Blog > The air is clearer at the top: chic city roof gardens

07.15.2011

Blake Van Velden, Researcher for The Climate Group, hand-picks his favorite green roofs and innovative urban roof gardens from across the world - some of which would be perfect for exploring during Climate Week NYC. 

Blake writes:

I often daydream about soaring far above the world's biggest cities and gazing down to see a green paradise, covered in a wonderful array of life; vines creeping over buildings ready to envelop all inhabitants, butterflies fluttering wherever they desire and birds singing about the beauties of urban living. 

It'll come as no surprise then, that I’m excited about the trend towards promoting green roofs and roof gardens in urban centers. 

On top of their handsome green aesthetics, one of the greatest things about roof gardens is their flexibility of uses. Here’s a look at some very different approaches to roof gardens across the globe.

Kensington Roof Gardens, London.

This exclusive roof garden was established in the late 1930s and covers 6,000 square meters on top of the former Derry and Toms building on Kensington High Street, London. There are three themed gardens: Spanish, Tudor and English woodland. All of these are perfectly maintained and transport you into another world. These Roof Gardens are a must visit for those in London. The strangest thing is, is that they aren’t very well known - despite being over 70 years old. The fact that the Duchess of Cambridge (or Kate Middleton as we know her best) was seen dancing in these gorgeous gardens recently will probably change all that though.

Images: http://www.roofgardens.virgin.com

Metropolitan Museum of Art Roof Garden, Manhattan.

The stunning view from this Roof Garden is easily one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Although this Roof Garden is less impressive than the Kensington Roof Gardens in regards to its actual ‘gardens’ (i.e. plant variety, sheer size etc), it offers simply amazing views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

What’s more is that each summer the garden hosts a single-artist exhibition. The fantastic cafe and bar are always are popular retreat for those wishing to escape the rush of life down below. On a side note, be aware that New York magazine rates the Roof Garden as one of the finest pick-up spots in Manhattan!

Remember that this garden is only open in warmer months – which is perfect timing for Climate Week NYC.

Images: http://www.centralpark.com/photos/show/11038/treetops-from-the-roof-garden

230 Fifth Rooftop Garden, Manhattan.

This funky Roof Garden isn’t so much a roof garden as it is a rooftop bar and restaurant - and New York’s largest at that. The views on offer differ from those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Roof Garden, in that 230 Fifth is surrounded on all sides by Midtown’s best architecture. It even offers unobstructed views of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings. It’s open all year and from 4:00pm-4:00am so there’s plenty of time to visit; they even supply crimson Snuggies for those cold late night/early morning visits too. This roof garden is a definite visit for those wanting to wind down after working hard at Climate Week NYC and really sit back and appreciate one of the most stunning cities in the world - from way up above.

Images: www.230-fifth.com

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