2007 Awards

Landscape Architectural Design | ASLA Headquarters Roof

Honor Award

American Society of Landscape Architects' Headquarters Green Roof
Washington DC 

Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.
http://www.mvvainc.com

Located on the rooftop of the headquarters of the American Society of Landscape Architects in the heart of Washington, D.C., the ASLA Green Roof project involves the transformation of an existing 3,000 square foot roof into an innovative example of green roof technology. Barrel-shaped mounds at the north and south ends of the roof create new horizons for visitors, clearing the immediate urban foreground and focusing views on the surrounding Washington skyline. The two mounds present two different green roof types: one is extensive, that is, low plants requiring a minimum soil depth; and one is semi-intensive, requiring a deeper soil base but growing higher as a result. The higher growth on the semi-intensive mound that rises up to meet the parapet edge is visible from the street level, announcing the green roof and the ASLA's green agenda to public passersby. The project transcends its diminutive size because of the intense interest of the design community around any design project undertaken for the ASLA. As such, it is designed with an educational pedagogy in mind, as it will be the launching pad for any future ASLA effort to teach the benefits of green roof technology.