MS, Kent State University, 2024, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

The increasing adoption of mass timber construction in the United States coincides with heightened environmental concerns in the building sector. Sustainability in construction is commonly assessed through third-party certification rating systems, notably LEED. Extensive analysis of 369 completed commercial mass timber structures in the U.S. shows that 36.1% of these projects have secured certifications from reputable third-party sustainability rating systems, with 63.9% of the certified projects achieving LEED certification. These results highlight a strong connection between mass timber projects and sustainability certification, outperforming conventional construction materials. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the test variables including project location, size, and building type, accurately predicted sustainability certification status for 74.7% of cases in the dataset. Furthermore, it identified mixed-use projects as a statistically significant predictor of sustainability certification.

MS, Kent State University, 2024, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Transformability in structures presents opportunities to challenge traditional spatial programming and form-making concepts. Unlike conventional static buildings, deployable structures provide dynamic solutions to changing environmental conditions, adaptive locations, functional transformations, and emergency relief scenarios. This thesis aims to analyze and design dynamic, movable joints to produce a transformable, free-form structure. Adolfo Perez-Egea notes that the “study of deployable structures has been carried out traditionally by simplifying their constituent elements—joints and rods—to ideal entities.” (Perez-Egea, A. et al., 2021) Exploring constituent elements offers an opportunity to understand the dynamics between components as well as identify opportunities for novel material assemblies and detailing methods. In transformable structures, joints provide needed support among interdependent elements (rods) while also enabling a family of intersecting conditions. This study will explore these types of flexibilities and the spatial morphologies movable joints can produce. The small-scale toy 'Magic Torus' (Nishihara A., 2014) will serve as design inspiration and a translated case study in the development of prototypes for an inhabitable environment. Flexible glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP) rods have been selected for this study due to their combined high tensile and flexural strength, low bending stiffness, and large deformations to make free-form structures.

MS, Kent State University, 2022, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

The construction industry's environmental impact is a growing concern, necessitating a shift towards sustainable practices. The construction industry is the leading cause of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases (Globalabc, 2019). The global construction industry is increasingly likely to fall short of the promise of the Paris Agreement to decarbonize by 2050 (Paris Agreement, 2015). To reach the goal, our standard for sustainability and environmental sustainability must be higher. As the paradigm of construction and materials shifts towards sustainable practices, we must conduct a comprehensive assessment of different materials and processes. This research introduces a comprehensive approach to the environmental assessment of Mass Timber, specifically cross-laminated timber (CLT) using the Environmental Value Engineering (EVE) methodology. When comparing different environmental assessment methodologies such as cost-benefit analysis, Life Cycle Cost Analysis, Input-Output Analysis, EMERGY analysis, and EVE analysis it was found that only EVE is the unique methodology that incorporates all the inputs of Environment, Fuel, Goods, and Services throughout the life cycle. Acknowledging the environmental challenges posed by construction, the study focuses on comparing the environmental effects of CLT. Analyzing each life cycle phase, including the resource formation stages, is crucial as the raw material for mass timber is renewable and comes from nature. Grounded in the need for a holistic assessment method, the study aims to bridge gaps in the evaluation of the environmental effect of cross-laminated timber. It employs a quantitative and qualitative approach, utilizing EMERGY values as the cornerstone for the analysis. From the EVE analysis, the Transformity of the cross-laminated timber was determined to be 6.48E+11 solar emjoules/board foot. The EMERGY of a 20'X10' CLT panel was calculated to be 8.91E+14 SEJ. The analysis of individual life cycle phases revealed tha (open full item for complete abstract)

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

Abstract: Memory impacts who we are as individuals and how we organize and structure the world around us. Many theorists have questioned whether memory is an individual or collective experience, and the answer to that question remains to be determined. Nonetheless, religion, its practices, and its rituals has historically impacted the memories and, subsequently, the death practices of people throughout history. This begs the question of whether sacred death practices and deathscapes can be cultivated, outside of the context of religion, to express and affect the collective memory of today's society. An in-depth analysis of the theory surrounding collective memory – as defined by Maurice Halbwachs in La Memoire Collective and extrapolated upon by Aldo Rossi in The Architecture of the City – and the theory regarding the components of the sacred – written upon by Ioan Augustin in Sacred Space and practically applied to contemporary spaces by Thomas Barrie in Spiritual Path, Sacred Place – was conducted. This provided criteria for the components of the sacred, against which several deathscape precedents were compared. Results indicated that, while some precedents had been successful in the creation of deathscapes which had met the criteria of sacred space, even outside of overtly religious connotations, very few of these projects had been completed in the United States. Given that the United States has had a long and complex history regarding death practices and the creation of deathscapes, the applicability of the aforementioned precedent analyses is limited. It is critical then that a new deathscape is designed that can reflect and be reflected in the contemporary collective memory of American society.

