'gardens by the bay' by wilkinson eyre, singapore
image © designboom


designboom was recently in singapore where we had the opportunity to document the
progress of wilkinson eyre's masterplan for 'gardens by the bay'. consisting of three distinctive
waterfront gardens the development spans a total of 101 hectares.

situated along the marina reservoir within the heart of singapore's new marina bay complex,
the design - which was originally won in an international competition - is set to become an integral
part of the governments strategy to integrate natural and built environments.



aerial view of 'flower dome' and 'cloud forest'
image © designboom


due to open in june of this year, the two cooled conservatories - the 'flower dome' and 'cloud forest' -
are positioned at the bays edge where their steel and glass bodies optimize views and provide a
further connection between land and water. the energy efficient buildings utilize the latest sustainable
building technologies and contain a system for capturing and filtering run off water before dispersing
it back into the reservoir.



image © designboom


housing 226,000 plants from every continent but antarctica, the domes act as an amalgamation of
architecture, environment and horticulture. the 'flower dome' - the larger of the two structures at 1.2
hectares - will feature mediterranean-type plants, while the 'cloud forest' will mirror tropical high-elevation
regions like those found in south america and mount kinabula in sabah. 



'supertrees'
image © designboom


also nearing completion are the 'supertrees', dominating vertical gardens that range in height from 25-50
meters. outfitted with photovoltaic cells and technologies that mimic ecological functions, the structures
act as environmental engines and a source of solar energy for the peripheral area. one complete, an elevated
walkway will connect the larger trees and lead visitors towards a food and beverage outlet to be located at the
top of the tallest structure.



image © designboom



image © designboom



shot at night
image © designboom



exterior rendering
image courtesy of wilkinson eyre



(left) rendering of aerial view
(right) interior
image courtesy of wilkinson eyre



(left) waterfall
(right) exterior
image courtesy of wilkinson eyre



site plan and diagram of domes
image courtesy of wilkinson eyre



concept sketch
image courtesy of wilkinson eyre



sustainability diagram
image courtesy of wilkinson eyre