Rooftop Futures

Free download

In collaboration with Amsterdam's rooftop festival ROEF, we're exploring the hidden potential of the urban roofscape.

The New Frontier of Urban Development

In this time of shrinking housing markets, mass urbanisation and a climate crisis, the rooftop landscape is becoming the new frontier of urban development. As under 2% of all urban rooftops are being used, they are the ultimate place to experiment with innovative housing solutions, sustainable food production, climate change adaptation, and new types of public space. Some pioneers have already started, but the future — and potential — of rooftops is yet to be defined.

From Food to Mobility

Can we start a food production revolution on top of our houses? Will urban rooftops carry the new tiny house villages? Can we turn urban rooftops into mini community airports for electric air taxis? In this trend report, we will outline five trends that are driving rooftop pioneers to unlock the potential of the urban roofscape. With creative and innovative examples, we’ll show you that endless possibilities can be found on rooftops in cities around the world.

Interested in hearing more about this publication? Get in touch with Jeroen

Jeroen Beekmans

Jeroen Beekmans

jeroen@popupcity.net
+31611293820

Related Insights

Cairo

Four Creative Policies to Unlock the Urban Roofscape

How can cities encourage better use of roofs? We show four examples of creative policies from around the world that are bringing about positive change.

Rooftop Catalogue

MVRDV Presents… 130 Ideas for Rooftops

The newly-released Rooftop Catalogue by architects MVRDV highlights 130 ways to use rooftops in cities. The book provides an overview of innovative ideas aiming to inspire architects, citizens and building owners to take the next step.

Rice Terrace Rooftop

Asia’s Largest Rooftop Farm Is a Rice Terrace on Top of a University

A building of Bangkok's Thammasat University is now home to Asia's largest rooftop farm. Drawing inspiration from traditional rice-farming practices, the farm mimics a local rice terrace landscape.