terminologyword-choiceword-usage
I'm writing a paper about flat roofs. I wanted to use the term "walkable roof" to describe a roof that can be used on a daily basis (e.g. a roof terrace), but I'm not sure if this term exists in English language? What name would you suggest for this type of a roof?
If you google images of covered courtyard, you get many images like this:
Many of these images show an area between two large buildings, with a latticed glass roof. Maybe this is enough to convince you that covered courtyard works as a description.
More specifically, such a glass-covered courtyard is called an atrium, which is probably why this word sprang to your mind. Many of the spaces depicted in the linked images might be called atriums.
Further, if you google "atrium between buildings" you get many results which depict spaces like the ones you describe. This should convince you that atrium is, if not the perfect word, a very good one.
The following photo, for instance, shows an atrium between the IBM Building and Trump Tower:
It is an open space with cubicle setting:
Тhe cubicle is a partially enclosed workspace in an office which is separated from neighboring workspaces by partitions that are usually 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) tall.
Its purpose is to isolate office workers and managers from the sights and noises of an open workspace so that they may concentrate with fewer distractions.
Cubicles are composed of modular elements such as walls, work surfaces, overhead bins, drawers, and shelving, which can be configured depending on the user's needs.
(Wikipedia)
Best Answer
As a former building contractor (and native speaker of North American English) I would say that the term "walkable roof" does exist, but does not have the meaning that you want.
"Walkable roof", particularly in trade jargon would mean "a roof that is not too steep to walk on"; ie. slope is less than 8 inches rise (or so) over each horizontal foot. More likely to be used in reference to a roof with some slope than a totally flat one.
eg. "The roofers are replacing our roof; as it is not walkable, they are building scaffolding all around our house!"
I would call the type of roof shown in the photo a "rooftop patio".