Green Roof - A Case Study: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates' Design For the Headquarters of the American Society of Landscape Architects

Green roofs are the great green hope of many environmentalists, politicians, and architects interested in more efficient and environmentally aware buildings. From a design standpoint, however, there is less consensus. While some see the roof garden as a visual statement using plants, geometric lines, and sculptural elements, others believe concerns for sustainability should outweigh visual appeal. A green roof that combines aesthetics and mechanics has become the goal of many a landscape architect.

In "Green Roof Gardens", author Christian Werthmann explains the history, methodology, and design process of green roof garden construction, providing a rich source of inspiration and technical knowledge in the process for anybody interested in this simple solution to many of the environmental challenges we face today.

Christian Werthmann is an assistant professor of landscape architecture at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. He is a former associate at Peter Walker and Partners.

"This book has excellent graphics and color photographs. It is an up-to-date how-to volume that shows that it is possible anywhere, with the proper planning, to install a rooftop garden."
Washington Post, November 3, 2007