Urbanization and Rooftop Gardens: A Green Revolution
Dr. Tarnima Warda Andalib, Assistant Professor, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh,
Dr. Nusrat Hafiz, Assistant Professor and Director of Women Empowerment Cell, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Aristotle once said that a great city is not to be confounded with a populous one. But eventually, Henry David Thoreau rightfully said every city has created lonesome lives of millions in segregated communities and that is why Desmond Morris grieved about it and uttered that Cities are not only concrete jungles but also human zoos. Well, in spite of all faults and flaws, urbanization accelerates. The more urbanization occurs, the more challenges mount up in the cities. Moreover, in a developing populous country like Bangladesh, urbanization has to face perilous dynamics even more.
Prottoy (2018) highlighted Bangladesh’s rapid urbanization, which has risen from just 5% urban population historically to nearly 30% over the past two to three decades, driven by infrastructure development and lifestyle changes. Unplanned urban growth has resulted in less agricultural land, higher food demand, and negative environmental effects. Rooftop gardens are a great solution to urbanization’s loss of green spaces and farmland, offering environmental, economic, social, and health benefits while promoting urban agriculture.
As urbanization grows, cities face challenges like pollution, reduced green spaces, and loss of agricultural land. Innovative solutions, such as rooftop gardens, are being adopted worldwide, especially in densely populated countries like Bangladesh. Rooftop gardens help improve urban air quality and reduce the heat island effect by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also manage stormwater, reducing run-off and mitigating flooding. Singapore is a global leader in integrating greenery into its urban infrastructure. The city-state has implemented an extensive green roof program where buildings, both private and commercial, are encouraged to incorporate rooftop gardens. New buildings are even required to include a minimum percentage of green cover. This initiative has reduced the city’s heat island effect and enhanced air quality.
Rooftop gardens offer essential green spaces that improve mental well-being by providing a retreat from urban life. They foster social cohesion, allowing people to meet, collaborate, and enjoy nature. Toronto was one of the first cities to launch a green roof program, offering incentives for rooftop gardens. These spaces not only offer ecological benefits but also promote healthier lifestyles and increased social engagement, contributing to improved mental health in areas with rooftop gardens.
Urban agriculture is growing as cities use rooftops to produce food, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing food security. In 2020, Paris launched plans to convert 100 hectares of roof space into gardens by 2025, growing vegetables, herbs, and even honey. This initiative supports local food production and positions Paris as a model for urban sustainability.
Rooftop gardens provide economic benefits by reducing energy costs through natural insulation and increasing property values with enhanced aesthetics. In Brooklyn, New York, the Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm transforms commercial rooftops into urban farms, lowering energy costs and generating revenue from organic produce sold to local markets and restaurants. This model has inspired similar urban farming projects across the U.S.
While rooftop gardens offer numerous benefits, there are challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation. Older buildings may require reinforcement to support the rooftop gardens. Proper engineering assessments are essential to ensure the building’s structural integrity. Regular maintenance, such as watering, pruning, and pest control, can be resource-intensive. Additionally, gardens require consistent attention to thrive. Installing rooftop gardens involves significant initial costs for materials and labour. These costs can be a barrier for building owners, especially for older structures with limited capacity.
Despite the challenges, rooftop gardens represent a promising solution to many urbanization issues, including environmental degradation, economic inefficiency, and social isolation. As seen in successful global examples, cities like Singapore, New York, Toronto, and Paris are embracing the power of rooftop gardening to promote sustainable urban living. For developing countries like Bangladesh, integrating rooftop gardens can not only mitigate climate-related issues but also offer social and economic benefits, making cities more liveable and resilient.
is working as an Assistant Professor in BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. She earned her Doctoral Degree in Technology Management from Universiti Malaysia Pahang with Doctoral Scheme Scholarship and PGRS Grant, and afterwards worked as a Post-Doctoral fellow at Universiti Sains Malaysia in the Tech SMEs’ entrepreneurial bricolage area. She received a Silver medal for the CITREX research competition as well as an award for 3-minutes research competition in Malaysia. She has been working as a faculty for almost thirteen years and previously has worked in the IT and Technology Division at Grameenphone Ltd company as a Senior Executive for half a decade.
is serving as the Assistant Professor and Director of Women Empowerment Cell (WEC) at BRAC Business School, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. She earned her PhD in Strategic Management from Putra Business School (AACSB-accredited), Malaysia. Her outstanding research contribution has garnered her “quality journal publication awards” in multiple categories. She possesses half a decade of corporate exposure at Standard Chartered Bank and Robi Axiata BD. Her research interests span strategic management, women’s empowerment, digitalization & innovation, climate entrepreneurship, and social entrepreneurship.
