throughout the site. As such, students were required to consider the Precinct and how the proximity of surrounding buildings might impact environmental specifications and design performance.