by Holly Chapman | 07 Jul 26 | International, Landscape Architecture, News
Details of Singapore’s plans to transform Sentosa and Pulau Brani into a connected, nature-rich landscape-led destination have been further unveiled with a public exhibition set to sour the country.
Launched by Grace Fu, Singapore’s minister for sustainability and the environment and minister-in-charge of trade relations, the ‘Your Island. Reimagined.’ exhibition introduced the greater Sentosa masterplan to the public, revealing how the islands could evolve over the coming decades.
The masterplan, which reimagines approximately 250 hectares, introduces major public-realm, mobility and coastal improvements with a new coastal hub, rejuvenated beaches and new nature trails and visitor destinations.
The latest announcement builds on the masterplan developed by Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) with an international multidisciplinary design team including Grant Associates, WilkinsonEyre, Arup and WOHA.
Andrew Grant, founder and director of Grant Associates, comments:
“From the beginning, the ambition was to imagine the future of Sentosa not simply as a series of attractions, but as a living landscape — one that celebrates the unique qualities of these islands, strengthens connections with nature and creates experiences that will inspire future generations.”
The ‘Your Island. Reimagined.’ exhibition invites residents and visitors to discover the future of Sentosa and Pulau Brani over the next few months.
by Holly Chapman | 11 Mar 26 | International, Nature & Biodiversity, News
Home to 1.5 million plants from across the world, tourist attraction Gardens by the Bay in Singapore kicks off its next phase of development with a new space known as Wetlands by the Bay.
Spanning approximately five hectares, the new space will expand the existing Kingfisher Wetlands precinct along the waterfront promenade near Gardens by the Bay MRT station.
Featuring teamLab museum’s first-ever multi-sensory voyage, the development will move between indoor galleries and the open landscape, including voer 60 mangroves and coastal plants.
A newly designed canopy boardwalk will extend over the wetlands, offering views of the surrounding nature.
Construction is set to begin in the firs quarter of 2027, with its opening targeted by the end of 2028.
Flex Loh, Gardens by the Bay chief executive says: “Gardens by the Bay is ever evolving to continuously provide fresh experiences for both Singaporeans and visitors from all over the world, and Wetlands by the Bay is our latest transformation.” He adds:
“Wetlands by the Bay will strengthen Gardens by the Bay’s reputation as a must-visit destination in Singapore where people can enjoy one-of-a-kind nature-based experiences. Together with the upcoming Bay South-Bay East bridge, these new additions to the Marina Bay area contribute to a prime waterfront experience and are another step forward in Singapore’s City in Nature vision.”
Other highlights include a new community centre, public green space and dining areas.
by Holly Chapman | 19 Nov 25 | International, Landscape Architecture, News
Grant Associates announces its seven international awards the landscape architecture firm has scooped up across its UK and Singapore offices.
A significant milestone for Grant Associates, the practice collected five awards at the Singapore Landscape Architecture Awards (SLAA), one at the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia-Pacific region (IFLA APR) Landscape Architecture and Luminary Awards and finally, one at the Landscape Institute (LI) Awards.
The three ceremonies took place during the same night across three time zones.
Andrew Grant, founder and director, comments on what it means to the firm:
“These awards are a wonderful recognition of the creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit that define our work at Grant Associates.
“From Singapore to London to Tianjin, these award-winning projects show the global reach of landscape architecture in tackling today’s most pressing challenges — climate resilience, biodiversity loss, and human wellbeing.”
The Grand Hyatt Hotel and The Reef at King’s Dock won Gold at the SLAA, alongside the Elementum & the Rail Corridor and the Sino-Singapore Friendship Park which picked up Silver.
The Reef at King’s Dock won the Outstanding Award within the Residential (Built) category at IFLA APR Landscape Architecture & Luminary Awards.
Finally, it was the Appleby Blue Almshouses project that picked up an LI Award.
by Holly Chapman | 16 Jul 25 | International, Landscape Architecture, News, Sustainability
Sands has announced its plan to build a $8bn ultra-luxurious resort in Singapore, with views across Marina Bay, inspired by the island’s greenery and sustainable approach.
Designed by Safdie Architects and led by Marina Bay Sand’s designers Moshe Safdie, the new resort features a 570-suite hotel tower capped with rooftop and dining experiences, retail boutiques, gaming, meeting space, spa and wellness amenities and a 76,000 square-foot Skyloop.
Rotated at a 45-degree angle to frame views of Marina Bay and the Singapore Straight, the 55-story hotel tower will feature biophilic designs integrated throughout the building alongside green amenities.