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

Abstract Strip malls today look the same or are similar to those constructed in the 1930s. The visual pollution created by strip mall signage, parking lots, and architecture distracts and confuses drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The environmental pollution created by visitors, strip mall tenants, and the physical building negatively impacts the air, sound, light, and soil quality of the surrounding suburb. This thesis analyzes the components of strip malls and their effect on the surrounding community and environment. It is important to understand how strip malls can be reimagined to reconnect with the urban fabric of the surrounding community. The surrounding area, location, tenants, and owner are a few reasons why a strip mall is a success or failure. The effects of demographics, culture, politics, pollution, and the public realm on strip malls should be further researched and taken into consideration in order to advance the strip mall typology. The public realm encompassing many strip malls, like Millcreek Plaza in Boardman, Ohio, is not considered as important as it should be. Developers have started to consider other types of strip mall access besides vehicular access, but it is slow. Building reuse, sustainable parking, and community engagement are a few ways to help reunite strip malls back into their surrounding area. Strip malls are not disappearing and should advance with society. This study emphasizes the need to analyze today's strip malls and explore how they can be adapted in order to ensure their ability to survive economic downturns and societal changes.

MS, Kent State University, 2023, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

In the midst of a technological revolution, where industries are rapidly evolving to embrace cutting-edge technologies, AEC faces a persistent challenge. It grapples with a noticeable disparity between state-of-the-art technologies and their practical implementation. This research takes a deep dive into the transformative potential of HRI within the AEC context, with a primary goal of bridging this profound gap. The central aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of empowering robots with advanced object detection capabilities, primarily focusing on the YOLO algorithm, to autonomously recognize and select construction materials, such as bricks, during construction tasks. This innovative approach marks a significant departure from conventional construction practices, where instructions typically flow in a one-way direction from humans to robots. The introduction of the ArchiTech project, which is built upon the ROS and Python, exemplifies an unprecedented shift in making robots smarter and more responsive to human operators. The integration of robots into human-oriented tasks offers a plethora of benefits, and these extend beyond the AEC sector. First and foremost, it leads to enhanced precision and quality. Robots, being inherently precise and consistent, have the capacity to perform repetitive tasks with an unparalleled level of accuracy, which translates into improved product quality and consumer satisfaction. Moreover, robots enhance safety and ergonomics in the workplace. They can undertake tasks that are perilous or physically demanding for humans. By doing so, they improve worker safety and the overall ergonomics of the workplace. This is particularly notable in industries like construction, where robots can be deployed to handle heavy loads and operate in challenging terrains, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries. Robotic fabrication also holds the promise of boosting efficiency and productiv (open full item for complete abstract)

MS, Kent State University, 2023, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) is a rapidly growing field within the architecture and construction industries. It has the potential to address many challenges of the present, given its speed of fabrication, design flexibility, and material efficiency. Yet, there has been minimal research investigating the thermal potential of 3DCP. As well, concrete is known for its high embodied energy. With the consequences of Climate Change increasingly present, the need to explore new and sustainable manufacturing methods, materials, and building systems is critical to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Therefore, it is important for new technologies such as 3DCP to consider thermal analysis in the design and development stages of material research. Specifically, through three-dimensional (3D) printing, concrete blocks and wall assemblies are no longer limited to the existing standards of traditional concrete assemblies. Instead, by harnessing the potential tooling path generated during the printing process, this research aims to investigate the thermal potential of a 3DCP block through the optimization of an interior infill pattern. As well, though 3D printed components can be rapidly generated using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems, the thermal analysis of these components has been limited by time consuming and expensive material testing procedures. This research highlights the benefits of simulating a Hot Box apparatus using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to analyze the thermal resistance of 3D printed concrete blocks. By integrating FEA alongside volumetric optimization, this work generated concrete blocks with lower concrete volumes and higher thermal resistance than standard concrete masonry units of the same width.

