MNLA's design for this energy-efficient green roof for Cooper Union's new building helped make it the first academic laboratory project in New York City to receive LEED Platinum certification.
Morphosis
The Cooper Union’s academic building is the first academic laboratory project in New York City to receive a LEED Platinum certification and features a 5,000 sf green roof. An open and expansive sixth floor terrace is carved into the building's sculpted facade, providing outdoor urban space that overlooks the city and historic Cooper Square.
MNLA's extensive green roof features plantings comprised of native grasses, sedums, and perennials and uses color field theory so views from classrooms reflect different compositions of hues. When seen from the long axis, the foliage and flowers merge to create a subtle rhythm of orange, red, beige, and ochre coloration. The carved limestone eagle from the original Pennsylvania Station was a gift to the school and now rests comfortably in its lofty home.
MNLA's design for this energy-efficient green roof for Cooper Union's new building helped make it the first academic laboratory project in New York City to receive LEED Platinum certification.