The building’s architecture and operations will sit in line with Sands ECO360 global sustainability program.
The use of low-carb concrete and recycled steel will be practiced white a construction waste management plan will be set in place whereby at least 75% of construction waste will be diverted to reduce landfill disposal.
Patrick Dumont, Sands president and chief operating officer, comments:
“Our new development will raise the bar and redefine the ultra-luxury hospitality realm on a global scale, fuelling further growth of high-value tourism.”
The new venue will also be integrated with new and existing developments within the Marina Bay precinct to enable pedestrian connectivity. This includes access to Bayfront metro (MRT) station and links between Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay.
Construction is expected to finish in 2030.
by Aidan Williams | 15 Nov 24 | Commercial Landscaping, News
Grant Associates has been honoured with the top award in Singapore’s 2024 Architectural Heritage Awards for its work restoring the historic Bukit Timah Railway Station.
The honour for the landscape architects comes as part of its work with a multi-disciplinary team led by Kay Ngee Tan Architects.
The Architectural Heritage Awards were established in 1995 by Singapore government’s Urban Redevelopment Authority to recognise exceptional restoration projects which enrich Singapore’s built heritage landscape.
The minister for national development Desmond Lee handed out the award, singling out the restoration of Bukit Timah Railway Station for the top distinction award thanks to its integration of heritage, nature, and community.
“The continuous vegetation unifies the site, evoking past memories, while diverse textures, green hues, accents, and plant groupings bring spatial variation and depth,” Stefaan Lambreghts, associate director at Grant Associates.
“We did not seek to recreate a strict historical planting scheme at Bukit Timah; instead, we curated and enhanced the existing landscape, achieving a rustic charm.
“The result is an ‘instant landscape’ that has grown even wilder and more vibrant over two years.”
The jury acknowledged the landscape’s pivotal role in creating a cohesive, spatial experience.
From a landscape design perspective, the project brief challenged Grant Associates to harmonize heritage with nature.
Throughout the design and construction, it took an aspirational and pragmatic approach, curating existing planting and introducing native vegetation to complement the heritage architecture.
The goal was to frame perspectives and to create backdrops with the green edges defining an enchanting central open space for the community.
Wherever possible, existing plants were preserved, regardless of species or form. At the entrance a horizontally growing acacia intertwines with other trees, creating a rustic, welcoming entrance.
Some plants naturally re-emerged after selective clearing during construction and as a result there was a spontaneous addition of alocasia.
Earlier this week the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital opened its doors, for which Grant Associates played a key role in the design.
by Aidan Williams | 14 Nov 24 | Long Reads, News, Website Exclusive
As Halloween was already two weeks ago now and with the sunlight being very shy, it feels like a good idea to take a moment.
Indeed, at the current pace, it feels like Christmas is only 14 minutes away and if we’re lucky it’ll only be February tomorrow.
So let’s just pause, breathe and look at some stories from across global horticulture and construction.
First of all, a story to brighten up your day.
LDI lighten up the Doha skies
Lighting Design International have added another prestigious project to their design portfolio, having created a scheme for the Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani Mosque in Doha, Qatar.
The recently inaugurated mosque at The Pearl Island encompasses 27,720 square metres, with a striking dome towering at 47 metres, securing the mosque as a beacon of spiritual significance.
Architect and interior design studio Zeynep Fadillioglu Design created a new baroque architectural design style for the mosque, setting it apart as a unique gem on the city’s landscape.
“Our vision was to create an atmosphere that not only enhances the architectural beauty but also sets the mosque apart from others,” says Charlotte Svenson, associate at Lighting Design international.
“The interplay of light and shadow was carefully crafted to evoke a sense of calm and reverence, inviting worshippers and visitors to experience the mosque in a way that is both visually striking but also calm and respectful.
“It has been an honour to contribute to a project that symbolises such profound cultural and religious significance to the community of Doha.”
Now over to a country making its Eyes Abroad debut…
Malta Planning Commission rejects development over environmental concerns
The Planning Commission of Malta has rejected a planning proposal for three warehouse units over environmental concerns.
The application was for three warehouses in Triq Għajn Tuffieħa, covering 320 square meters, in a site which lies within an area of high landscape value and an area of ecological importance.
However, the commission found it could not justify the development on the land, as it could be incorporated within other zones.
The current policy only permits buildings that are needed for agricultural purposes in such areas.
In the statement on Thursday the commission also explained how it has rejected another application that sought permission to construct two stables and associated facilities.
