2024_MLA_CAPSTONE

Making Northgate from grey to green

Washington - Seattle, known for its frequent rainfall and commitment to sustainability, is an ideal location for the implementation of green roofs. Green roofs can contribute to this transformation: Stormwater Management, Biodiversity Enhancement, Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Energy Efficiency. Their implementation aligns with the city's commitment to sustainability and can serve as a model for other urban areas seeking to balance development with environmental responsibility.

GOALS

Using Green roofs

Seattle's Northgate Mall

support biodiversity as educational tools

JOE YAN

University of Washington

Seattle is renowned for its commitment to sustainability but faces significant environmental challenges, including urban sprawl, stormwater management, and the urban heat island effect. These issues are intensified by the city's rapid growth and dense population, leading to increased pollution and strain on natural resources. Green roofs offer a promising solution, absorbing rainwater to alleviate stormwater systems, filtering air pollutants, and lowering urban temperatures to counteract the heat island effect. Northgate, a designated Urban Center, is slated for increased density and redevelopment, particularly around the Northgate Mall. This redevelopment presents an ideal opportunity to explore the benefits of green roofs for environmental improvement and the creation of usable open spaces. The map below highlights green spaces in and around Northgate.

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

Licton Springs Park

North Seattle College

Maple Leaf Reservoir Park

Meadowbrook Playfield Park

Matthews Beach Park

Woodland Park

Carkeek Park Beach

Northgate Urban Center

< 90°F < 93°F

< 96°F

The Northgate neighborhood, a vibrant and rapidly developing area in Seattle, faces its own set of environmental challenges. Increased development and urbanization have led to reduced green spaces and greater surface runoff, contributing to localized flooding and water pollution. Additionally, the neighborhood’s growing infrastructure demands have intensified the urban heat island effect, making the area warmer and less comfortable for residents. Implementing green roofs in Northgate can play a crucial role in addressing these issues. By covering rooftops with vegetation, green roofs can absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and provide much-needed green space for the current and new residents. They also help to cool the area, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy consumption. Moreover, green roofs contribute to the local ecosystem by providing habitats for birds and insects, enhancing urban biodiversity.

EVERGREEN WASHELLI FUNERAL CEMETERY

NORTHGATE PARK BEAVER POND

NORTHGATE MALL

HUBBARD HOMESTEAD PARK

NORTH SEATTLE COLLEGE

The Northgate Mall site faces significant environmental challenges, including stormwater runoff, the urban heat island effect, and high energy demands. Green roofs can address these issues by incorporating urban farming, habitats, and gardens, alongside solar panels and rainwater collection systems. Urban farms on rooftops can provide fresh, locally grown produce and educational opportunities, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transport. Green roofs can also create habitats for local wildlife, supporting biodiversity and enhancing the ecological value of the site. Additionally, rooftop gardens offer aesthetic and recreational benefits, providing peaceful retreats for visitors and fostering community engagement. Integrating solar panels can further reduce the mall's energy consumption by harnessing renewable energy, while rainwater collection systems can capture and reuse water, mitigating runoff and reducing water use. By integrating these concepts, green roofs at Northgate Mall can significantly reduce stormwater runoff, lower ambient temperatures, decrease energy consumption, and transform the mall into a sustainable, vibrant, and community-oriented space.

NORTHGATE MALL

HABITAT

ROOF ECOSYSTEM

FOREST/SHRUB/MEADOW

EDIBLE GARDENS GREEN OPEN SPACES

PLAY/GATHERING

STRUCTURAL OPPORTUNITY USERS FUNCTIONS

GARDEN

HABITAT

This Habitat Green Roof is designed to attract and support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Also, this green roof features native plants blooming year-round, providing a vital food source and offering diverse habitats for pollinators.

A rooftop P-Patch and roof-farm designed exclusively for local residents, This innovative space reimagines urban living, offering individual plots where residents can cultivate their own mini-gardens.

Transforming this rooftop into a serene and inviting space. This garden includes walking paths, cozy seating areas, and shaded nooks for relaxation, providing a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle. It is adorned with a diverse array of plants, creating a sensory-rich environment that promotes mental well-being.