Sharp Memorial Hospital Green Roof

Completed in 2010, the Sharp Memorial Green Roof gives patients housed in the new wing at Sharp a much better view. What was once a bleak, industrialized smattering of pumps, tubes and mechanical equipment covering the emergency-room rooftop is now a unique, modern and organic green-roof design.

Nature and greenery help people heal—a number of studies back that statement up. Sharp Healthcare was forward-thinking enough to put the findings into practice and transform their roof into a healing environment for patients.

In response to the linear context of the space, plus the fact that the roof is not accessible to patients and mostly viewed from above, the landscape architects decided to use the design to depict a staff of music representing the first few bars of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony “Ode to Joy.” Music lovers can easily pick up on the pattern and the discovery makes for a fun surprise during a patient’s sometimes challenging recovery period.

Beyond the aesthetic and health benefits of a green roof, there are several environmental perks as well. Green roofs can prevent water pollution by reducing the amount of stormwater entering sewer systems, slowing it down and filtering it; lower energy use and energy costs; lowering air temperatures to combat the urban heat-island effect; clean and oxygenate the air; add biodiversity, mitigate noise; suppress fire; and extend the lifespan of the roof.