I've been interested in green roofs for a while now (see links below) but I had no idea that there's a rooftop garden on top of the Vancouver Public Library. From the VPL's Central Branch FAQ:
Does Central Library have a rooftop garden?
Yes. Our rooftop garden was designed by Cornelia Oberlander, and is planted with ornamental grasses (blue and green fescue bunch grass) and kinnickinnick in a pattern that replicates the flow of the Fraser River. The final construction budget for the building did not include a public rooftop garden and, as such, the roof is not accessible to staff or the public at this time.
"The benefits of green roofs are multiple. They increase biomass and bird habitat in our cities, help to reduce airborne pollutants, improve the micro-climate, store and delay stormwater runoff, provide opportunities for urban agriculture and therapeutic gardening, reduce heating and cooling requirements for buildings, and aid in the reduction of the urban heat island effect."Irwin, John "Green Roofs: A Sustainable Option for Greening Our Cities" - Sitelines (April 2002): 6-7.
Why are there no photos of this garden on the library's website? Why, oh why?
Related Mirabilis.ca content:
Green roofs
Campaign for rooftop gardens