A related at-grade approach is to create an outdoor space in the form of a “Pop-Up Park.” These are commonly used to reclaim car-designated zones (i.e., parking spaces or extra traffic lanes) for pedestrian use. Pop-Up Parks vary in size and could encompass a one-car parking space, many spaces linked together, a reclaimed portion of a lot, a whole block, or a full lane. Many parks offer seating areas, gardens, bike parking, exercise, and other amenities. They were first recognized in San Francisco and New York in programs like “Pavement to Parks.” To create Pop-Up-Parks, level platforms, such as modular pedestal decks, are built on top of existing pavement and are populated with planters, railing, benches, furniture, and other accessories.

This allows for low installation costs since they can be installed in a way that does not require reconfiguring the streetscape, doing much, if any demolition, or altering utilities. Some elevated deck manufacturers offer all the elements required for a Pop-Up Park installation, helping with a smooth installation and offering a consistent warranty for the entire system.

Outdoor Spaces Above Grade

In multistory buildings, elevated surfaces, such as roofs, terraces, and balconies are ideal opportunities to incorporate landscape and biophilic principles into a design. These locations can be developed at the outset as part of an overall design intent or can be reclaimed and repurposed as part of a renovation project. Either way, they provide excellent potential for connecting the built portion of the design with natural elements and features for the benefit of all involved.

Regarding the overall approach, John Denman, Head of Sales at Tournesol Siteworks offers practical advice having been involved in a wide range of rooftop greening projects. John notes, "A thoughtfully curated rooftop should seamlessly pair functionality with aesthetics.” He goes on to point out that “Several factors contribute to the success of a rooftop space. It starts with the architect or designer understanding the balance between amenity space and utility space. Products such as planters and trellises can play a large role in strategically concealing utility areas. Additionally, more municipalities are requiring stormwater or bioretention planters as part of the project." Connecting the different functions and uses with the overall landscape design becomes the key to achieving the desired results.

Landscaped Planter Project Example

Photo courtesy of Tournesol Siteworks

Project: Anderson & Desimone Healing Garden
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Landscape Architect: Payette Associates

The Project: A short drive from downtown Boston, the Anderson & Desimone Healing Garden is a testament to biophilic design's profound impact on health and well-being. Nestled on the 6th floor of BIDMC's Klarman Building, this garden is more than just a space for relaxation—it's a sanctuary for healing, reflection, and connection with nature. Payette Associates, the landscape architects behind the project, transformed the rooftop space into 11,000 square feet of ADA-accessible pathways of flourishing plantings.

The Landscape Design: Central to the garden's design are modular planter walls which are critical to the project's wayfinding strategy. The weathering steel walls guide visitors through the rooftop garden, creating an intuitive and immersive experience with each curve and bend that frames the space. The planter walls artistically cradle perennials strategically planned by landscape designers, ensuring the garden remains vibrant and full of life year-round. The biophilic design benefits patients, their families, and the dedicated staff at BIDMC.

The customizable planter walls allowed the designers to incorporate varying planter wall heights easily to accommodate the site's needs. Specifying a weathering steel finish not only gives a beautiful, rich patina finish but has its own set of benefits. It is resistant to atmospheric corrosion compared to other steels. This unique characteristic allows the steel to rust in a way that protects it and creates a natural look.

The Results: The Anderson & Desimone Healing Garden represents hope and healing, exploring the intersection of nature and healthcare.

DESIGNING WITH MODULAR DECK SYSTEMS

Modular and versatile deck systems give designers the flexibility to create unique and beautiful rooftop environments and outdoor spaces. Versatile, adjustable pedestal deck systems can be utilized over any structural surface - on bare structural decks, rooftop decks, roof membranes, green roofs, terraces, compacted grade, pavement, pool surrounds, or in water features.

Once a decision is made to use a modular, adjustable deck system, then design professionals can turn an otherwise wasted space into a functional outdoor amenity or an attractive and sustainable feature of the building. Architects can include a mix of pavers and surface materials including wood, stone, structural porcelain, trays for crushed rock, grating, artificial turf, and/or concrete, and planter cubes and benches, to create unique, custom looks. Other features can also be incorporated as part of a successful outdoor deck design. Where nighttime use is desired, recessed lighting can be included to enhance the ambiance of the deck area and improve visibility and safety. Water ponds or fountains can similarly be incorporated since adjustable pedestal systems are ideal for use in such features. The deck system conceals the water supply beneath the surface materials and allows water to drain to the surface below for recycling. Additionally, when high quality plastic supports are used, they are impervious to water, mold, and most chemicals. The water permeability of the system also helps reduce energy loads on the building by keeping the roofing surface cooler and well ventilated.

Through the modular design of surface materials and accessories, designers can create an abundance of different design visions without the need for custom or costly materials. The modular design contributes to quick and easy installation, keeping the construction economical and budget friendly. Fastening kits facilitate swift and secure installations of deck surface materials such as wood tiles and paver tray-backed pavers. Built-in bottom slope-leveling mechanisms provide pedestal stability and adjustability, even once loaded. Tab sets on each pedestal allow for consistent tile or paver spacing. Pedestal systems can also be designed to meet wind uplift requirements. Wind uplift systems, when installed to the manufacturer’s specifications, are designed to resist high-velocity wind in zones where they are prevalent or required to be addressed by codes. Where required, fire retardant pedestal systems are also available.

Photos: (left): courtesy of Bison Innovative Products; (right): Halkin Mason; courtesy of Bison Innovative Products

Modular outdoor deck areas can be created at grade level to produce “Pop-up Parks” or at upper levels to form outdoor terrace or balcony amenity spaces.

Sustainability of Deck Systems

Modular deck systems can contribute to sustainable design goals and may help projects earn certification through LEED, SITES, WELL, and other green building programs. Specifically, they may help to reduce a building’s carbon footprint through a reduction in a roof’s ambient temperature, provide the potential for green space, become part of a rainwater collection system, or help reduce the need for roof replacement thus extending the service life of the roofing. Wood tiles can be crafted from premium-grade remnants and harvested in an environmentally responsible method designed to preserve the economic viability of rainforest hardwoods. Some manufacturers of wood tiles associate with governing groups such as FSC to ensure the quality standards and practices of wood acquisition and plantation farming.

Native vegetation can contribute to the reduction of outdoor water consumption and heat transmission into the environment. Rooftop gardens encourage social interaction and outdoor engagement, benefiting users’ health and well-being. Supporting a sense of community and reducing mental fatigue and negative emotions through environmental interaction may contribute towards green building certifications. Green roofs and terraces can expand usable space to include gardens and walkways. Designs that include green roofs demonstrate imagination in the use of materials that minimize maintenance and a project’s environmental footprint.

Photo courtesy of Tournesol Siteworks

Vegetated trellis systems can be incorporated with other landscaping elements to create a more immersive environment in outdoor spaces.