SuperTrees in Singapore

Singapore is opening a brand new park this month called “Gardens by the Bay”. It is a 250 acre green space development. The park, which has been in the works for over 7 years, (initiated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long) has a Flower Dome,  Heritage Gardens, Gold & Silver Gardens, Dragon Fly Lake and Bay East Garden.

Normally, this kind of thing wouldn’t really catch my eye except that they have built 18 solar-powered supertrees in the Bay South Garden.  The man-made trees are each between 25 and 50 meters talll, and are made of a steel framework. The trunks of the trees are made of concrete, and the steel canopies themselves weigh up to 88 tons. Each tree has ferns and tropical flowers growing along its frame. The trees will develop into green canopies of shade which will absorb and disperse heat for pedestrians in the park.

These supertrees are much more than just elaborate plant hangers. They are designed to collect rainwater and act as air venting ducts for the conservatories in the garden. In addition, 11 of the supertrees are outfitted with solar photovoltaics which also supplies electricity for lighting and water handling for the conservatories. 

The solar energy that is collected during the day by the supertrees will also light the super structures at night and there are aerial walkways that are connected to a couple of the taller supertrees. I think this would be an awesome place to visit if you happen to be in the neighbourhood! 

http://www.gardensbythebay.org.sg/