“Green space is a high priority in our facilities development. The green roof is part of a renovation that reduces our environmental impact while expanding useful space.”
– Robert Henry, Assistant VP for Facilities and Planning, SUNY Brockport
State University of New York College at Brockport, Brockport, NY
Design Partners: Flynn Battaglia Architects
Total roof area: 11,000 sf
Vegetated green roof area: 5,000 sf
The space between Drake Memorial Library and Allen Administration Building was a windy and desolate space nestled between two important and active buildings on the SUNY Brockport Campus, but it wasn’t until the attached parking garage was in need of repair that the quest to create a dynamic outdoor space began. Drake and Allen are active buildings that play an important role in every student’s academic career at SUNY Brockport, by repurposing an underutilized roofscape, the campus was able to improve the quality of life on campus while they gained an extension for the library and an active student hub.
Wind was a determining factor to creating a space that would be useable and enjoyed by users. A wind study provided an analysis to determine where wind mitigation needed to occur. The wind analysis, existing pedestrian traffic needs, and the desire for a larger student gathering space helped to determine the design layout. We combined the necessary wind screen locations with benches, planters and bollard lighting to create small group seating areas along our new pedestrian spine, which culminates at a raised “stage” at one end for larger student activities.
A vegetated tray system was determined to be the most effective green roof installation method for the College as it allowed us to use both 4” and 6” deep trays to mitigate the undulating pitch on the existing roof. We customized the plant selections for the localized conditions and to have high seasonal color when classed resume in the fall and for spring commencement, and the pre-vegetated tray system allowed the roof to have instant gardens.
