Green roofs add a touch of nature to the concrete jungle

Great thinkers have always known that nature is essential to the human spirit. Perhaps that is why more and more architects, designers and builders are choosing to create green retreats in their designs, including rooftops that allow the eye to drink in nature's beauty.

"There are just so many benefits to green roofs," said Kerry Ross, one of Canada's leading green roof experts and the first accredited green roof professional in the country. She spearheaded a number of "living architecture" projects, including the eco-roof at the University of Calgary Research Park and the green roof initiative at Calgary City Hall.

Local researchers applaud study that links urban design to obesity rates

Are you overweight and out of shape? It could be because of where you live.

Local researchers are pointing to a new international study that has found a connection between obesity and urban geography – in particular as it relates to living in high-rise apartments.

"The literature out there is pretty clear — there's a strong relationship between the walkability of your environment and your health," said Calgary architect John Brown, a professor in the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary.

Earlier this year, Design Talks, or d.talks, captured the imagination of many Calgarians through its Lost Space Ideas Competition. Intended to spark interest in leftover, unused or underused spaces, the competition attracted submissions from more than 40 countries.

CREB®Now recently sat down with d.Talks co-founder Amery Calvelli to discuss everything from the competition to what she feels is Calgary's best-kept secret. Here's what she had to say: