Hidden within the bustling cityscape of Singapore lies a remarkable sight – towering structures that seemingly appear out of a futuristic utopia. We all know them as the Supertree Groves of Gardens by the Bay. While they have grown to be an iconic symbol of the city as well as one of the most popular tourist attractions, there is much more to them than it meets the eye.
Who Built the Supertrees?
The Supertree Groves are a relatively recent addition to Singapore’s already impressive skyline. The concept for the Supertrees was first introduced in 2006 as part of Singapore’s larger efforts to create a more sustainable city. In 2010, the government began construction on the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, which was completed in 2012. The Supertree Grove is made up of 18 Supertrees, which are vertical gardens ranging in height from 25 to 50 meters (80 – 160 feet). Each Supertree is a complex and intricate structure, consisting of a concrete core, steel frame, and an outer layer of planting panels.
The Supertree Groves as Pillars of Sustainability
Through the use of innovative technology and design, the Supertree Groves provide a unique and sustainable way of creating green space in an urban setting. As vertical gardens, each tree is home to a variety of plant species, which help to purify the air and reduce the urban heat island effect. They also provide shade and shelter for anyone in the area, making the Supertree Groves an ideal place to escape the heat and humidity of Singapore.
But that’s not all! One of the unique features of the Supertree Groves is the photovoltaic cells installed on the canopy. These cells convert sunlight into electricity, which is used to power the Supertrees’ lighting and environmental control systems. The Supertrees also have a rainwater harvesting system, which collects rainwater for irrigation and helps to reduce water usage!
As you can see, at the Supertree Groves, “sustainability” is not just a buzzword, but a way of life. The Gardens by the Bay team has gone above and beyond to ensure that the Supertrees are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also eco-friendly. From the construction materials used to the technology incorporated, every detail was carefully considered to minimize the Supertrees’ carbon footprint.
The Supertree Groves as a Sustainable Ecosystem
The Supertree Grove is not just an artificial creation but also a thriving ecosystem in its own right. One of the key features of the Supertree Grove ecosystem is the vertical gardens that are incorporated into the design of the structures. These towering structures house a diverse range of plants and animals, providing a habitat for wildlife and contributing to the biodiversity of the area. The panels are made up of over 162,900 plants from more than 200 species, including ferns, orchids, and bromeliads! The gardens not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the Supertrees but also provide an important habitat for a variety of insects and birds. The trees also are equipped with specialized sensors that monitor their growth and health, allowing the Gardens by the Bay team to make data-driven decisions on how to best care for them.
In addition to the vertical gardens, the Supertree Grove also features a number of other green spaces, including a ground-level garden and a nearby forest walk. These spaces are carefully curated to showcase the rich biodiversity of Singapore’s flora and fauna, which helps us understand the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
The Supertree Grove is also an important site for scientific research, as it provides a unique opportunity to study the interactions between different plant and animal species in a highly controlled environment. Researchers are studying how the Supertree Grove ecosystem can be used as a model for sustainable urban design, and how it can help to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on urban areas!
A lot of us may simply go and admire these beautiful trees without realizing that behind all of these efforts lies a larger goal to promote environmental consciousness and inspire everyone who visits to take action towards a more sustainable future!
Plan Your Trip to Singapore | Best Travel Resources
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