Green Roofs: A Trio

Over a period of six years, the owners of 900 North developed unused roof space into amenities that serve their tenants and simultaneously give a seasonally-changing view to thousands of people in surrounding hotels, residences and offices.

Inspired by aerial views of Midwestern agricultural patterns, the three spaces share aesthetic similarities but are designed for distinctly different user groups: one is for residents of luxury condos, one (on a parking garage) is for viewing only, and the last is for use by office tenants. Boldly graphic, the roofs challenge status quo assumptions about what can be expected both from a city view and from green roof design.

We hope that the recognition inspires more building owners see the value in what landscape architects can bring to the design of a building’s fifth façade. See more images of the project on our site.