Elderly People and Green Roofs

Eunyoung,

I was researching green roofs and came across this article from Architectural Record that I thought would be interesting to you. It is especially good for your site because it is a way to introduce a safe, private, healing, outdoor environment to the residents of your community, as well as doing something to coutneract the effect of the "heat island" that is Manhattan! In addition, I think that it goes along with the verticality of your design and the use of natural light sources. Here is the excerpt relevant to your project:

"The City of Chicago’s Department of the Environment began to promote green roofs in the mid-1990s. They provided grants for roofs, such as one for Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, designed by Stephen Rankin Associates, to reduce the heat island effect. In July 2004, U.S. News & World Report named Schwab as one of the top U.S. hospitals, citing the therapeutic environment of the unique rooftop garden as one of the reasons.

David Rahija, Schwab’s Director of Inpatient Therapy, is excited by this thriving garden, completed in 2003. He says “The garden is not only a place for patients but also a place for staff to relax.” Master Gardeners, a volunteer gardening program, has volunteered to assist with plant maintenance. Above the roof membrane system, some of this roof is paved with a highly reflective concrete paver on pedestal walkway. The roof has deep planting beds, trees, and a flowing stream built up above the roof deck, accessible from the therapy rooms. Patients in wheelchairs can plant flowers in wheelchair accessible flowerbeds. Planting, weeding, and watering improve motor coordination, and manual dexterity. Therapists have designed programs for sensory stimulation and for learning relaxation techniques. Staff and patients appreciate the ability to go outside. Patients are provided with a safe outdoor space, where therapists use horticulture therapy to heal and restore well-being. This verdant garden grows benefits beyond initial costs, through spiritual healing and environmental benefits for patients and caregivers."