Gardens in the Sky: Rooftop Landscaping Design in the Chicago Downtown Environment

Author

• Noah Olson

Files

Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture

College

Arts and Sciences

Department

Landscape Architecture, Disaster Resiliency & Emergency Management (LADREM)

Faculty Advisor

Craig Larson

Studio Coordinator

Jay Kost

Faculty Chair

Dominic Fischer

Publisher

North Dakota State University

Rights

NDSU policy 190.6.2

URI

https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf

Abstract

Cities around the world are becoming increasingly more susceptible to heat, largely due to the urban heat island effect (UHI). Green roofs, which essentially turn building tops into planted gardens, can be an effective and creative way for landscape architects to combat these problems. This thesis will use a literature review of peer-reviewed studies to examine green roof materials, designs, and performance in reducing UHI impacts and stormwater runoff. Findings show surface temperature reductions of 20-30°C, air cooling of 1-2°C, and 17-51% runoff retention. These results have been applied to redesign three terraces at the St. Regis Chicago: the 11th-floor Dining Gardens, 47th-floor Residential Gardens, and 71st-floor Penthouse Gardens.

Recommended Citation

Olson, Noah, "Gardens in the Sky: Rooftop Landscaping Design in the Chicago Downtown Environment" (2026). Landscape Architecture Theses. 14.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/landscape-architecture-theses/14