Film & Video
Students who have an interest in video and film have found opportunities on the green roof to advance their education and professional development. They also use these products to promote the green roof initiative and educate others. For example, as part of the effort to get green roof educational materials into Ohio University classrooms, a virtual tour video was produced by Chad Reich and Megan Westervelt, two graduate students from the Scripps College of Communication. This video was designed to be used in classrooms as an introduction to green roofs. The video features interviews from two students (Austin Gray and Alex Sines) and one faculty member (Dr. Amy Lynch – CAS Geography) involved with research on the Schoonover green roof. The video also includes footage from green roofs on buildings across Athens, such as Holzer Clinic, Patton Hall, and the Schoonover Center. The video has received praise from members of Greater Ohio Living Architecture Center (GOLA) and will serve as a guideline for any future videos made concerning the green roof.
Both students were able to advance their MFA education using the green roof project while leveraging their tremendous interest and support for the project. Their video helps broaden the experience of other students and faculty in learning about green infrastructure.
When asked why he wanted to collaborate with the green roof project on this video tour Chad replied that “One of my storytelling interests is working to get people more interested in environmental issues. Part of my commitment to the MFA Communication Arts program is to serve 120 hours to the university or community each year. Video storytelling involving the green roof project allowed me to feed two birds with one scone.”
When asked why projects that involve students, like the green roof, should continue Megan responded that they are “critical for students to be a part of because they provide a unique opportunity to step into a professional career setting while receiving guidance and support from faculty and fellow students. They should continue in the future because students can be tremendously empowered by such opportunities.”
Plans are underway for videos to supplement the flyers, explain individual research projects, show our time-lapse photography of seasonal changes, demonstrate how local schools are using green roof models and expand on other aspects of projects. We welcome your participation and ideas!