Gardens
By The Bay
Singapore
Gardens by the Bay (Chinese: 滨海湾花园; pinyin: bīnhǎi wān huāyuán; Malay: Taman
di Pesisiran; Tamil: வளைகுடா தோட்டம்) is a park
spanning 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land[1] in central Singapore,
adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront
gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. The largest
of the three gardens is Bay South Garden, standing at 54 hectares (130 acres). An
international competition for the design of the master plan, held in January
2006, attracted more than 70 entries submitted by 170 firms from 24 countries.
Two firms – Grant Associates and Gustafson Porter[2] – were eventually awarded
the master plan design for the Bay South and Bay East Gardens respectively.
Architectural
elements
Supertrees Grove
Supertrees are tree-like structures that
dominate the Gardens' landscape with heights that range between 25 metres (82
ft) and 50 metres (160 ft). They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude
of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental
engines for the gardens. The Supertrees are home to enclaves of unique and
exotic ferns, vines, orchids and also a vast collection of bromeliads such as
Tillandsia, amongst other plants. They are fitted with environmental
technologies that mimic the ecological function of trees – photovoltaic cells
that harness solar energy which can be used for some of the functions of the
Supertrees, such as lighting, just like how trees photosynthesize; and
collection of rainwater for use in irrigation and fountain displays, exactly
like how trees absorb rainwater for growth. The Supertrees also serve air
intake and exhaust functions as part of the conservatories' cooling systems.There
is an elevated walkway, the OCBC Skyway, between two of the larger Supertrees
for visitors to enjoy a panoramic aerial view of the Gardens. A food and
beverage outlet is planned atop the 50-metre (160 ft) Supertree. At night, the
Supertrees come alive with a light and music show called the OCBC Garden
Rhapsody.
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