# Functional Rooftop Rooftop gardens and green oases are the next focus of urban planning. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Apr 3, 2018 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-rooftop ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Functional Rooftop trend? **Functional Rooftop:** Rooftop gardens that produce harvests, offer education, and/or spaces to relax are becoming increasingly common in urban areas. These environments are being centered around urban planning initiatives as consumers seek forms of escapism in the face of rising urban populations, and governing bodies seek long-term solutions to minimize ecological footprints. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 13, 2016 to Mar 20, 2018 - Published: Apr 3, 2018 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Functional Rooftop trend ### Rooftop Gardens As urban populations rise, consumers seek forms of escapism which include creating rooftop gardens that produce harvests, offer education, and/or spaces to relax ### Eco-friendly Urban Landscape There is a growing need for eco-friendly urban landscapes that can help reduce carbon emissions, which includes developing rooftop parks and produce brands ### Green Urban Spaces for Children Incorporating sustainable green spaces into children's education is becoming increasingly popular. Projects like rooftop child-centric gardens are aiming to provide an immersive learning experience for kids of all ages ## What the Functional Rooftop trend means for industry ### For Architecture & Design There is an opportunity for architects and designers to find ways to incorporate efficient and sustainable green spaces into urban landscapes in order to create more livable spaces ### For Retail & Grocery Retailers and grocers have the opportunity to grow produce on their rooftops or partner with rooftop gardens and beekeeping companies in order to supply fresh, organic produce to their customers ### For Urban Planning As cities grow in size and population, there is a need for urban planners to find ways to incorporate sustainable green spaces into their designs. Rooftop gardens and parks can be important elements in this process ## Workshop question How can your brand contribute to long-term positive social or environmental change? ## Trend signals for Functional Rooftop Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 58%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 58% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Functional Rooftop trend 6 featured examples from May 13, 2016 to Mar 20, 2018. - [Skyscraper Rooftop Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skypark-urban-park): Hong Kong's 'SKYPARK' is an Urban Park for its Residents (Category: Eco) Implication: The convergence of living, leisure, and public space drives opportunities for environmentally responsible real estate development in urban areas. - [Ecological Library Rooftops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-rooftop): Vancouver Central Library's Top Floor Will be a Green Space Community (Category: Eco) Implication: Incorporating green rooftops into building designs and sustainable building practices to reduce carbon emissions. - [Child-Centric Rooftop Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooklyns-children-museum): Brooklyn's Children Museum Has Unveiled a New Green Roof (Category: Eco) Implication: Museums can adopt the concept of child-centric rooftop gardens to provide an immersive learning experience for kids of all ages and differentiate themselves from their competitors. - [Rooftop Grocer Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iga): The Grocery Store IGA Has Introduced a Rooftop Garden (Category: Eco) Implication: The introduction of rooftop gardens in grocery stores presents an opportunity for the industry to offer fresh, locally grown produce to customers. - [Partly Transparent Urban Shopping Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-shopping-center): Lyon Part-dieu is Getting a Shiny Look by MVRDV (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Best practices in architectural design to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of urban shopping centers. - [Rooftop Produce Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frais-du-toit): IGA's 'Frais Du Toit' Brand Sells Organic Greens from Its Rooftop Garden (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Retailers can explore partnerships with urban gardening and agriculture companies to offer customers locally grown, fresh and organic produce through innovative store displays. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)