Kampung BlogSingapore’s Sustainable Building Architecture
When you think of Steve Job’s famous quote, “Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do”, you can’t help but relate Singaporeans to it. Having only gained their independence in 1965, built on a swampland and with barely any resources, Singapore have gone on to become one of the fastest urbanizing countries in the world, if not the fastest.
Now as if the above wasn’t impressive enough, the Singaporean ambition and determination have led to the adoption of innovative architectural design and energy-saving technologies – to the point of becoming one of the leading models for sustainable infrastructures throughout Asia and more.
As usual, we might run onto some of those typically skeptical minds who tend to undervalue Singapore’s impressive work by stating that it was forced due to the country’s relatively small area. Having such limited space does force people to prioritize sustainable living, especially buildings that can use air space and serve multiple duties, but that shall not take away from the amazing work done by the government, businesses and individuals alike in organizing the island city-state into a global powerhouse despite its small size. A simple walk around the city center will leave you in awe by the tremendous lights, high buildings, and the generally tropical feeling you get which almost makes you forget you are in a global financial centre.
When it comes to sustainable yet multi-purpose buildings and especially event space in Singapore, nothing matches “The Star” complex. Designed by the renowned Andre Bromberg, “The Star” attracts lots of visitors thanks to its tropically amazing external and internal look, the fact that it is made up of 60% food and entertainment shops and 40% retailers, and large venue which acts as a concert hosting place during evenings and megachurch during the day. All the beautiful things mentioned above however, despite being right there on top with some of the most beautiful buildings in the world, have not stopped Singaporeans from ensuring sustainability by creating as many shaded public places as possible and large open-air halls to allow natural air-conditioning as well as allow people to view as much as possible.
The Star is far from the only sustainable building in Singapore; too, as there are many other amazingly green buildings that preserve both the beauty and nature of the beautiful island city-state. One such building is the 313@somerset mall which, despite looking like the regular glittering mall, still has some of the most environmentally friendly skylights, solar panels, energy-saving elevators, super-efficient air-conditioning, and even carbon dioxide emission monitoring!
A few blocks into the town and you will see another sustainable building in ParkRoyal on Pickering, a new hotel that not only breaks the overly business-like financial centre looks with its artful tropical ferns and creeping vines, but also boasts efficient cooling system, rainwater harvesting, lighting sensors and even environmentally friendly water pumps.
To top it off, the Singaporean government have no intention of slowing down at all just yet, having declared that they “aim to achieve a 35 percent reduction in the energy intensity for its economy by 2030”, which would be nothing short of impressive. However, it is not only the government that have adapted the green mentality in Singapore. Individuals and businesses have also come to the point that they do not mind spending extra money if it is for the best of their environment and country – to a point, it even becomes a patriotic pride!
Leave a Reply