Preference 8. Varied and complementary rooflines
Sometimes referred to as the fifth elevation, rooflines are often unseen as people tend to look down rather than up while walking. When noticed, they seem to have an outsize impact on people’s perceptions of beauty.
Skyline variation with features and / or diverse roof forms adds visual richness.
Variations in roof pitch along with features such as chimneys and dormers, can break up rooflines and add visual interest in traditional schemes such as Nansledan (top left). The wind cowls at BedZED, Hackbridge (top right) have a similar effect, as do the Corten roof gardens atop this Manchester apartment block (bottom left). Building form can also introduce variation. The podium surrounding this Greenwich Peninsula block (bottom right) with its varied eaves line sits in front of and softens the starker outline of the towers behind.
Uniform or unduly fake or contrived roofscapes reduce perceived quality and therefore attractiveness.
Traditionally, buildings had clearly defined bottoms, middles, and tops (a tripartite division). Modern construction, whether traditional or contemporary in style (top), often simplifies the top. Such uniform rooflines are commonly seen as boring and therefore unattractive. Conversely, roofscapes that appear contrived or fake are also widely disliked (bottom). While roofs serve a functional purpose, they also offer an opportunity for expression and an elegant meeting of building and sky.