Mesopotamia Green Roofs

Many functions of green roofs utilized during human history are analogous to contemporary functions.

Mesopotamia green roofs.

It all started in ancient mesopotamia. The ziggurats of ancient mesopotamia the earliest known record of roof gardens are the ancient ziggurats of mesopotamia. Green roofs have been an essential feature of vernacular architecture and in many instances has been vital to human survival. Modern civilisation is slowly rediscovering the astonishing benefits of vegetated roofs.

The initial expense of green rooftops often turns away prospective clients. The flat roofs were thick layers of earth on top of strong beams. The sloping walls of the ziggurat of nanna built around 2100 b c were covered with trees and shrubs. Mesopotamia from the greek meaning between two rivers was an ancient region located in the eastern mediterranean bounded in the northeast by the zagros mountains and in the southeast by the arabian plateau corresponding to today s iraq mostly but also parts of modern day iran syria and turkey the two rivers of the name referred to the tigris and the euphrates rivers and the land.

The resulting curve number was 86 compared to 98 for an impervious roof. The assyrians were warriors and their permanent homes reflected this far more than the homes of the sumerians and babylonians. That s how old the idea of a green roofs is. This made the houses nearly or actually fireproof and places of security.

The fabled hanging gardens of babylon which included lush roof gardens and terrace greening represent the earliest known interpretations of roof greening built between the 8th and 10th centuries b c. Because green roofs require professional design careful structural analysis and multiple layers and systems even extensive green roofs usually start at 8 per square foot significantly more expensive than the 1 25 per square foot for built up roofs burs source. The earliest uses of vegetation on roofs can be tracked back to mesopotamia. Specifically the hanging gardens of babylon where gardens were plant ed on terraced stone roofs to imitate mountains is considered the most famous early roof garden dalley 1993 as the excellent effect cooling buildings ancient greek and roman also used roof.

It should have good consistent drainage and aeration with a structure that enables it to hold water. The soil had a total porosity of 50 6. The justification of the use of green roof technology based on a review of literature shows the multiple and documented benefits that these systems can impart to the urban. From the ziggurat of nanna to the fabled hanging gardens of babylon humans have been growing plants on roofs.

Green roof technology has a history that predates the modern era. The green roof used to establish the curve number was composed of a 3 deep soil 55 expanded slate 30 sand and 15 organic matter.