Nature in the Concrete Jungle

Biophilic Design & Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay

Side view of Park Royal on Pickering Hotel, Photo by Oleksii Fadieiev

Imagine a cityscape where towering buildings don’t block out the sky. Instead, seamlessly integrate with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, natural light, and vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. This is the essence of biophilic design. A philosophy that promotes the reconnection between humanity and nature, not just aesthetically but for our well-being.

Studies have shown that incorporating elements of nature into our built environments can yield a multitude of well-being benefits. Here at IRk Living, we share your passion for wellness, and that’s why we believe you’ll appreciate these positive outcomes:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved cognitive function and creativity
• Increased productivity and focus
• Enhanced air quality and thermal comfort
• Boosted feelings of well-being and happiness

Biophilic design pioneer, Edward O. Wilson, famously stated: “The human spirit needs contact with the natural world.” By embracing these principles in our cities, we can create spaces that not only function well but also nurture our inherent connection to the natural world.

With roots dating back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, is the design genre is experiencing a resurgence. Today’s science-backed understanding of nature’s benefits on well-being fuels this renewed interest. The best part is that the design philosophy goes beyond aesthetics. Emphasizing our connection with nature by incorporating natural features into buildings to create healthier and more livable cities.

Street in Singapore, Photo by Smeilov

A prime example of this philosophy in action is Singapore, a city-state at the forefront of this design. Here, innovative projects like Gardens by the Bay are transforming the urban landscape. This awe-inspiring park isn’t just a beautiful garden; it’s evidence to Singapore’s commitment to creating healthy, sustainable, and nature-connected spaces where residents and visitors can thrive.

Join IRK as we delve into the fascinating world of biophilic design and explore how Gardens by the Bay is revolutionizing the way we experience nature in a city.

Singapore’s Embrace of Biophilic Design

Singapore’s has made major strides over the last few decades, putting biophilic urban landscape at the forefront. Look up, and you’ll see skyscrapers adorned with vertical gardens, and waterfalls nestled indoors. These living spaces not only add a touch of beauty to the cityscape. They also improve air quality and help regulate building temperatures.

Street view of Park Royal on Pickering Hotel, Photo by Oleksii Fadieiev

Pedestrian walkways are no longer just concrete paths. They’ve transformed into verdant connectors, offering a refreshing escape from the bustling streets below. The Southern Ridgeline Walk, for example, is a 10km trail that winds through greenery. Providing residents with a chance to reconnect with nature amidst the urban sprawl.

Biophilic design also extends to Singapore’s hospitality industry. The Oasis Downtown Hotel exemplifies this approach. Boasting a staggering 11:1 green plot ratio, it offers guests an immersive experience amidst a verdant oasis. This translates to a staggering amount of greenery. The equivalent of 11 times the space of an empty plot surrounding the hotel!

Oasis Downtown Hotel, Photo Courtesy of Oasis Downtown Hotel Gallery

Similarly, the Park Royal on Pickering Hotel showcases the power of vertical gardens. Large plots of greenery wrap the exterior walls, creating a stunning and ecologically beneficial environment. Enhancing the aesthetic appeal for guests but also attracting a diverse range of urban wildlife, fostering a miniature urban ecosystem.

Park Royal on Pickering Hotel, Photo Courtesy of Park Royal Gallery

Outside of hospitality, one of the most iconic examples of biophilic design in Singapore is Gardens by the Bay. This sprawling park is a futuristic spectacle of nature and technology. Showcasing innovative ways to integrate greenery into an urban setting.

Gardens by the Bay: A Paradise in the City

Gardens by the Bay is a masterpiece of biophilic design. Transforming 101 hectares of reclaimed land into a vibrant tapestry of gardens, conservatories, and the awe-inspiring Supertrees. These colossal vertical structures, reaching up to 50 meters tall, are not just architectural marvels but also serve as vertical gardens, adorned with over 150,000 plants.

Instead of simply rows of flowers, Gardens by the Bay offers an immersive and educational journey. Showcasing a stunning array of plants not typically found in Singapore’s climate. 

Ariel view of Gardens by the Bay, Photo by Oleksandr Dibrova

The park boasts three distinct waterfront gardens – the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, and the Supertree Grove. Each dome offers a unique climate-controlled environment, showcasing diverse flora from around the world. Visitors can stroll through a Mediterranean-inspired Flower Field in the Flower Dome. Explore the orchid-filled Cloud Forest mimicking a mountain ecosystem. or marvel at the illuminated Supertrees as they come alive with a light and sound show at night.

The Cloud Forest, Photo by Netfalls

The Gardens by the Bay experience extends beyond stunning flora. They’re also a leader in sustainable practices, making them a model for responsible development in urban environments. The park seamlessly integrates eco-friendly features, allowing visitors to appreciate nature while knowing the surrounding structures contribute to a greener future.

For instance, the iconic Supertree Grove isn’t just a visual presentation – it’s a sustainability champion. Embedded with photovoltaic cells that harness solar energy to power their nighttime light displays, they are consciously recycling the energy they create. Additionally, the park employs a rainwater harvesting system, promoting responsible water management and reducing reliance on city resources. 

Night view of the Supertrees, Photo by martinhosmat083

A visit to Gardens by the Bay offers not only an immersive experience in the plant kingdom but also a chance to witness innovative techniques for environmental sustainability!

 A Sustainable Future

Gardens by the Bay exemplifies the power of biophilic design. By seamlessly integrating nature into a built environment, the park creates a space that is aesthetically pleasing and promotes sustainable practices.

Singapore’s embrace of biophilic design sets a precedent for other cities seeking innovative solutions to create healthier, more sustainable, and nature-connected urban landscapes for the future.

Jewel Changi Airport, Photo by Maria