Ronald Chen reports in from a recent trip:
‘Gardens by the Bay is an integral part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden” – ‘to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city.’ Hmm . . “Garden City” and “City in a Garden” . . . what is the difference?
.
The two clam shaped building are cooled conservatories: the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, “Flower Dome is the worlds largest columnless glasshouse.” (They sure have a lot of world’s first: tallest Ferris wheel, biggest aquarium, longest elevated swimming pool.)
.
.
The portion of “Garden by the Bay” I visited was “Bay South Garden”. (There is also Bay East and Bay Central). . . . opened to the public on 29 June 2012. . . 54 hectares (130 acres) on reclaimed land.
“The final construction cost for the project, not including the price of the land … was within a $1.035 billion allocated budget. The conservatories were okay busy but most part of the park was nearly empty when I visited. Must be the haze, I guess. Because of it many outdoor events and attractions were cancelled, including the skyway on the Super Tree … .
.
Thanks, Ronald. PT always appreciates the latest updates from readers around the world.
