Harmonising Architecture with Nature

Throughout the course of my architecture studies, I developed a strong interest and deep admiration for the field of environmentally sustainable design (ESD), focussing on the notion of designing buildings that operate as an ecosystem, within the wider ecosystem. An ecosystem is generally described as a community of organisms (including plants, animals, microbes) living in conjunction with non-living components (air, water, mineral soil), which all interact more or less in harmony, as a functional and sustainable system. A key drive behind ESD is that humans and the buildings we inhabit should not be disconnected from the ecosystem, but rather, a continuous part of it. One of my early inspirations which exemplifies such concepts is Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, a beautiful horticultural attraction characterised with exquisite garden artistry. In addition to modelling sustainable development, it correspondingly uplifts and educates each visitor on the importance of reconvening our complex relationship with the natural environment.

Some of the key themes discussed in this article are:

• A View on Nature

• Embodying Self Sustenance

• Educating by Example

• Connection through Art

• Inspiring Possibilities

A View on Nature

In the current landscape, most urban developments inevitably impede natural ecosystems using traditional construction methods and technologies, often due to economic reasons and ease of use. Although it may take increased effort and work to introduce reform into these systems, with a clear vision and solutions-orientated mindset, it is indeed possible that buildings can better utilise their surrounding context and climatic conditions to achieve more sustainable energy- and water-efficient outcomes that reduce overall environmental impact, as well as enhance local biodiversity and wellbeing. With a clear intent by the Singapore government to create not merely a ‘garden in a city’ but rather a ‘city in a garden’, subsequent environmental technologies, economic strategies and policies are driven to come to fruition, producing outcomes such as Gardens by the Bay. I was especially awed by the Cloud Forest conservatory’s waterfall structure housing numerous galleries inside, yet alive with lush greenery on the outside, showing what beautiful things can emerge when the best of natural creation and human capability unite.

Embodying Self-Sustenance

The Gardens, besides from being a celebration of flora from around the world, is also an embodiment of sustainability and self-sufficiency. A number of environmentally sustainable initiatives, such as computerised sunshades, a liquid desiccant dehumidification system, photovoltaic ‘Supertree’ canopies and more, reduce operational energy demands significantly. By re-using wastes generated on-site, such as recycling the wood ash generated by the co-generation system (for power and heating) as fertiliser for the plants, or the rainwater from the conservatory domes, the garden operates efficiently as a circular economy.

Educating by Example

Whilst embodying sustainability is a step in the right direction for an energy efficient outcome, if users don’t understand the function of design choices, it becomes difficult to converse effectively with the systems installed, or appreciate the efforts made by designers, engineers and professionals involved. Through the use of frequent signage and interactive features integrated into the architectural experience, Gardens by the Bay serves to thoroughly educate visitors regarding the underlying issues of climate change, land degradation and resource depletion, with an urgent message to re-shift our practices for a sustainable future.

Connection through Art

The simple elegant forms of the conservatories feel paradoxically effortless. Whilst the architecture of the domes is a spectacular icon for the bay area, the numerous sculptures, paintings, models and art forms they house are also prime features that directly connect with people. Such inclusions give the design a more human touch and hand-crafted quality that carries with it a deeper story, bridging cultures and people together.

Inspiring Possibilities

Finally, the Gardens ties the use of artistic depictions (such as that shown above by artist Chris Morin-Eitner) with its message of a future in which the damages of our activities may be reversed and nature can thrive more wholly, and in harmony with our built environment. It poses the question; what do our cities look like, and what do we want our cities to look like and become in the future?

The Gardens by the Bay is a model for sustainability that we can learn from, to push forward for new ways to regreen our cities and design beautiful outcomes for a sustainable tomorrow.