Singapore, a densely populated city-state, is transforming its urban landscape by integrating nature into its architecture. New buildings are mandated to replace the greenery lost due to development, leading to innovative designs that incorporate vertical gardens and rooftop oases. This initiative not only improves the well-being of residents but also attracts tourists and creates spaces for therapeutic tourism.
In Singapore , where the urban landscape is a tapestry of towering structures and relentless activity, a conscious effort is underway to weave nature back into the fabric of city life. Doris Yip, a Singapore native, reflects on the city's transformation. 'To stay in the city — very, very stressful,' she says, describing the frenetic pace of life in this metropolis on the tip of the Malay Peninsula. With a population density almost twice that of Toronto, Singapore an life comes at a cost.
Yip, born in 1959, recalls a time when the city skyline was dominated by low-rise buildings. But the 1970s ushered in an era of rapid urban expansion, coupled with large-scale deforestation over decades, resulting in a significant decline in animal and plant life. The concrete and steel jungle has taken its toll on the population's well-being, with rising rates of anxiety, obesity, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other health issues.However, a growing movement is striving to integrate green spaces into the urban environment. In 2009, the Singapore government implemented a groundbreaking policy requiring all new buildings to compensate for the greenery lost due to development. This mandate has inspired visionary architects to think vertically, transforming high-rise terraces and rooftops into vibrant gardens. The aim is to cultivate a sprawling urban forest, weaving a green tapestry across the city, offering respite for inhabitants, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and purifying the air. 'Nature is our life-support system,' says Richard Hassell, an architect whose firm is dedicated to designing solutions that address climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanization. 'We think it's a human right to be within touching distance of nature.'Singapore's commitment to urban greenery is evident in the transformation of its cityscape. Boxy grey structures are now adorned with verdant drapes, and climbing vines gracefully adorn windows. Hassell, standing on a rooftop oasis, surrounded by lush foliage and the symphony of birdsong, gestures towards a painted turtle paddling in a shallow pool. This integration of nature benefits not only the locals but also attracts tourists from around the globe. The city-state's architectural marvels, including the Supertree Grove's giant vertical gardens and the magnificent seven-storey waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport, have become iconic destinations. Singapore is also investing in therapeutic tourism, creating naturalized spaces that provide support for individuals with dementia and neurodiverse children, including those with autism.
Urban Greenery Sustainable Architecture Singapore Vertical Gardens Therapeutic Tourism
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