September 21, 2024
< Back to BlogIf you’ve been seeing the buildings around you miraculously get taller, here’s why: Rooftop development is on the rise! Let us tell you why!
As urban areas grow more crowded and land appreciates and becomes scarcer, cities are looking upwards for new real estate opportunities and it might just be the solution we’ve all been looking for. Rooftop building is quickly becoming the leading solution to the challenges of population density, housing shortages, and environmental sustainability. Without expanding a building’s footprint, planners and architects are able to, through mainly their use of crate-like prefabs, add residential units, penthouses, or co-working spaces atop existing structures which maximize the use of vertical space without disrupting established population-dense neighborhoods.
These prefab “symbiote” homes can be seen popping up in places like Paris, London, New York, and California, and with the recent worldwide housing crisis severely affecting the ability to rent, much less own a home, they’re a very welcome sight. While rooftop homes are not the end-all solution for tackling the growing demand for housing in population dense areas, in places like London where approximately 49,000 new homes are in deficit annually, they’re a way to supplement other life changing solutions to the housing crisis.
It’s not just about housing however, in the face of the recent drastic decline in the availability of “third spaces”– spaces in which people can mingle to develop personal and group identities, hope is found in newly developed rooftops. Rooftops are being remodeled into vibrant green spaces, recreational areas, and commercial buildings providing utility and solace to their surrounding community alongside offering panoramic views of the city. But the good news for downstairs residents doesn’t end there — from rooftop gardens where one can kick back under the sun to outdoor cafes and bars that encourage social mingling, these elevated spaces are becoming vital hubs for tourists as well!
Rooftop development is transforming cityscapes into dynamic tourism destinations, fit with a hip atmosphere and must-see views. While the consensus on tourism and its effects are still very divided, rooftop lounges, restaurants, and bars mitigate a lot of the issues associated with modern-day tourism and the accommodations necessary to nurture it. Building these rooftop attractions doesn’t eat away at precious ground space better utilized for local housing, meaning locals may no longer have to grapple with the sudden gentrification of their neighborhoods through the loss of low-income homes, bulldozed to make space for touristic attractions and rental spaces. These new structures can also be found hosting events that enhance the local culture and economy, amplifying the visitor and local experience, showcasing the city’s innovative side, and preserving its scenic charm.
All in all, rooftop development represents a forward-thinking approach to tackling the complex issues facing modern neighborhoods. Creatively utilizing pre-existing structures in order to address housing shortages, improve sustainability, and enrich community spaces, all while preserving the space locals have grown to love and live in. Proving once again that the sky is truly the limit when it comes to the evolution of the urban landscape.
Join us in building up instead of out and bringing new life and intricate artistry to the skyline!