BA, Kent State University, 2023, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

In the spirit of Jun'ichiro Tanizaki's In Praise of Shadows (1933, translated 1977), this thesis investigates the relationship between light in interior space and human existence and perception. It is an attempt to better understand lighting design on a humanistic, experiential level. Part memoir, part historical account, and part phenomenological meditation, “Atmospheres of Light” aims to capture the elusivity of light, to make sense of the influence it has on human beings in the built environment, and to inspire more thoughtful lighting design.

MS, Kent State University, 2023, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Biosolar roofing is an integrated roofing approach aimed to lower the 40% energy expenditure coming from the building sector. However, photovoltaic panel energy efficiency varies and panel arrangements creating sun and shade conditions will impact any existing plant community. For existing buildings, preparing for the replacement of a conventional roof or green roofs with a biosolar roofing system can offer a next generation energy solution if energy savings and vegetation opportunities can be projected. Studies have shown that photovoltaic panels increase electricity production by 2-6% due to cooling effects of evapotranspiration (Kaewpraek et al., 2021). In this study an existing semi-intensive sedum-based roof system is modelled for PV retrofit to determine beneficial synergies. This research uses a mixed methods approach of field gathered plant community data and computational analysis for energy modelling with BEM software Honeybee and EnergyPlus. The building was modeled and calibrated which showed that the green roof positively affects the building's energy performance and that adding shading above the green roof would not negatively affect the energy performance. Through four scenarios to determine the relative maximum energy production when retrofitted with PV panels and found a 32.4% energy offset for the building. However, a method to examine the increase in PV panel output when combined with a green roof was not achieved. Modeling and simulations still do not meet field study values and need to be developed further for more practical use. The plant of sun and shade roofs were categorized under by high, medium, and low insolation levels in (kWh/m2/year). In relationship to the light levels, a sedum community is adapted with locally collected green roof shade plant data and augmented with secondary publications. Presented here are the outcomes from the field studies which showed that height is not a great indicator of difference between the two plant commu (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2022, Art History (Fine Arts)

The Sea Ranch is an architecturally significant resort community on the north coast in California's Bay Area, with a master plan and aesthetic that is renowned for its treatment of the local site conditions and rural built environment. This study seeks to demonstrate that the Sea Ranch can be understood through the lens of settler colonialism in the United States not in spite of its ecological and site-specific credo, but indeed precisely because of it. In untangling the relationship between architecture, landscape, and vernacularity at the Sea Ranch, so too does the relationship between its visual and cultural antecedents begin to unravel the myth of the place. In reading the Sea Ranch's environmental and aesthetic citations through the experiences, histories, and means of survival of the land's original stewards, the Kashaya Pomo, the settler colonial framework undergirding the project complicates the ways in which the Sea Ranch's utopian beginnings were conceived of and are recounted in architectural history.

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2022, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

Abstract The creation of nationalism and national identity in nascent nations has been one of the most crucial issues preoccupying specialists. Due to the absence of considerations and restrictions, architecture and urbanism in Iraq has recently experienced major deterioration and disregard which is influenced by unstable political, economic, and social life. Accordingly, local experts and architects began to recall the architecture presented by the Department of Public Works, considering it as a part of local identity. Following the First World War, Britain's late colonialism adopted a new political strategy based on a tutelary approach of which the mandate system was the essence. After defeating Turkish troops and seizing the land, British officials took possession of three Ottoman provinces, Baghdad, Mosul, and Basra, without having clear knowledge of who the Iraqi people are. The new state was perceived as a tribal, primitive component, divided religiously and ethnically into hostile groups. Thus, to impose complete control over such a heterogeneous structure, the British adopted a prejudiced approach that only enhanced tribal, ethnic, and sectarian conflicts. In terms of architecture and urbanism, the challenge was to search for an urgent conceptualization of architectural identity that would appease the indigenous people and also maintained colonizers' presence. The Public Works Department, as the first official administrative foundation, was a powerful entity that played a great role in Iraqi nation-building and national identity creation. Due to the top priority granted by the local government and the British Empire, the royal architects of the PWD were awarded absolute freedom to create a new architectural image. Methodologically, the dissertation will qualitatively analyze textual and visual primary and secondary sources, focusing primarily on the most important political and administrative policies of British colonizers, as well as the central gove (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Fine Arts, The Ohio State University, 2022, Art

