Designed by Renzo Piano, the California Academy of Sciences living roof covers an area of 197,000 square feet. This aerial photograph of the green roof shows the undulations which are part of the design and draw cool air into the open piazza located in the center of the building. Green roofs are excellent insulators reducing both heating and cooling energy consumption. The roof helps to lower urban air temperature, mitigating the heat island effect, causing cities to be significantly warmer than the surrounding areas. The nine species of native plants growing on the roof were selected for their ability to thrive and propagate in the unique climate present in Golden Gate park. Among the species are wildflowers including the California poppy and the California plantain and a variety of perennial plants.
Image ID: AHLB8220
© Herb Lingl/aerialarchives.com
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More aerial photography of Golden Gate Park
