Adopting an Informal Approach

With the concept of the Garden City now ascertained, it is essential that it be effectively translated into reality. There were many considerations that had to be taken into account and the incorporation of park and garden landscapes was largely handed over to the Parks and Recreation Department. The process of developing the tropical island of Singapore into a total garden was on its way to becoming a reality...

Adopting an Informal Approach

The informal approach to designing the landscape was adopted rather than the formal approach, due to the climatic factors. Singapore has an equatorial climate. In temperate countries, formal styled gardens are preferred because of the cooler climate. The design of the gardens must allow as much sunlight as possible to reach the ground. The cooler climatic conditions also slow down the growth rates of plants; hence, there is less need for frequent and extensive pruning of plants to maintain the formal effect. Therefore, high maintenance costs are not required.

The warm tropical climatic conditions of Singapore impose the need for shade. This is best achieved through an informal approach, as the open concept of the formal-styled landscape will not achieve this objective and is, thus, not appropriate for Singapore. Furthermore, the climatic conditions here promote rapid plant growth. If the formal approach were adopted, frequent pruning of plants would be required. From the point of view of costs and practicability, this is undesirable.

| The Making - An Introduction | Adopting an Informal Approach |

| Establishing a Green Mantle | Adding Colour | Emphasis on Fruit Trees |

| Providing a Network of Parks | Sculptures in the Garden |

| Taming a Concrete Jungle | Harmonising the Island Landscape |

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