Built in 1995, the roof on the Vancouver Public Library was designed to echo the Fraser River and its surroundings. The roof is planted in 14 inches of growing medium laid over a drainage layer and a rubberized asphalt membrane (designed by American Hydrotech, from whose website this photo was taken). Plants include various blue fescues, to represent the river, and kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva ursi). The roof is visible from surrounding buildings and has some runoff mitigation benefits.
The building was designed by Moshe Safdie. The landscape architect was Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. More about her work soon.
