With the construction of the Gary Comer Youth Center and its rooftop farm, students now have a safe and welcoming environment where they can engage in educational and recreational programs.

ASLA Honor Award Recipient, Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects
(Photo: Larry Okrent Associates)

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Situated directly above the Center’s gymnasium and cafeteria, the green roof includes 24-inches of soil topped with dozens of species of vegetation, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This provides significant insulation for the rooms below, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the building.

ASLA Honor Award Recipient, Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects (Photo: Hoerr Schaudt)

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During heavy storms, the lush rooftop garden plots absorb rainwater, reducing the amount of runoff that reaches city storm drains. This helps alleviate problems associated with rapid stormwater runoff such as flash flooding and water pollution.

ASLA Honor Award Recipient, Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects (Photo: Scott Shigley)

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The pathways, which also separate the garden plots, are made of recycled materials such as milk cartons and tire pavers. Using recycled materials reduces dependence on natural resources and minimizes deforestation.

ASLA Honor Award Recipient, Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects (Photo: Scott Shigley)

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Surrounded on all sides by a ring of classroom buildings, the garden provides refreshing views for students circulating through the building. Circular metal structures dot the garden’s interior and serve as both artistic elements and functional skylights that allow natural light to pass into rooms beneath.

ASLA Honor Award Recipient, Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects (Photo: Scott Shigley)

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The rooftop garden, which is used to grow a range of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, has become a haven for student learning and urban agriculture. Here, students learn about nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability while engaging in all steps of the growing process from seed to harvest.

ASLA Honor Award Recipient, Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects (Photo: Scott Shigley)

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The working garden provides also fresh produce for on-site cooking classes as well as meal preparation at the Center’s café and other local restaurants. Local food production is crucial for building self-sustaining communities.

ASLA Honor Award Recipient, Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects (Photo: Scott Shigley)

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