This thesis paper is in correlation with the making and result of two projects named: My Hands, Your Eyes, Your Hands, Your Eyes and Broken Objects. Both projects are connected to a site and object determined process that values an open and conditional art practice. They locate themselves in the conditions of working with spaces, materials and objects that may be discarded or unnoticed as a way of reimagining of what we regard as important. This thesis paper describes the installation of My Hands Your Eyes, Your Hands, Your Eyes which was included in the 2022 Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition that occurred from February 15th to March 19th at Urban Arts Space in Columbus Ohio. This project explores the differences and ambiguities of art, design and architecture with a phenomenological and experiential installation using light, space, and reflection. It also reflects on the craft oriented and contemplative material processes of laminating cardboard, stained glasswork, and neon bending. Included are a selection of writings and photographs from Broken Objects, an on-going project where I solicit and mend objects for others. This project began by thinking about the cycle of disposal in my object making practice. It has grown into a collection of unique correspondences between myself and project participants that center around their objects in need of mending and the stories they generate. Both projects work to re-invent artistic modes and ways of making by reinvigorating objects, spaces, and conditions. I value the knowledge gained through working with one's hands by way of craft materials and processes. These projects create opportunities to work in craft and studio practices while focusing on communal and shared experiences.

Master of Arts in History, Youngstown State University, 2022, Department of Humanities

This thesis analyzes Congregation Rodef Sholom's identity and development as a community of Reform Jews in Youngstown, Ohio through a study of its synagogue design. The period under consideration traces back to 1867, the year of the community's founding. More extensive analysis begins in 1914 with plans to construct a new synagogue on Elm Street, which borders Wick Park. This study concluded in the present day with a consideration of the congregation's future and how leadership and members are responding to declining trends in the Jewish population of Youngstown as reflected in synagogue design and use. Discussion of developments in the broader Jewish community such as the synagogue-center and Jewish Community Center will provide insight into the architectural decisions made by the building committee with the contours and ideologies of its congregation in mind. A brief history of the city of Youngstown and Reform Judaism in the United States serves to explain the dynamics of the Jewish community in the city. This thesis is historiographically unique in that it considers a deep history of a singular synagogue in relation to the congregation and city in which it serves. The intent of this thesis is to explain how the congregation designed and updated their synagogue to fit their needs and goals as Reform Jews in Youngstown, Ohio. The building design aided the group in integrating into the city while establishing a vibrant Jewish community. Congregation Rodef Sholom's synagogue is an architectural manifestation of the desires of Reform Jews in Youngstown, Ohio.

MS, Kent State University, 2022, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Hybrid structural systems constitute a broad field that expands design exploration toward non-euclidean geometries with double curvature surfaces and lightweight components. The BeTA pavilion is a structural assembly integrating biotensegrity principles with bending-active and form-active components. It constitutes a complex hybrid system due to the high interdependence between its members to assemble and achieve the desired equilibrium and stiffness. Thus, textiles are employed as an active structural component rather than skin, a quality that also challenges the effective control and prediction of the pavilion's structural behavior and final geometry. This thesis aims to develop an integrated platform as an efficient design approach and to predict structural behaviors of hybrid textile systems by exploring the BeTA Pavilion. Existing computational platforms are investigated to identify an effective and efficient workflow that supports an iterative design process for modular hybrid textile components. This research employed physical and digital modeling using Rhino+Grasshoper+Python+Kiwi3D! interface. It was performed in four exploration phases: modules, global geometry, arrangement, and textiles. Each phase was congruent with the design and building process of the BeTA pavilion; however, its application extended toward the development of any hybrid textile structure that combines bending and form-active components. The exploration employed the actual material properties of the BeTA pavilion's components. The study found that it is feasible to control the global geometry of a hybrid textile structure with modular components. Also, It has been found that each new configuration of the knitting influences the mechanical properties of the knitted textile from a linear to a nonlinear structural behavior parallel and perpendicular to the stitch pattern. Thus, even though the textile's mechanical properties can be introduced in the proposed workflow, they should no (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Fine Arts, The Ohio State University, 2022, Art

