The main historical development stages of accessible green roofs in the urban environment

Abstract

Contemporary accessible green roofs created by architects and landscape designers using special technologies have appeared relatively recently. But the idea of a green rooftop garden is by no means new. In the context of the increasing intensity of the use of urban areas and the resulting shortage of recreational spaces, the use of green roofs is seen as quite promising. In consequence of this fact, it is important to consider the historical retrospective with respect to the emergence and development of accessible green roofs.
Development of green roofs is conditionally divided by the authors into the following historical periods:
- Green roofs in the ancient world;
- Green roofs in the medieval period;
- Green roofs in the modern era;
- Green roofs in contemporary times.
In consequence of the study, the authors analyze the historical experience of the use of accessible green roofs in various countries and in different time periods. The authors consider examples of the accessible green roofs used for the organization of recreational and other functional zones, as well as confirm the urgency of application of such green areas in the contemporary city both on buildings’ roofs, and over a street and road network, railroad sections, and other urban facilities.