Demonstration Roof The American Society of Landscape Architects decided its own roof would make an excellent demonstration model.

Challenge: The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) wanted a high profile location to demonstrate how landscape architects can play a central role in green roof design and construction. The organization decided to look no further than atop its own Washington, D.C., headquarters building—a black tar surfaced roof on the 11-year-old brick building.

Criteria: ASLA felt strongly that landscape architects have quite a lot to contribute to the green roof industry and wanted to use this project to serve as a showcase for those talents and contributions. The group also wanted to create an education tool for both landscape architects and the community in general. “There’s a potential to do a lot with a green roof project in Washington, D.C., in terms of educating and informing key decision makers as to the larger vision of green roofs, and demonstrating the major contributions green roofs can make to the environment.” says Project Manager Chris Counts, ASLA, of Michael Van Valkenburgh Assocs., Boston.