The equatorial zone, where Singapore is situated, is home to 90% of the world’s species. However, drastic land transformation during the periods of colonisation and rapid economic development heavily eroded the biodiversity across the city state. Primary and secondary forest area is reported at 21.69% of total land cover.
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Can a pavement crack be a greenhouse?
Agency
Attachment
Attraction
Connection
Freedom
Inclusion
Butterflies, once rare, were often spotted frolicking on the grass during the pandemic lockdown.
This suspension of human-time allowed nature to grow, spontaneously.
Landscape architects Yun Hye Hwang and Jonathan Yue studied three lawns and a green roof that were left to nature’s devices for 18 months – no irrigation, composting, fertilising and maintenance.
The outcome:
8 different plant structures, 81 plant species, and 76 faunal species visiting the lawns.
The green roof with a 5-cm depth of soil supported 30 plant species, including 3 species of medium-sized trees and invited 69 faunal visitors.
Besides these benefits to biodiversity, wilder green infrastructure also provides stormwater management, soil improvement, and heat reduction, as well as a decrease in labour hours.
Mapping of four unmanaged plots shows variety of species that emerged (initial state, twelve months, and eighteen months, from top to bottom).
Floral and faunal changes of unmanaged rooftop plot. You can access the study “Intended wildness: Utilising spontaneous growth for biodiverse green spaces in a tropical city” by clicking the link below.