The proposed development was again considered to be incompatible with the surrounding area, which is valued for its undisturbed rural character and is largely free from similar structures.
Now for a concerning construction plea from Singapore.
Plea for timeout in Singapore construction
The Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) and industry associations are strongly encouraging companies in the Singapore construction sector to initiate a safety time out until 22 November.
It comes after a period of 10 fatal incidents between July and October of this year and the break is to help ensure the correct safety procedures are in place.
In a statement, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) says: “The recent performance in the Construction sector is concerning. Between July to October 2024, there were 10 fatal incidents from the construction sector.
“This suggests a reduced emphasis on workplace safety and health in the sector.
“Furthermore, with the upcoming festive season, it is imperative that the sector remain vigilant and upkeep safety standards as companies may rush to meet deadlines before workers go on home leave.”
In particular, the MOM wants businesses to focus on the risks of being struck by falling objects, vehicular safety and the safe lifting and rigging activities.
Now over to Ecuador, with news of a new island.
Jan De Nul manage new mangrove forest island
Jan De Nul, a construction company working both offshore and on, has completed work on its first mangrove forest island in the Guayaquil access channel in Ecuador.
Mangrove forests are important carbon sinks and can retain up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical forests, as well as being hotspots for biodiversity.
Within the channel, the 50-hectare forest is located at an existing tidal flat area in the Guayas river delta.
The forest partners will test, monitor and quantify the efficiency of it going forward, while a management system has been established, to ensure collaboration with the local community.
Dominic De Prins, project manager for AquaForest in Ecuador at Jan De Nul Group explains: “In 2018, Jan De Nul Group signed a 25-year concession contract to undertake maintenance dredging in the access channel to the port of Guayaquil in Ecuador.
“Early in the project, we noticed a lot of shallow tidal flats near the access channel. We came up with the idea to elevate one of these areas by reusing dredged sediment from the access channel of Guayaquil, that would allow the development of mangrove habitats.
“This enables us to connect nature restoration to one of our key activities.”
Now off to the United States of America and its future of horticulture.
Horticultural Research Institute to prepare the future
The Horticultural Research Institute, part of the AmericanHort Foundation, has opened applications for its 2026 Leadership Academy Class.
The HRI Leadership Academy takes place in various locations across the USA and offers horticulture leaders a opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their knowledge, and a chance to meet professionals from the industry.
It is also designed to give participants a comprehensive approach to leadership development through in-person training and online classes.
The HRI say that applications will be evaluated on demonstrated leadership qualities, past evidence of or estimated future potential for contribution to the green industry and the ability to consider the broader interests of the community.
It will also take into account character and ability to grow through experience as well as personal and employer commitment to the program. However, it does say that preference will be given to candidates with at least five years of leadership experience and seven years of relevant industry work experience.
“As we enter the fourth year of the HRI Leadership Academy, this program is driving the development of the next generation of leaders in the green industry. Our commitment is to empower passionate, dedicated individuals ready to lead the future of horticulture, and we can’t wait to welcome those who want to make a lasting impact,” says Leigh Geschwill, HRI board president.
The application window will be open from now until 7 February next year, with interviews over March and April, followed by the selection and notification in May.
by Aidan Williams | 23 Aug 24 | Landscape Architecture, News
Grant Associates-designed new wellness gardens have been revealed at the Grand Hyatt Singapore Hotel.
The new collection of lush gardens and serene waterscapes designed by landscape architect form part of a major transformation of the luxury hotel.
Conceived during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, human wellbeing and nature’s crucial role in wellness was at the heart of the design thinking.
It was designed in partnership with Tokyo-based interior architects Strickland and NAO Taniyama Associates.
Toby Kyle, associate director at Grant Associates in Singapore, says: “These lush gardens not only enrich their surroundings but also promote urban biodiversity, enhancing Singapore’s ecological fabric.
“Each garden is meticulously crafted to offer guests a natural sanctuary in a vibrant cityscape, reflecting Singapore’s unique relationship between the city and nature.”
Water flows, tumbles, and cascades through lushly planted surroundings, infusing the area with a relaxing lifeforce that nurtures and sustains.
Inspired by ‘Shinrin-yoku’ or forest bathing, Grant Associates’ design features interconnected gardens that harmonize seamlessly with the environment, offering luxurious retreats for relaxation and respite.
The wellness gardens also serve as a natural sanctuary for pollinators from the neighbouring butterfly trails and include ponds for the resident koi.
