Living Architecture: Standard Specification of Living Roofs and Walls for Environmental and Health Benefits

摘要

Design professionals including architects, interior designers, and landscape architects work collaboratively to create healthy and functional building environments for occupants. Research showed the incorporation of living roofs, exterior living walls, and interior living walls are beneficial to both the environment and human health and well-being. Nine building professionals in the state of Arkansas were interviewed about the benefits and barriers to implementation. Findings confirmed architects, interior designers, and landscape architects see value in living roof and wall implementation. Participants discussed benefits to environmental sustainability and human health and well-being. Environmental benefits included stormwater reduction, cooling effects, roof-life extension, and natural habitat creation. Benefits to health and well-being included improved aesthetics, improved air quality, rejuvenating qualities, and the creation of a space to connect with nature. Barriers to implementation were identified as cost, maintenance, resistance to change, and lack of urgent need. Design professionals felt the addition of a living roof or wall would create a great space for building occupants, but reported barriers prevent incorporation. Government programs, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDRTM), were identified as facilitators contributing to raised awareness of sustainable benefits. Informed design decisions, with the addition of creative freedom, result in the creation of great spaces. Built environments focused on sustainability and human health and well-being contribute to Progressive Design. Participants believed living roof and wall implementation would continue to grow in popularity throughout the southern region of the United States, specifically Arkansas, but acknowledged growth in urban areas would likely occur first.