Designing a healthy learning environment in the library with extensive green roof

Abstract

Extensive green roof technology has the benefits of supporting a healthy learning environmental design for university students. This paper discusses the use of extensive green roof system in a library through a landscape architecture studio project in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The university main library building, Sultanah Zanariah Library, is selected as the study area because it has extended flat roof façade on each building level. The objective of the project is to investigate the potential of having a green roof at the library. Currently there is no attempt to improve the visual condition of the library’s extended roof space. Thus, in order to enhance the visual condition of the roof, the design project conducted a short design program which identifies the overall design methodology and carried out an inventory and analysis of the library premises. The inventory and analysis stage gained preliminary understanding of the library’s current physical conditions, site issues and identified the potentials and constraints of the area. Fifty five respondents answered questionnaires on how they perceived the library if green elements were placed on the extended roof. The design process provided design rationales, solutions and recommendations to create a healthy learning environment in the library with the design of a green roof. This study not only helps students to acquire an understanding of green roof concept but also how it could influence the creation of a healthy learning environment in the library.