Ecologists have concluded that urban and suburban growth has a
detrimental effect on the earth’s biosphere. Pavement and rooftops displace vegetation, and as a result the natural processes of photosynthesis and rainwater absorption are greatly reduced, and critical wildlife habitats are lost, especially those of birds, amphibians, and insects. While a typical suburban building site might not support as many species of birds and insects as a rainforest, consider the bio-diversity of a metal roof.

Ecological architecture suggests that roofs can be used for gardens, grass, patios, greenhouses, photovoltaic panels, skylights for natural lighting, and so on. This principle posits that buildings should be the means by which the earth plane is simply elevated – that buildings should be designed as planters. These so-called “living roofs” have a number of positive environmental attributes, and should not be dead sculptural objects displacing nature; they should be seriously considered for each and every project.

In the light of global warming, environmental degradation, and loss of open space, this principle has become vitally important. Once again, buildings should not be dead sculptural objects displacing nature; they should be instrumental in keeping our planet green. Architects should be more like magicians – first design a beautiful building and then make it disappear among the natural landscape.