Early concept ideas for the masterplan for Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, developed as part of a team led by Grant Associates, were inspired by the orchid (the national flower of Singapore). Locating the conservatories was integral to the masterplanning process. By locating them on the waterfront, WilkinsonEyre created a relationship between the gardens and the bay, giving them maximum public exposure and allowing them to become part of Singapore’s visual identity.
They were envisaged as organic landforms which add a new element to the composition of landmarks around the bay, part of the picture postcard view of the city and highly visible on approach from the airport. Circulation routes across the site connecting the conservatories with the garden spaces and supertrees curve to replicate the forms of the orchid. These routes also link to key points of entry into the site, helping to knit the garden into the surrounding urban fabric.