Imagine if every flat roof in a city could become more than just a protective cover. What if rooftops helped cool the streets below, grew food, generated energy, and gave neighbors a place to meet?
That vision came alive on September 11, 2025, when representatives from local authorities, including policy makers, designers, urban planners and architects, met in The Hague for a MultiRoofs workshop. Organized by the Nationaal Dakenplan and guided by architects from MVRDV, the session invited participants to think about how rooftops can serve people and the planet.
Four Rooftop Stories That Inspired Change
Participants rolled up their sleeves to redesign four real rooftops from across the Netherlands:
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Rotterdam Parking Garage
A plain parking structure turned into a “green-red” hub with urban gardens, sports areas, and solar panels. The discussion focused on making it safe, accessible, and welcoming for the whole community. -
Utrecht Library
Layers of life took shape: quiet green zones below, lively social spaces in the middle, and solar power above; blending public and private investment to match the library’s educational mission. -
Haarlem Warehouse
Here the challenge was youth safety and city connectivity. Ideas included swapping solar panels for green roofs to create ecological corridors, plus a rooftop sports deck and café to keep the space lively and supervised. -
Housing & School in The Hague
A true neighborhood effort imagined classrooms under the sky, water-saving features, and gardens shared by residents and students alike
What We Learned
1. Multifunctionality matters.
The best rooftops combine energy generation, greenery, recreation, and social spaces to deliver the biggest impact.
2. Co-creation works.
When building owners, citizens, investors, and public officials plan together, the results are more inclusive; and more likely to happen.
3. Local context is key.
Every roof is different. Designs need to fit the specific building, neighborhood, and community needs.
4. Safety and accessibility come first.
Whether it is a public park or a semi-private deck, people must feel secure and be able to reach it easily.
Why It Matters
Cities everywhere face rising temperatures, heavier rain, and a need for more green space. The MultiRoofs workshop showed that rooftops can be part of the solution; turning unused surfaces into vibrant, climate-resilient urban assets.
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit the Nationaal Dakenplan to see how you can help bring multifunctional rooftops to your city or get in touch with the MultiRoofs consortium!