The Living Roof; The Gardens of The California Academy of Sciences
Eleven years ago the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao opened its doors to visitors from all over the world, and thus ushered in “The Bilbao Effect”. Cities wishing to be considered “world class” and attract those tourist dollars have since constructed remarkable structures to house cultural institutions, from the Getty Center in Los Angeles to the new museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. These museums put the capital “A” in architecture and I think of them as the cathedrals of our time. The impulse which built the Canterbury cathedral and sent thousands on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela was of course by nature, spiritual. Within that paradigm, however, was also the desire to get out into the world and see something new, to gather together with others and to be inspired.
The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco recently opened its doors to a wildly enthusiastic public. Located on the site of the previous academy which had been damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the new academy designed by Renzo Piano not only houses a stunning collection of exhibits celebrating the natural world, but, in the tradition begun at Bilbao, the building is itself a star attraction. This building, however, takes the next leap by going beyond architectural theatrics. Receiving platinum certification under the LEED program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) the academy boasts an impressive list of recycled materials and energy savings. Rather than merely discussing environmental concerns such as climate change and alternative energy, the new academy is an environmental philosophy made real in three dimensions.
One of the things that I particularly wanted to see during my visit to the academy was “The Living Roof”. Green roofs in other applications have shown to reduce the “heat island effect” of higher urban temperatures due to large expanses of black tar roofs and pavement. Green roofs reduce the interior temperatures of buildings reducing energy costs for cooling. The living roof incorporates these qualities with an original and artistic arrangement of undulating hillocks which lies over the domes of the interior rainforest and planetarium. To keep the soil and plants secured on the slopes, an ingenious solution was developed by the firm, Rana Creek. Biodegradable trays with planting mix were placed like tiles over the structure. A collection of native plants knit the whole together.
California native plants thrive in this environment despite months of drought. Floral displays of California aster Aster chilensis delight as well as provide an important nectar source for butterflies and bees.
Upright stands of purple flowering Prunella vulgaris emerge from wild strawberry Fragaria chiloensis.
Numerous plants are yet to emerge. Look for glorious displays this spring of pink flowering Sea Thrift Armeria maritima, yellow and white Tidy Tips Layia platyglossa, and orange california poppies Eschscholzia californica.
The glass roof of the central piazza can be glimpsed from above
The academy’s central piazza is a place for people to relax in an atmosphere of structual lightness and transparancy.
Views of the surrounding park are invited into the museum. The twisting copper tower of the neighboring De Young musuem is enjoyed from the piazza as a kind of monumental sculpture.
I spoke with Larry Reed and John Loomis, landscape architects with the firm SWA Group who designed and implemented the construction of the academy gardens. They described that when the living roof was first installed and before the planting trays had time to set, they came to the central piazza each morning grateful that the plantings had not collapsed into the piazza below! The Living Roof, seen from below, has proven to be a technological success as well as an artistic one.
The living roof is enjoyed by visitors from a viewing platform. This arrangement brings to mind the Karesansui, Japanese viewing gardens. The roof terrain is an abstraction of the hills of San Francisco, contemplated from a set location.
From the viewing platform one can see the band of photovoltaic cells which contributes to the energy needs of the academy.
The living roof affords new vistas into the park. Beyond the concourse is the Japanese Tea garden and the De Young Museum sculpture garden.
Flanking the academy are the east and west gardens. At first glance, I thought these gardens were lacking in much to interest the plantsperson. After being in them for a bit I found that their direct approach with rectangles of expansive grass was the perfect counterpoint to the busy interior. After visiting the busy academy’s exhibits, the gardens are a respite where childeren can run around and people relax.
A hanging sculpture by Maya Lin and carved sculptures of animals by Benny Bufano grace the grounds.
Landscape architects Larry Reed and John Loomis describe the former site of the east garden as a “cesspool of trash cans and concrete. The former academy was a collection of mis-matched buildings. The new academy has a smaller footprint, allowing the creation of the gardens. The new design is also pulled back from the site of the Shakespeare Garden.”
“The forests of Golden Gate Park were in decline” according to Reed and Loomis.
“Pine trees were dying, and rather than try to recreate a formal 19th century style garden, SWA group focused on de-selecting pine trees and planting redwoods. Understory plantings of oak and bay laurel were established to impove the park’s forest in a wholistic way”
If you plan to visit the academy, I would recommend becoming a member. It would be less expensive in the long run if you plan to visit more than once and there are times set aside for admittance to members only . The academy is worthy of support not only for the museum itself, but for the important contributions it makes to the field of science.
From the Academy’s website:
The California Academy of Sciences is a multifaceted scientific institution committed to leading-edge research, to educational outreach, and to finding new and innovative ways to engage and inspire the public.
The Academy’s mission - to explore, explain and protect the natural world - extends to all corners of the institution; from a research expedition in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, to a teacher training program in a California classroom, to an interactive game on the museum exhibit floor.
My personal thanks to landscape architects Larry Reed and John Loomis for discussing with me their work on the academy.
http://www.swagroup.com/
For more information of the California Academy of Sciences
http://www.calacademy.org/
Academy Sustainability Statement:
Sustainability is often defined as meeting current human needs without endangering our descendants. There is a broad, scientific consensus that our current environmental demands are unsustainable, causing climate change, degradation of natural habitats, loss of species, and shortages of essential resources.
The California Academy of Sciences’ mission to explore, explain and protect the natural world compels the Academy to engage in scientific research relevant to sustainability, to raise public awareness about these urgent problems, and to minimize its own environmental impact.
The Academy’s green building signifies its commitment to sustainability. The culture and internal practices mirror that commitment in the areas of energy, water, waste management, transportation, purchasing and food. Academy programs highlight the living world and its connection to the changing global environment. Academy research focuses on the origins and maintenance of life’s diversity, and its expeditions roam the world, gathering scientific data to answer the questions, “How has life evolved, and how can it be sustained?”
As ever, Philip, an absolutely fascinating post. The green roof looks wonderful, and so beautifully landscaped: I love the native plants. So often in show gardens you see designers using green roofs because they’re fashionable, but someone’s obviously put a LOT of eco-thought into this one. Your pictures are fabulous, too.
Comment by Victoria — 3. November 2008 @ 22:35
Your posts are always well worth the wait! We are coming to SF for Thanksgiving and the new Academy just went to the top of my list for a family visit! Thanks for all the great photos and thoughts about green building, green roofs, human/plant interaction, etc. I think Seattle achieved the “Bilbao Effect” with our spiffy Rem Koolhaas downtown library, but the smaller Ballard neighborhood branch won awards too, partly due to its green roof.
Comment by Karen — 3. November 2008 @ 23:37
Victoria!
Yay!
Thanks for the comment!
I have been away and I was feeling very guilty about not posting and visiting my blotanical friends! I will have a couple of more post soon, and I look forward to catching up!
My best to you and yours.
Philip
Comment by admin — 4. November 2008 @ 00:02
Excellent post. Will be out in SF next year and look forward to seeing this. Have heard about it from other friends, but your post is the best at explaining in words and pictures.
Comment by compostinmyshoe — 4. November 2008 @ 00:05
Hi Karen!!
Dear Vandal the squirrel, please go away!
I thought of Seattle and should have mentioned it!
Thanks so much for your comment.
You are just the best!
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 4. November 2008 @ 00:06
Compostinmyshoe!
I am in awe from your streetlamp images and poem and Cycles post and Your New Mexico posts.
Brilliant!
I appreciate your comments very much.
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 4. November 2008 @ 00:14
Hi Philip, welcome back. We did wonder where you were and missed your upbeat and appreciative comments and of most of all your thoroughly entertaining and educational posts. You covered this building from stem to stern and gave the plantaholics among us some flowers even. I loved your final summary that the wide open outdoor space was interesting in what is wasn’t or didn’t contain as opposed to it’s design. Thanks once again for taking the time to do such a thorough job.
Frances
http://fairegarden.wordpress.com/
Comment by Frances — 4. November 2008 @ 02:50
Frances!
