Adaptive Urbanism: Rethinking Rooftop Utilization in the Face of Climate Challenges – Ar. Monalisha Panda

Historically, terraces have been depicted in literature and art as places of solitude and reflection, where one can escape the noise below and find solace in the open sky. Despite their neglect, terraces continue to capture the imagination, offering a canvas for dreams and inspiration. A large proportion of terraces designed for urban dwellings does not have a significant human audience. Un-used and un-designed terraces are romantic, but with climate change and the increasing value of open spaces in cities, we can’t avoid using them. It is becoming more and more crucial to re-evaluate these neglected area.

Flat roofs are becoming more and more prominent in today’s era. They continue to be a major contributor to the issue of climate change as of right now. We all know by now how crucial a role they may play in reducing the severity of urgent problems like urban heat, storm water, and biodiversity. Furthermore, terraces are thought to be a feasible addition to public space, as the recent pandemic has highlighted the dire need for greater accessible outdoor spaces. On terrace, sound also has a significant impact. You can hear different noises on the street, such as those of vehicles, buses, people, cafés, pubs, trams, and construction, but up on the roof, it all culminates into one perpetual urban buzz. Essentially, roofs are like secret gardens within the concrete jungle. They have a constant sense of being found.

You are practically at the edge of the city when you are on the roof. It is the roof where people feel at ease in the city, where there is no protocol, no hierarchies, and or behavioural patterns. Often seen as unused areas, roofs appear silent and hidden right above us. They’re simply at liberty.

The necessity of Utilization

Repurposing terraces for functional purposes, cities can mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions and create new opportunities for social interaction and recreation. Moreover, the utilization of terraces align with principles of sustainable development, promoting efficient use of space in densely populated urban areas, while moderating indoor temperatures and reducing environmental impact, thereby beginning the reversal of exponential graph of doom.

Strategies for Transformation

There are various strategies and technologies for transforming neglected terraces into valuable urban assets. There are numerous options for adapting terraces for practical use, including terrace gardens and green spaces, as well as for solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. Terrace cafes, community spaces, and recreational facilities are examples of innovative design concepts that can lead to increased social engagement and economic growth.

Roofs, due to their spatial displacement and architectural conditions, resemble urban sanctuaries. They feel out of place, as if they are in a space that is unaffected about real-world issues, like the backstage of urbanity, a backstage with a view. The views are what give roofs a reflective quality. Long, wide vistas provide a broader picture of where and how we live. You are faced with the city in its entirety. It’s where city lights meet sky lights, and fluffy clouds float above concrete boxes. Big ideas emerge on their own. It is an interface, a perfect place to reflecting on your own.

Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality

Cities and rainforests are similar despite their seeming differences. The world below is gloomy, shadowy, and teeming with predators. There’s just one place for those looking for seclusion, sunlight, and fresh air. Terrace gardens can be a combination of ornamental, functional, and natural elements. An ornamental green roof is for leisure mainly and usually made with low maintenance plants. While a functional terrace gardens deal with edible plants like vegetable gardens, and fruit tree plantations. And finally a natural terrace gardens are made up of grass or other naturally occurring plants on soil medium mimicking on ground conditions.

If we can design a terrace garden as a perfect combination of the above three elements, it can become a balancing act between greenery and the habitable spaces. With this approach, the terrace garden has the sense of a private haven, complete with open areas for social gatherings, a BBQ pit, and cosy seating areas surrounded by lush vegetation – the possibilities are unlimited. Culminating to a space to where one can engage with and enjoy nature.

Conclusion

Future developments in urban terrace technology appear promising for continued innovation and adaption. New possibilities for terrace use are presented by emerging technologies including vertical farming systems, modular buildings, and green roofs. Terraces will play a bigger role in fostering sustainability and resilience as cities continue to struggle with the effects of climate change and rising urbanisation. By embracing creative solutions and fostering collaboration, cities can harness the full potential of urban terrace as valuable resources for the future.

So, its right to say part of the solution to climate change is over our head – in the form of a lush, beneficial green roof. Converting 20-50% of our terrace gardens covered in greenery sounds more realistic than getting the world powers to agree on climate change policy!

About Author

Ar. Monalisa Panda is a landscape architect and the founder of Banabhoomi™ located in Bhubaneswar. She holds a postgraduate degree from the School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada. With an extensive professional tenure spanning over seven years, she has successfully undertaken and completed a diverse array of landscape projects, catering to both private and governmental sectors across a spectrum of scales, ranging from modest to expansive.