The competing needs for rooftop space are inspiring different approaches to building design. In the UK, the Fitwel 2-star rated 60 London Wall office building offers outdoor space to its tenants through a series of tiered terraces in a wedding cake design on its upper five floors.

“There’s increased onus among companies to create workplaces which support the physical and mental health of their employees,” says Child. “Looking at design options beyond the simple flat roof approach mean a greater number of tenants can benefit from their own accessible clean and open spaces.”

The key is using the space to provide amenities that optimize the employee experience. The White Collar Factory coworking development in London, for example, has transformed its rooftop into a terrace for outdoor lunches and meetings – along with a 150-meter running track circling the edge. Google’s new London HQ boasts 300 meters of landscaped rooftop gardens and a 200 meter running track.

For now, many rooftops are still undeveloped but as demand grows for outdoor urban space, many will look different in the years to come. 

“Buildings – and landlords - have to adapt to the changing world around and the evolving expectations of tenants,” says Shiels. “Rooftops that rise to the challenge will give buildings an edge – both in terms of their financial performance and their sustainability and wellbeing credentials.”

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