From the Dunes and Barrens to
the Roof Top: The SUNY ESF
Gateway
Center Green Roof
CASE STUDY
Their campuses are adjacent, but their landscaping approaches
are strikingly different. While Syracuse University uses a more
conventional palette of plant hybrids and non-natives (for
example, widespread use of orange petunias to celebrate the
school color), the College of Environmental Science and Forestry
(SUNY ESF) strives to follow a native-plant-community approach
to its landscaping (using, for example, native goldenrods, oaks,
sumacs, and sedges).
Thus, it made sense that in 2010, when it came time to design
a new 9,400-square-foot green roof, SUNY ESF wanted to use
the opportunity to explore using plants from New York natural
plant communities. In so doing, common and very rare plants
within those communities provide a richer research and teaching
environment than could be afforded by the seas of sedums and
other succulents that usually dominate green roofs.
The new SUNY ESF green roof is an aesthetically pleasing
addition to the open space of the campus, and in its exceptional
plant diversity. The green roof also provides habitat for a wider
range of insects and other animals for study. It is a versatile
outdoor classroom and gathering place atop SUNY ESF's award-
winning LEED Platinum Certified Gateway Center Building
(completed in 2013). The green roof was designed to contribute
to the Gateway Center's highly efficient stormwater management
system and to aid in regulating building temperature.
Significant funding for planting and hydrologic monitoring
of the installation came from the New York State Environmental
Facilities Corporation (EFC), which is the arm of Governor
Cuomo's administration that provides low-cost financing for
local wastewater and drinking water infrastructure.
RUGGED FOR THE ROOFTOP
The lead landscape architect for the project was Darren Damone
of Philadelphia-based firm Andropogon Associates. In order to
determine the best plant species for the roof, Damone and his
■ BY MICHELLE SUTTON
12 January/February 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com
The SUNY ESF Gateway Center Green Roof was designed with ample decking to facilitate gatherings and teaching. Photo courtesy Andropogon Associates