By the Bay / SASAKİ

By the Bay Plan View / 13 January 2018

Gardens by the Bay: Landscape Design Where Tropical Climate Meets Aesthetic Innovation

Located in Singapore’s Marina Bay district, Gardens by the Bay stands as more than a green space—it is a landmark of contemporary landscape architecture, seamlessly integrating urban aesthetics, sustainability, and biophilic design principles. Leveraging the unique advantages of a tropical climate, the park exemplifies both ecological sensitivity and thematic spatial planning through its innovative landscape strategy and thoughtful plant palette.

Garden By the Bay, Singapore - 12 March 2019, Photo by Sergio Sala

Design Approach

The landscape design of Gardens by the Bay is grounded in key principles of climate-resilient green infrastructure and nature-integrated urbanism. The primary objectives of the project include:

• Enhancing biodiversity through habitat creation,

• Providing educational and experiential landscapes,

• Increasing thermal comfort within public spaces,

• And reducing the urban carbon footprint through regenerative systems.

The spatial organization features organically flowing pedestrian networks, dynamic water elements, and thematically curated garden zones reflecting regional cultural narratives. A key visual and functional element of the site, the iconic Supertree Grove, serves not only as a sculptural focal point but also integrates photovoltaic energy systems and passive cooling technologies—underscoring the site’s commitment to environmental performance.

Garden By the Bay, Singapore - 19 May 2019, Photo by Daniel Welsh

Planting Strategy and Sustainability

The planting design is tailored to the humid equatorial climate of Singapore, with a strong emphasis on ecological resilience, aesthetic layering, and low maintenance requirements. Plant species were selected based on their adaptability, ecosystem services, and contribution to the visual identity of the park.

Key considerations included:

• Prioritizing native and climate-adapted species to reduce irrigation demand,

• Incorporating deep-rooted, broad-canopy trees to moderate microclimatic conditions,

• And selecting dust-filtering, wind-buffering, and habitat-supporting species to establish functional ecological corridors.

Noteworthy species featured within the park include:

• Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) for canopy coverage and urban cooling,

• Alstonia scholaris for its vertical structure and shade value,

• Heliconia spp. to introduce tropical texture and color variation,

• As well as Bambusa vulgaris for its role in spatial division and wind mitigation.

The plant arrangement follows a tiered structure (upper, mid, and ground layers) to ensure spatial depth, ecological filtering, and year-round visual interest.

Gardens by the Bay exemplifies a synthesis of functional aesthetics and ecological performance in landscape architecture. Through its climate-adapted design approach and sustainable plant strategies, it offers not just a visually engaging environment but a living demonstration of how future urban green spaces can support both environmental resilience and public well-being. It remains a globally recognized reference for landscape architects aiming to merge innovation, sustainability, and cultural identity in the built environment.