Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly has unveiled plans to convert an aging shopping centre in the heart of California’s technology hub, Silicon Valley, into the world’s largest rooftop park.

The sprawling installation features a 6km walking trail winding around orchards, vineyards, playgrounds and an amphitheatre.

© The Hills at Vallco

If realised, the green roof development would take the place of the existing Vallco Shopping Malls, and would occupy a 50 acre site between Apple’s One Infinite Loop headquarters and the Norman Foster-designed Apple Campus 2.

A part of Sandhill Property’s three billion dollar development plan for the area, the green roof initiative looks to also integrate two million square metres of office space, 800 apartments, a mall with a cinema as well as an ice rink and gym.

© The Hills at Vallco

Taking into consideration environmental factors, the green roof schemes has been designed to ensure the continued protection of existing healthy trees and will also be responsible for the planting of native and drought-tolerant flora.

© The Hills at Vallco

Sandhill Hill’s managing director, Reed Moulds, told Mercury News that “there will be nothing like it when we’re done”.

“We believe its community focus will make this a remarkable place to live, work, dine, play, learn and recreate,” he says.

Plans for the green roof initiative will be submitted to the City of Cupertino in the coming weeks and a public consultation is currently running live on the The Hills at Vallco website.

Bonnie Tai

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