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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2013

Green roof systems: A study of public attitudes and preferences in southern Spain

Fernández-Cañero, Rafael; Emilsson, Tobias; Fernandez-Barba, Carolina; Herrera Machuca, Miguel Ángel

Abstract

This study investigates people's preconceptions of green roofs and their visual preference for different green roof design alternatives in relation to behavioral, social and demographical variables. The investigation was performed as a visual preference study using digital images created to represent eight different alternatives: gravel roof, extensive green roof with Sedums not in flower, extensive green roof with sedums in bloom, semi-intensive green roof with sedums and ornamental grasses, semi-intensive green roof with shrubs, intensive green roof planted with a lawn, intensive green roof with succulent and trees and intensive green roof with shrubs and trees. Using a Likert-type scale, 450 respondents were asked to indicate their preference for each digital image. Results indicated that respondents' sociodemographic characteristics and childhood environmental background influenced their preferences toward different green roof types. Results also showed that green roofs with a more careful design, greater variety of vegetation structure, and more variety of colors were preferred over alternatives. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Urban greening; Design; Aesthetic; Preconceptions; People's preferences

Published in

Journal of Environmental Management
2013, Volume: 128, pages: 106-115
Publisher: ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

    Sustainable Development Goals

    SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Environmental Management

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.04.052

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/54921