When I enter the glass studio I think about my body. I think about how my body can feel itself belong and fit into a space or how it can feel isolated from it. I think about your body and how it moves in unison with the glass, my body, and the space that surrounds it. Together we must find a way to fit into the curves of the studio in that moment, we must find our place in that space. As I push forward towards the artwork, this idea of finding your body fitting or not fitting into different spaces is explorative. The installations exploit instances that grow and shrink the viewers physicality in relation to another object or space. Often playing with the moment of finding the world larger than life through the over exaggerated architecture. I have recently found myself caught in a look, one that permeates all my being. The kind of look that doesn't bounce off, and doesn't seem to disappear, though it only lasted a moment. I am questioning my gaze, my looks and the gaze and looks that come my way. Through co-opting the AWOOGA moment of a look, the look that juts out from the eyes of Tex Avery's character Wolfy. I am processing these looks within my own cartoony constructions that are comprised of paint, wood, glass, and textiles that form an installation. The AWOOGA is cringy, crinkly, playful, and funny. When I watch the two eyes jut out from Wolfy's face I sit back relax, laugh or my whole body tenses up and freezes as I remember too many unwanted looks that have shot my way.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2022, Civil Engineering

The Dayanta pagoda, also called the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, is located in Shaanxi Province, China. Built in the Tang Dynasty, the Dayanta symbolizes the highest architectural achievement of ancient Chinese civil engineering. The process of constructing the Dayanta was investigated and simulated graphically in 3-D models. The methods of data collection, modeling, and VR production proved effective for digitally reconstructing an ancient building and simulating its construction process. The project was divided into four major parts: 1) data collection, 2) investigation of the construction process, 3) 3-D modeling and 4) VR production. Data collection uncovered the evolution of the Dayanta through the literature, with its changing style and number of levels, which reflected cultural influences on ancient Chinese architecture. The site selection of the pagoda on top of a plateau is speculated to stem from cultural and religious influences. Data collection enabled a repository about the Dayanta to be established, which included historical studies, dimensions, and photographs taken during a field trip to the Dayanta. Due to the scarcity of information of this ancient pagoda, the investigation of the structure and construction process of Dayanta often requires the use of present practice as a guideline to past practices, tailored to the availability of ancient materials and technology. The investigation of the structure and construction process of the Dayanta provided these important findings: 1) The local yellow loess soil, which is soft and unstable, was excavated and replaced with a mixture of gravel, sand, and rammed soil. 2) The integrated foundation made of rammed soil and brick is believed to be stronger than that made solely of rammed soil, since the pagoda rebuilt in 709 CE after the foundation of the first version collapsed still stands. 3) The case of the Dayanta serves as a template for studying ancient construction management, which requires a high degree (open full item for complete abstract)

MS, Kent State University, 2022, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Increasing human population density in cities leads to population decline in local native plant communities. To address this condition, roofs designed to host native species offer a solution for restoring native local plant communities. Although most roof environments use engineered growing media for vegetation, a potentially more sustainable approach would be using a combination of local soils and adaptive seeds to better mimic natural habitats that may assist in creating abiotic and biotic conditions that enable plant development (Best et al. 2015; Coffman, 2009). To further an understanding of seeding rooftop environments, a field study assessing germination was conducted on two locally sourced substrates at the Lakefront Dune Roof (Lake Erie Coast, Cleveland, Ohio). The germination rates of two warm-season native species hand-seeded into two locally sourced substrates (beach stone and local sand) was observed from May 14th to August 21st, 2021. Doellingeria umbellata is a wildflower native to wet sandy prairies in Canada and the eastern region of the United States and Sporobolus compositus is a perennial grass native to dry prairies along the eastern region of the United States. Germination was recorded in four experimental treatments (4 m2): Treatment A contains thick local sand, Treatment B contains thick beach material, Treatment C contains thin local sand, and Treatment D contains thin beach material. Each treatment has varying slopes and substrate depths due to the assembly of the roof. Results show that local sand was the more productive substrate for S. compositus growth which showed a marginal germination rate in Treatment A 25.8% and Treatment C 33.2%. D. umbellata had less productive germination rates in local sand, with Treatment A 0.05% and Treatment C 0.06%, which were lower germination rates than S. compositus. I also found that beach stone was less effective at supporting S. compositus and D. umbellata combined, with the highest germination rates (open full item for complete abstract)

