The Value Of Living Roofs

The new roof of the California Academy of Sciences is a living experiment in 'restoration ecology'.

1 minute read

March 16, 2004, 1:00 PM PST

"A biologist by training and self-described 'restoration ecologist,' Kephart has fashioned a calling that in the United States didn't exist a decade ago: He makes roofs come to life. At the Academy of Sciences, he's laying the groundwork for perhaps the most ambitious one yet. Not only will the size be noteworthy when the academy's new home opens in 2008 - more than 2 acres - but the undulating shape promised by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano will be designed to evoke the surrounding topography. 'This will be probably the most challenging living structure that's been done ever.' "

Thanks to Laura Kranz

FULL STORY: Up on the Roof: The new Academy of Sciences will cap a trend toward green roofs

Monday, March 15, 2004 in The San Francisco Chronicle

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