Living roofs – A catalyst for building communities
Jane Riddiford, Global Generation Trustee/Co- Founder, London UK
Charlie Green, The Office Group, London UK
Abstract
Global Generation is making a link between discovering the interdependence within nature and the tops of urban office buildings. Children and young people from London receive education in rural environments, and are supported to make a difference when they return to their own urban environments. A focal point of this work in London is the development of Living Roof Classrooms on new and existing Office buildings, the first being a project in King’s Cross.
The living roof classroom demonstrates that businesses can benefit from outside, biodiverse "break out spaces" which, at the same time, create opportunities for regeneration and education. Educational activities on the roof which support the delivery of the national curriculum include biology, design & technology, art, citizenship. The green roof is a catalyst for inspiring practical action in areas of sustainability beyond the roof, e.g. recycling in the office/ school and at home. Through its involvement in the creation of the green roof, Global Generation helps to build more relationships between business, schools and local community groups within an area of intense urban development (Channell Tunnell Rail Link). Many links and collaborations have already been generated by the green roof.click here to read on .....
