Designing Green Roofs and Walls

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

There is a total time commitment for this subject of 170 hours.

Students wishing to take this subject should have an understanding of landscape plants, green infrastructure and urban environments.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/. Email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

This subject explores the design, specification and management of green roofs and walls. The content will include guidelines and policies supporting green roofs and walls, relevant typologies and categories of use, requirements for successful design, construction and maintenance, development of specifications and project management and local and international case studies. Students will gain a thorough understanding of green roof and wall design and function, the benefits provided to cities and people and gain hands on experience through practical activities and visits to local project sites.

• Evaluate international green roof and wall guidelines, specifications and standards
• Explain the key design considerations for green roofs and walls, including the development and use of specifications;
• Analyse substrate properties relating to green roof specification and how these affect plant performance and plant selection
• Assess and analyse experimentally how green roof substrates influence stormwater runoff retention capacity
• Assess and analyse experimentally how green wall design influences thermal performance
• Compare and evaluate methods for plant selection on green roofs and walls using research and case studies;
• Discuss maintenance and management issues relevant to green roof and wall case studies

• 1 x 2000 word assignment due 3 weeks after the workshop, 30%;
• 1 x Case study equivalent to 2500 words due 4-6 weeks after the workshop, 60%;
• 1 x 500 word practical report due during the workshop, 10%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Source, interpret and apply written information from a range of resources to describe issues pertinent to design and specification of green roofs and walls.
• Use scientific and technical literature in the discussion and evaluation of green roof and wall design.
• Develop investigative and analytical skills through study of green roof and wall design case studies.
• Integrate theory of green roof and wall design with practical considerations in case study explorations of their implementation and on-going management and maintenance.
• Develop a practical understanding of green roof and wall implementation through interaction with guest industry speakers; Linking students with potential employers.
• Develop analytical and measurement skills in hands-on practical exercises
• Gain experience in effective team work.