# Plant-Covered Community Centers This Community Center is Hidden Beneath a Sprawling Grass Roof By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-10-28 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grass-roof References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/28/vector-architects-chongqing-taoyuanju-community-center-mountain-grass-roof-china/) & [vectorarchitects](http://www.vectorarchitects.com/m/index.php/project/detail/6) 'Vector Architects' designed a beautiful community center that is hidden beneath a thick grass roof. The process of integrating a new building into a natural environment can be a tricky task for architects. This modern community center demonstrates that it is possible to design buildings that complement the natural landscape. The 'Chongqing Taoyuanju Community Center' is located in a mountainous part of southwest China. In order to help the building blend into the natural environment, the architects decided to build a [grassy rooftop canopy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hengqin-culture-and-art-complex). They began by splitting the area up into three volumes, each of which serves a different function for the local community. The sprawling grass roof connects each of these steel structures and helps conceal the concrete exterior. The structures are also [surrounded by plants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calwer-passage), which helps to further hide the man-made structure. The plant-covered community center represents a unique balance between nature and modern design. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Natural Architecture:** Integrating natural elements as a fundamental part of modern architecture can improve the quality and aesthetic of environmentally friendly buildings. - **Green Roofs:** Use of green roofs in modern architecture provides opportunities for ecological sustainability and sustainable urbanization. - **Biophilic Design:** Interweaving natural forms into the design of urban structures can help to establish a connection between people and the natural world. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architects and designers can utilize natural architecture to create sustainable and durable buildings. - **Landscaping and Horticulture:** Green roofs can help promote ecological sustainability in urban areas and present opportunities for creating attractive outdoor spaces. - **Urban Planning:** Green roofs and biophilic design can provide an opportunity to implement more sustainable and livable urban environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Urban Roofscape Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/central-yards.md) - [Contrast-Texture Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lakehouse.md) - [Clover-Style Conference Center Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zgc-international-innovation-center.md) - [Plant-Covered Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-kd45.md) - [Green Roof Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shibanee-kamal.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.md) - [Terracotta Concrete Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iztapalapa-pilares-community-center.md) - [Garden-Centric Health Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carcavelos-health-complex.md) - [Traditional Garden-Inspired Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shanfeng-academy.md)