Stairs to the Roof

In Arizona, the flat roofs sometimes have stairs leading up to them. They can be used as a place to observe the sunset or sunrise…or the stars. It is a different way of thinking about that top part of the house. Lining the staircase with potted plants….putting a gate at the top to keep a toddler contained...it is an appealing difference from the roofs I see in Maryland.

And why shouldn’t we make roofs more than just a surface covered with shingles or other material to seal the house from the sky. What about collecting the water from the roofs into rain gardens rather than sending it to the sewers? Why don’t all roofs have some power generation function?

In the future - a roof that is only a roof should be the exception.