The project in five facts.
Challenge, approach and results.
In the diploma thesis, the author examined three hypotheses which were tested throughout the entire assignment. As the first hypothesis, the author proposed that in Slovenia there are still fewer green flat roofs than conventional flat roofs. Where they are used, conventional flat roofs are still in first place, which are mostly built by companies and large industrial halls as well as larger shopping centres, which still predominate in number.
Problem
In the diploma thesis, the author examined three hypotheses which were tested throughout the entire assignment. As the first hypothesis, the author proposed that in Slovenia there are still fewer green flat roofs than conventional flat roofs. It was established that flat roofs in Slovenia are still a considerably under-researched field.
Solution and Method
Where they are used, conventional flat roofs are still in first place, which are mostly built by companies and large industrial halls as well as larger shopping centres, which still predominate in number. The hypothesis is confirmed on the basis of the research, although there are no public records available that could show the exact figure. As the second hypothesis, the author assumed that the space of a green flat roof can be well utilised.
This statement can also be confirmed. People spend more time in areas where they feel comfortable. Green flat roofs are still in relatively small numbers in Slovenia, but those that exist are nicely arranged and simple, so that people gladly sit on them.
Green flat roofs in Slovenia do not primarily serve the purpose of socialising and utilising additional space, but are merely of an aesthetic nature or an individual's choice. The author expects that the trend will continue or be upgraded in the future. The third hypothesis assumed that in the long term, the installation of a green flat roof is better than the installation of a flat roof.
The author assumes that the future will bring more environmental regulations. From this perspective, a green flat roof is of course at least a small attempt to return greenery to the environment, whilst at the same time providing people with cleaner air, preventing direct entry of harmful rays and primarily absorbing dust particles and cleaning the air as well as producing it. Slovenia does not yet necessarily require such measures, but it would be desirable for people to become aware of this to the greatest extent possible.
In the long term, a green flat roof can also have a negative impact on a building, as over the years it is more difficult to protect the building from overgrown roots, whilst at the same time waterproofing is also put to a great test here. The hypothesis was rejected. Slovenia is also becoming an increasingly strong country in terms of construction.
Not only from the perspective of the economy, but also from the perspective of comfort. People are accustomed to their own houses, not just residential blocks. Having one's own house is among people's priorities.
Increasingly modern awareness can be observed in new builds. Flat roofs have begun to appear considerably more frequently in recent years than they did in the past. Recently, an article also appeared on the Žurnal24 website, which suggested that green roofs might perhaps become prescribed by law in the future.
Soil is a good insulator which could be used on all flat roofs on larger buildings such as shopping centres, sports halls, warehouses and storage facilities. The author believes that they will continue this trend and also upgrade it, as the practice of greening flat roofs has proven to be excellent in other European countries as well, such as France. Municipalities could also contribute a great deal to this at the beginning, for example with subsidies or free consultations.
Although roofs are still mostly not designed as a space where people could spend time, in the future they will begin to think in this direction as well. If schools and educational institutions spread awareness about all the changes in the construction of flat roofs, investors will be less afraid of them, whilst at the same time creativity will also be greater and more valued. Construction is an industry that allows the use of different ideas.
Ideas need to be understood, changed, accepted. Even flat roofs are nowadays something that was perhaps impossible in the past, then forbidden, later ridiculous and today modern, whilst in the future it will probably also be legally prescribed. When the author looks at and reads through the diploma thesis in some time, the author will certainly find things that will make the author think again, but from a different perspective.
Flat roofs are still a challenge for the author that the author would like to tackle personally. And who knows, perhaps the best morning coffee is most effective on the first floor through the kitchen on the dewy lawn at sunrise…
Module, programme and stories.
Your diploma project for a real company.
A diploma thesis at Academia solves a challenge from a company – often the one where you do your 800 hours of placement. Read about the Gradbeništvo module or book a consultation.