What a lovely comment!
You made my day!
I am pleased that you noticed that about the east and west gardens.These gardens did seem rather plain at first, but when I noticed how they worked for visitors after the hive of activity I thought the direct approach was spot on. This was confirmed as the approach by the landscape architects. People were the main element here, and my favorite image of all of them was the children climbing the Benny Bufano stone cats in the East garden. SWA group said that in the old academy the sculptures were in a paved courtyard and it was not very safe for children to climb on. Now with soft grass and mulch about children have a great time while their parents can watch and relax. So, I loved that different approaches work in public gardens.
I did want to include some flowers, so I am glad you noticed the ones I identified growing on the living roof. In true gardener fashion, I could not help but try to explain how it would all look in the spring, just as one does when one has a visitor to ones own garden!
Very Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 4. November 2008 @ 15:15
OK…that is just about the coolest building I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing, I’m definately putting that on my list of place I MUST visit next summer!!!
Comment by inadvertentfarmer — 4. November 2008 @ 18:06
Hi inadvertantfarmer!
I just love your blog!
Swiss chard to eat
a pile of leaves to jump in
and a camel and goat friend!
Thanks you so much for your comment!!!!
Regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 4. November 2008 @ 18:33
I guess it was in bad shape after the earthquake but look what they replaced it with. So it was a blessing. I am attracted to buildings that mimic the surrounding landscape or rolling hills in this case. It also reminds me of water or waves.
It looks like a big hit with folks of all ages. My favorite space was the lounging area inside. The roof over the area creates an open enjoyable atmosphere and flows so well. It would be a good place to take your I-pod and forget your stresses. Not every space can let you do that.
And you got to meet the landscape design guys too…well that is a treat. So the dirt never shifts? The squares that hold the dirt must be made of a soft plastic that is form fitting. I guess I would just love to study it in person. I want to see it from every angle.
It is most assured a real engineering feat. Seems like they thought of everything. I bet the bathrooms were even unique. You can tell that the artist/archetect was able to freely design. I bet they were over the top thrilled to get this project. How often in their careers do they get to design such a pleasing structure?
The stresses are perfectly balanced or the dirt would be in the building. That is success! I really enjoyed the tour and taking the trip. You put so much effort in to communicating the feel too. I like that most.
Comment by Anna — 5. November 2008 @ 10:08
Philip, I was delighted to see a new post by you again. As always, you choose subjects that focus my interest like few others can. I’ll now put this on my to do list for SF sites and, Lordy, I love Golden Gate Park anyway. Of course, I was fascinated by the ‘green roof’. I have worked on some earth-roofed homes myself and they are a fabulous and terrific innovation. In Reno, Nevada, for example, they provide just the proper cooling mechanism for the High Desert Summers. Some roofs are 3 feet thick, meaning you can actually grow trees as well, believe it or not, and the roof lines of that museum reminded me greatly of them. The ajuga and poppies and the lot will be exceptionally reliable growers there and I would expect a lifetime’s worth, frankly, of staying power. Then again, they can do anything they want in time because it is utterly changeable. What a fabulous concept, eh? I’d be throwing in a meadow, like your back yard, myself, lol. Really neat stuff, Philip. As always, thanks! Gobama!
Comment by Steve — 5. November 2008 @ 10:24
Anna!
It is a blessing to have you comment. I love your post explaining the beginning to your story. I so much believe in you, my friend! I thought the story of your life as a young person in the nations forces and finding your true love was so honest and compelling. You are a wonderful person, Anna.
Sincerely,
Philip
Comment by admin — 5. November 2008 @ 11:59
Steve!
I am so impressed how you create magic in such raw landscapes.
on the one hand, the setting is open and has vistas to distant mountains.
On the other hand, suburban tracts are in place. So Boring and sterile.
YOU! Take this and create MAGIC with rocks and drought tolerant plantings in a natural way that will look so enchanting when the gardens are mature.
We need more people like you. I KNOW that you have taken the elements of Japanese gardens you have studied, but have not created a pastiche, but have extrapolated these principles in real world applications.
Awesome.
Your Friend,
Philip
Comment by admin — 5. November 2008 @ 12:22
An excellent post, lots of depth and great photos! Where I to visit SF, I know exactly where I shall head! This is the best reuse, repurpose, recycle of public lands I’ve seen. Thanks, Phillip for an excellent tour. Now how to get a green roof on the list of home imp[rovements. gail
Comment by Gail — 6. November 2008 @ 00:44
Hi Gail!
Thanks for your comment!
yes, they call this the greenest museum.
Green roof at home does sound great!
I loved the solar panels doing double duty as a awning.
I think it is great that new buildings are using natural air for ventilation and natural light for illumination. Some things come back in a full circle, be re-imagined.This gives me hope for the future.
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 6. November 2008 @ 01:47
Thank you and I’m counting on you to follow my story. It’s got lots of thickets and thorns along with fluffy things and down comforters.
Comment by Anna — 6. November 2008 @ 04:19
I have given a quick skek of your post just to tantalize myself. I can’t just read your blog any old time and place. It has to be the weekend with a cup of joe and biscotti (don’t tell my mom but I dip). So it’s a date for the weekend - see you then Philipsgardenblog.
Regards,
Shauna
Comment by Shauna — 6. November 2008 @ 07:13
That is the most fascinating green roof I have seen. I had to enlarge and stare at the picture of how the the rolling hills integrated the building with the land. It is a captivating site, with the open structure and surrounding landscape meshing together.
Comment by Northern Shade — 6. November 2008 @ 15:48
Hi, Philip! You are such a perfect host to San Francisco! Now you’ve given me a good reason to Go Into the City! This was fabulous. I love Bufano so I kind of teared up seeing those wonderful sculptures. (Don’t you love the one along Sausalito waterway?) Thank you so much for this enlightening tour! I will forward the link to some folks who will definitely appreciate!
Warmly, Kathryn
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 6. November 2008 @ 16:58
Hi Anna!
count me in!
Also, I loved looking at your beautiful garden with fall foliage
Philip
Comment by admin — 6. November 2008 @ 19:27
Hi Shauna,
Mmm biscotii dipped in coffee…that sounds so wonderful!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 6. November 2008 @ 19:29
Hi Northern Shade!
You hit the nail on the head…the structure and landscape do mesh together!
I love your Rocky Mtn. images and trip!
What a perfect time to go before the snows. We once were caught in a blizzard by Sonora pass in June!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 6. November 2008 @ 19:39
Hi Kathryn!!!
Yes, the Benny Bufano sculptures are friends and I feel emotional about them too. Don’t you love how the children gravitate to them? They are like magnets with happy energy. All those years with children petting them and climbing on them.
Thank you so much for your support.
Very warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 6. November 2008 @ 19:42
Hi, Philip. Took me a while to get here (kinda a lot going on the last couple of days, ya know–) but I’m glad I did. Amazing place, amazing post. Thank you.
–Kate
Comment by theManicGardener — 7. November 2008 @ 03:47
Hi Kate!
Yes!It has been an incredible time in history.
Thank you so much for your comment!
I am working on a couple of new posts now. This weekend I hope to work in the garden,too. I have visions in my head of what I want the garden to look like this spring.
I have enjoyed looking at your site.
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 7. November 2008 @ 16:54
Wow. Exceptional building, grounds, purpose, and execution. The roof is amazing. Thanks for the sharing your visit there. Places like this are hopeful signs we may yet get it right.
Comment by linda — 8. November 2008 @ 15:55
Phillip,
That is the largest living roof that I have ever seen. Great picks as always!
Jayme
Comment by Jayme — 10. November 2008 @ 03:47
Hi Linda!
Thanks for the comment!
Best,
Philip
Comment by admin — 10. November 2008 @ 22:05
Thanks, Jayme
Philip
Comment by admin — 10. November 2008 @ 22:06
Jayme,
I loved your post on overwintering birds. very good info and i hope you have a great time in NY!
Comment by admin — 10. November 2008 @ 22:08
hi…
great…
Trackback by China man — 2. January 2009 @ 09:53