Willa Cather Elementary: Green Roof

We propose a green roof for Willa Cather Elementary School that will integrate community institutions and build upon ideas of environmental citizenship. The scheduled roof renovation is the perfect opportunity to strengthen educational facilities at the school while supporting Chicago Public School’s required curriculum.

A green roof is a garden that covers the majority of a roof surface as a partial solution to a building’s negative ecological impact. The design of this green roof as an outdoor classroom will reflect the needs and ambitions of Willa Cather School. This project focuses on the educational opportunities provided by a green roof. A garden is a hands-on experience, an outdoor classroom and a way for students to connect with nature and science. Living in the city, we often separate ourselves from nature and have limited green space. It is important to have a direct connection with and relationship to nature in order to see the relevance of topics taught in school.
-Kirsten Larson and Brendan Hudson