As you walk through the streets of Singapore, you discover a fascinating urban transformation: between the glass and steel skyscrapers, plant towers emerge and reinvent the landscape. Since the 2000s, these green buildings have been adopted as part of the sustainable development project of the city, a true pioneer in this field. These structures are part of Singapore’s ambitious vision: to make the metropolis a “City in Nature”, one of the fundamental pillars of the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Article by Damien Lafon / photographs by Svetlana Markoff / Edited by Alex C.
From Lee Kuan Yew’s garden city to the City in Nature
Singapore has long been seen as a “garden city”, a concept promoted in the 1960s by Lee Kuan Yew, founding father of the modern city-state. The latter saw revegetation as a central element of the well-being of the population, seeking to integrate green spaces into rapid urban development. This model, where nature and urban planning coexist in harmony, has allowed Singapore to stand out. However, over time and in the face of challenges such as climate change and extreme densification, the city-state has opted for an even more ambitious concept: that of becoming a true “City in Nature”. This means that each structure, whether offices, residences or shopping centers, becomes an ecosystem where nature no longer just accompanies urban planning, but is fully part of it.
An iconic example: the Parkroyal hotel
The Parkroyal Hotel, located in the Chinatown district, is undoubtedly one of the most striking examples of green architecture in Singapore. Designed by the famous architecture firm WOHA, this 16-story building houses offices, businesses and residences. What makes it truly unique is the presence of more than 15,000 m2 of hanging gardens, an area equivalent to that of two football fields. Palm trees, climbing plants and lush tropical flora transform the building into a true urban oasis. The Parkroyal is also a model of sustainability, incorporating rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels and eco-friendly building materials.
Did you know?
The Parkroyal was awarded the prestigious Green Mark Platinum distinction in 2012, which honors structures combining technological innovations and respect for the environment. This label is awarded to buildings that stand out for their energy efficiency and responsible management of natural resources, such as water.
A model that inspires internationally
The impact of Singapore’s green towers extends far beyond the city-state’s borders. The model has been emulated all over the world. Constructions like the Bosco Verticale in Milan, designed by architect Stefano Boeri, or the Toranomon Hills tower in Tokyo, demonstrate the growing attraction for this fusion between architecture and ecology. In France, the Quai Branly museum in Paris is a striking example with its plant walls, designed by the botanist Patrick Blanc. In China, the city of Liuzhou is even building a complete vertical forest, the Vertical Forest City complex, whose objective is to transform traditional urban planning to respond to the challenges of climate change and pollution.
The tangible benefits of plant towers
Beyond their impressive aesthetic, plant towers provide many practical advantages. They make it possible to maximize space in towns where land is scarce by introducing nature into a vertical framework. This plant presence reduces air pollution by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen, while acting as a natural thermal insulator. Indeed, these ecological complexes make it possible to reduce the need for air conditioning, thus reducing energy consumption and the carbon footprint of cities.
Did you know?
Because of vegetation, green towers help to cool the urban atmosphere by lowering local temperatures by 3 to 4 degrees. This creation of cooler microclimates is particularly beneficial for combating the effects of heat waves, which are increasingly common in megacities.
The city of Singapore is adapting its architecture to make room for Nature.
The future of green cities: Singapore as a model
As Singapore continues to push the boundaries of architectural and ecological innovation, its green towers are redefining the 21st century urban landscape. These constructions are not only a way to beautify the city; they also represent a concrete response to the ecological challenges of our time. By integrating nature into the very heart of structures, Singapore demonstrates that a sustainable balance between nature and urban planning is not only possible, but essential to guarantee a livable and prosperous future.
Other metropolises are starting to follow this example. This new type of construction, once perceived as a futuristic or utopian idea, is now becoming a necessity in urban planning, while the planet faces climate crises and the reduction of natural spaces. Singapore, with its “City in Nature” model, is paving the way for a future where ecology and urban planning are deeply interconnected, for the well-being of populations and the health of our common home, the Earth.
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