MS, Kent State University, 2021, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Tw-Ice is a built, free standing, 10-meter-tall ice shell construction project composed of 2 asymmetrical cones intersecting to form a parabolic arch. The formwork used for construction utilized a prestressed rope and fabric method that when deployed under the load of ice would deform defining the bowed appearance of rope lines and scalloping of the fabric between. Plans developed for the construction process were done digitally through the use of 3d modeling software which didn't adjust for this deformation ultimately leading to inconsistencies between the digital and physical models. This research focuses on finding better methods of modeling behavior of prestressed rope under a load, better methods of modeling fabric draping under a load, and ultimately develop a more overall accurate digital model to real world conditions related to the Tw-Ice project that could be implemented for future projects. Methods for this research will be examining current work related to the topic of flexible/fabric frameworks and their application as well as an overview of current modeling algorithms that accommodate deformation under a load. Using computational design techniques in digital modeling software to deploy deformation principles to build a model better representative of real-world conditions. A comparative analysis between the built project and digital representation will assess the accuracy the techniques examined. The outcome of the research will be the development of a tool deploying an algorithm that can better reflect built deformation in the digital environment.

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2021, Integrated Bioscience

Spider webs are versatile structures that spiders build to intercept and capture insects. The varied architectures of webs influence how webs interact with both spider and prey. In addition, the behavior that spiders use to manipulate the web can vary greatly, often in conjunction with differing architectures. Orb webs catch insects through passive interception or active usage by the spider. Passive webs are constructed to wait for insects to fly into them, while in active web usage spiders use muscular power to directly manipulate silk onto prey, like a bolas, or to elastically load a web with energy, like a slingshot. My work focuses on how the structure of webs and the behavior of spiders influence both passive and active web hunting. Passive webs are well studied, including material properties of the silk, the architecture, their prey capture breadth and efficacy, and much more. However, these studies mostly overlook the anchor threads, which are the long threads that connect the spider web to its environment. When I investigated the long anchor threads of Micrathena gracilis I found that the anchor threads can play a major role in prey capture through a significant increase in the capacity to absorb impact energy from an insect striking the web. This work demonstrates the importance of studying systems in their natural state and shows the influence that architecture can have on energy absorption capabilities. For my work on active webs, I studied two spiders known to use their webs actively to determine how this active usage actually aided prey capture. My work on Hyptiotes cavatus led to the first documented example of an animal using external power amplification as the spider loaded its web with energy and released the web onto prey in a smooth, tangle-free movement. My work on Theridiosoma gemmosum uncovered the spider's ability to detect the direction of airborne vibrations of flying prey, and to release a web towards an insect before the insect mad (open full item for complete abstract)

MS, Kent State University, 2021, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Roofs are being designed to support native plants to make cities more ecologically productive and biologically diverse. Yet, the architectural knowledge base remains limited when it comes to native planted roofs. In particular, how roofs can be designed to support local biodiversity. Designers are often left without clear guidelines in selecting native plant species, specifying substrate composition for local conditions, and navigating the site-specific construction process. Without this information future green roofs risk negative impacts in biodiversity, as well as ecosystem health. To help solve these problems, this thesis comprises three studies in the area of biodiverse green roofs. Firstly, the study compiled regional proven species into a sortable database of green roof plants. From published sources, this database enables sorting and selection of a variety of specific design attributes for professional and research use. Secondly, a multifactorial field trial comparison using thirty-six 1m2 green roof plots demonstrated the type of growing substrate, rather than native species, may have most influence effecting yearly weed maintenance and ecosystem health. Thirdly, a green roof installation on the Cleveland lakefront that incorporates native plants and soils for biodiversity acts as a case study. This case study offers lessons learned for the design and construction fields. The results of these studies lead to a better understanding of how to design for greater ecological productivity, native plants, and biodiversity in roof systems.