What is ROOFSCAPES?
Roofscapes transforms untapped pitched roofs into green and accessible spaces, turning overlooked urban areas into shared green spaces that not only enhance comfort of living but also tackle modern environmental challenges. Developed in partnership with the City of Paris, this non-invasive system adapts seamlessly to all roof geometries and architectural contexts. Using advanced technology like a 3D drone survey, key components are prefabricated with precision, and the construction happens quickly from the roof without any interference to the building’s interior. Imagine transforming a simple rooftop into a sustainable, inviting, and biodiverse oasis… A true urban rejuvenation in action!
Main Benefits of Roofscapes
- During a heatwave, indoor temperatures under the eaves have shown a reduction of up to 17 °C, providing immediate comfort.
- The system leads to a decrease of 29 °C in air temperature at the surface of zinc, cutting down on the harmful effects of urban heat islands.
- Rainwater retention contributes to a fourfold reduction in water needs for the planted areas, maximizing resource efficiency.
- The integration of vegetation significantly boosts local biodiversity while preventing the proliferation of pests by eliminating stagnant water.
The Underlying Principle
The thermal principle behind the Roofscapes system is simple yet brilliant: shield the rooftops from the sun’s constant heat. Without proper protection, zinc surfaces absorb solar radiation, overheat, and then radiate unwanted heat both inside the homes and outside. That’s why a wooden platform is installed, and then vegetated, creating an efficient shade that cuts heat absorption. This approach cleverly utilizes nature to cool buildings, reduce energy consumption, and achieve a natural regulation of temperatures. It’s a neat, eco-friendly solution that marries traditional architectural methods with modern sustainability techniques… a smart way to keep urban spaces cooler.
Embracing Urban Resilience
Beyond merely transforming rooftops, Roofscapes sends a clear message about the adaptation of urban centers in the face of climate change. The project extends into various forms of knowledge sharing, such as conferences, exhibitions, publications, academic collaborations, research programs, and university teaching modules. Each exploration builds on the idea of adapting existing buildings to contemporary challenges, helping both private and public owners visualize and implement forward-thinking adaptation strategies. The initiative prompts city dwellers and planners alike to reimagine urban spaces as essential links in the chain of a resilient future.
Trusted Partnerships
Roofscapes benefits from a network of respected partners and supporters who believe in the vision of transforming urban rooftops. Notable organizations backing the project include MIT, the City of Paris, the Île-de-France Region, the European Commission, and ADEME, among others. These collaborations add credibility to the project and ensure that every installation meets rigorous standards of sustainability and efficiency. With solid support from these influential entities, Roofscapes sets an example of how interdisciplinary alliances can drive urban innovation and climate adaptation.
Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – revitalizing urban spaces for a healthier, more sustainable living environment.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – mitigating the effects of climate change through innovative thermal regulation and urban greening.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use in cities.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – enhancing water efficiency with rainwater retention systems.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – integrating advanced technologies such as drone 3D surveys and prefabricated components into urban development.
Future Urban Transformation
Roofscapes exemplifies a new era in urban transformation, where even the most unconventional spaces are re-envisioned to serve multiple community needs. The concept helps building owners unlock the hidden potential of their rooftops, converting them into vital parts of the urban green network that combat the heat island effect, support local biodiversity, and create new outdoor areas for social and recreational activities. By installing lightweight prefabricated timber platforms that leave the existing historic fabric intact, Roofscapes reinforces urban resilience and adapts cities to the environmental challenges of the 21st century. The project’s roots go deep, having been founded in 2020 at the School of Architecture and Planning of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston. The initiative is a perfect blend of creativity, technology, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable building, pointing the way towards a future where cities are not just concrete jungles, but vibrant communities with accessible green spaces.
