Course Overview
The course will provide students with a good understanding of the role that green roofs can play in the conversation of biodiversity in urban environments. Students will explore an ecological approach to plant selection and design to integrate into current green roof design practices. Using critical thinking to analyze the underlying topics of sustainability, biodiversity and natural processes, students will develop an appropriate plant selection for green roofs in the Pacific Northwest. They will study in detail a range of plants available in regional ecosystems and investigate their growing requirements as well as some non-native plants used in the green roof industry. They will also study the relationships between plant function, plant form and canopy complexity on plant survival and habitat implications. Students will practice the basic principles of plant design based on site conditions, plant function, specie mix, berries, pollen, and habitat, through the preparation of a planting plan for an actual project. Students will participate in a green roof tour and visit to a local nursery.
Prerequisite(s)
- GROW 1000 or department approval.
Credits
1.5
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the critical drivers for green roofs and biodiversity.
- Develop an integrated approach to urban building design.
- Explain the interdependency of environmental factors, substrate and plant communities.
- Analyze design for water retention, bio-filtration and water quality.
- Analyze natural processes in relation to human values.
- Develop strategy for creating design diversity for regional plant communities.
- Identify suitable plants and determine plant selection for different roof scenarios.
- Develop a detailed evaluation for different plant establishment methods.
- Prepare planting and maintenance plan.
Effective as of Fall 2008
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.