Hybrid infrastructure in new Singapore gardens
Rendering of a new botanic garden in Singapore, to feature giant, solar 'supertrees.'
A master plan by Grant Associates of the UK has been selected from an international competition for the design of Singapore’s largest garden project to date, Marina South Gardens. The architecture and landscape for the ambitious plan are inspired by orchid anatomy and include a series of micro-ecosystem conservatories to house plants from Mediterranean, temperate and tropical climates. Now the “wow, we live in the future!” part: these facilities are proposed to be powered by 50- to 150-foot tall ‘supertrees,’ vertical gardens that contain solar hot water heaters, photovoltaic collectors, rainwater harvesting systems and venting ducts. In addition to creating renewable energy, the supertrees will provide shade and evening lighting, and some will be connected to each other by aerial walkways. The first phase of construction is expected to be complete by 2011.
(Via Inhabitat)
