Green roofing technology

Green roofs are increasingly looked upon with favor in building projects across the world, their advantages, from minimizing energy consumption to improving biodiversity, often balancing their costs. A green roof system comprises a number of elements, including: a high-quality waterproof layer, root repellent system, drainage, filter cloth, soil, and vegetation. There are different types of green roofs with extensive green roofs and intensive green roofs being two of the most common versions. Extensive green roofs require relatively little maintenance, use more straightforward plant species, and are not designed for people. Intensive green roofs are accessible, their structures able to accommodate a range of heavier vegetation and users.&n... More

On the campus of the University of Chicago, the David Rubenstein Forum is a new facility for collaboration, discourse, and intellectual exchange. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the 97,000 square foot building comprises a two-storey base and a slender, eight-storey tower that accommodates a 285-seat auditorium, and multipurpose meeting spaces for workshops, symposia, and lectures, among other activities.  Brett Beyer The building is organized as a stack of what the architects describe as ‘neighbourhoods’ with meeting and communal spaces that provide diverse environments. Each ‘neighbourhood’ is in turn organized around a central private lounge, creating a sense of community and identity. These neighb... More