By RFF
Rooftop gardens answer a contemporary problem associated with cities growing denser. Urban green spaces are limited finding space for greenery can be a challenge. An innovative approach on a common practice has emerged. Green spaces where we reside, work, and frequent, are a key point of Rooftop gardens. These urban green spaces can transform underutilised rooftops into productive gardens and lush ecosystems. In turn this contributes to a more resilient and sustainable urban environment as a whole.
Rooftop gardens also offer social, health, and environmental benefits. The greenery counters urban heat island effects, where city temperatures rise due to developments with concrete and asphalt that absorb heat. The greenery also improves air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Another key component of rooftop gardens is their potential to local food production in cities where space is limited. They serve as a place to grow fresh produce, be it herbs, vegetables, or even fruit. This also translates in reducing the carbon footprint of food transport while providing fresher options to urban dwellers.
Examples of rooftop gardens across Europe
Beyond environmental benefits, rooftop gardens can be used foster community and beyond. Many are built as communal spaces, where neighbours can come together to share a communal space, grow food, share knowledge, and connect with nature. An example of such a space in Athens, Greece is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center’s Park, (Photo source: www.snfcc.org) situated on its rooftop. It occupies 85% of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center’s total area, which is 21 hectares and showcases a vast variety of Greek flora. It features 16 different tree species, 161 shrub species, and numerous grasses and bulbs. It showcases a vibrant seasonal display of colour and texture. Indigenous plants such as olive trees, carob, cypress, and aromatic herbs such as oregano, lavender, rosemary, and thyme celebrate Greece’s horticultural tradition, which are all part of the Mediterranean.
As cities become more densely populated, the need for accessible green spaces is growing in importance. Studies[1][2] have also shown that access to green spaces improves mental health, reducing stress and enhancing well-being. something particularly valuable in urban settings. Beyond mental health benefits, green spaces also foster community engagement and promote physical activity, making them essential for building healthier, more resilient cities.
Other Rooftop Garden initiatives include:
Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank, London, United Kingdom, which is situated above heart of one of Europe’s largest megalopolises. The rooftop gardens at Queen Elizabeth Hall on South Bank in London are an urban oasis filled with wildflowers, vegetable plots, and lawns. The gardens offer stunning views of the River Thames and provide a peaceful green space for relaxation and community events (Photo source: southbank.london).
Kulturterrassen, Berlin, Germany, is a rooftop garden atop is a cultural centre in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district and it blends urban gardening with social engagement. The space is used to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers while hosting workshops, community activities, and offering panoramic views of the city. Over the past decade it has hosted various subcultural events, parties, and gatherings.
Aligned with the need for green urban spaces in 2022 France passed legislation[3] that requires buildings to be covered either by greenery or solar panels. This is further supported by the 2023 agreement on new rules to restore and preserve degraded habitats in the EU[4]. A trend sees to be emerging, and the need for greenery in our urban areas is more apparent than ever. So, next time you look up at a building, imagine the potential for vibrant, green life blossoming on the rooftops, making our cities greener and brighter for future generations!
Rooftop Gardens as food-producing spaces
Rooftop gardens are not just about greenery; they also play a crucial role in urban food production. A prime example is the Hyatt Hotel chain, which has installed beehives on many of its rooftops worldwide. These hives support urban biodiversity by housing bees that pollinate nearby plants and flowers while also producing fresh honey, often used in the hotel’s restaurants. This initiative highlights how rooftop gardens can enhance local food systems and promote ecological health. A striking example is the rooftop beehives at Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, where the bees are happy and the honey is delicious! Another great example outside of Europe is in Atlanta, US, as shown in the following video (Source: Hyatt Regency)
Stay tuned for the next part of our series: “The diverse landscape of urban farming“
