Auckland Central Library Living Roof

This project demonstrates the integral role of mana whenua (local indigenous people) in the design process of public and civic spaces within Aotearoa New Zealand. This is not only to enhance Māori presence, visibility, and participation in the physical realm (Paul, 2017) but also to integrate the rich traditional ecological knowledge that Māori have practised or passed on for generations as kaitiaki (guardians) of the whenua (land) effectively into urban design and planning to help adapt to the twin and intersecting forces of climate change and urbanisation. (Kiddle et al., 2021). The roof design is inspired by whāriki, a plaiting style of weaving representing the laying of foundations for all that it bears. A poutama pattern is integrated into the design which Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei artist Hinengarangi Makoare explains symbolically represents education, progress, and ascension. The inclusion of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) is also present in the native plant selection. Plants that would have originally grown along the Waihoritiu stream which runs beneath the city center, were chosen to celebrate the pre-colonial socio-ecological history of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). 

The Auckland Central Library Living Roof provides a range of climate change benefits and co-benefits for human and non-human wellbeing that include stormwater management by reducing rainfall runoff, counteracting the urban heat island effect in the city center, increasing biodiversity and habitat opportunities for insects and birds, providing a carbon sink, and supporting improved air quality outcomes (Our Auckland 2022).
While the value benefits are yet to be quantified and recorded for the Auckland Central Library Living roof, there is research to support that green roofs can reduce the energy consumption of a building, providing insulation and maintaining indoor temperatures. A green roof can also protect the roof membrane from the elements, extending the lifespan of the roof itself  (Lewis, et al., 2015).