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Visit the Singapore Pavilion for a lesson on how to be urban and eco-friendly at the same time. Image Credit: Supplied
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Dubai: Just because a place is a concrete jungle doesn’t mean it can’t also be a green community. At least not if you are in Singapore. One of Asia’s economic tigers, the island city-state has come to be known not only for its tourist attractions but also its impressive architecture and environment friendly initiatives.

Now the country is readying to bring to Dubai an insight into what it takes for a city to be urban and eco-friendly at the same time. Here’s what you need to know about the Singapore Pavilion showcase, located in the Expo 2020 Dubai Sustainability District.

Firstly, how is it powered?

The pavilion is powered solely by solar energy. It features net-zero energy technology and a solar desalination system. The construct, claim the architects, has a zero-waste design.

What is the theme of the Singapore Pavilion?

Singapore’s theme at the world fair is ‘Nature, Nurture, Future’. The pavilion will offer visitors an insight into the urban evolution of the 722.5-square-kilometre country. After all where else would you find that although 85 per cent of the population lives in high-rise public housing, eight in 10 homes are located within 10 minutes’ walk from a park?

Architecture of the Pavilion

The Singapore Pavilion, which aims to replicate the country’s ‘City In A Garden’ perspective, was designed by WOHA Architects, led by founding director Wong Mun Summ. The pavilion is a green belt complete with verdant trees, shrubs and orchids.

Why so many orchids?
One of the elements of Singaporean heritage that will be on display is the orchid, the country’s national flower. Singapore, which has been a centre of orchid breeding from the 1930s, is home to many species, but it is best known for the Vanda Miss Joaquim, named after Miss Agnes Joaquim, who bred the flower in her garden at Tanjong Pagar in 1893, reports Singapore’s National Heritage Board. It was recorded as Singapore’s first orchid hybrid and the world’s first Vanda hybrid, both contributed to its ‘resilience and year-round blooming quality’.

Vertical cones, which are central to the pavilion, will be a hub for exhibits and will focus on Singapore’s heritage and innovative urban solutions.

On the top deck is a sky market cooled with fine mist.

What can I do there?

  • Explore the Sky Market on the top deck, where, under the shelter of a solar canopy, one can partake in a rich gastronomical experience.
  • Wend your way through the pavilion on a ‘Canopy walk’, where you can experience Singaporean design through hanging gardens and plant-covered walls.

The pavilion, open from October 1,  2021, aims to encourage people to focus on their responsibility towards the environment and future generations. The power, Singapore believes, is ours. 

-The writer is an intern with Gulf News.