City Habitats

Featured Writers: F. Kaid Benfield, Bob Perry, Henry Steed, and Hwang Yun Hye

ISBN: 978-981-09-8808-1

Published: April 2016

Issue #12

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Abstract

In this issue of CITY GREEN, we examine how cities around the world, including Singapore, have taken steps towards integrating nature into urban spaces, and how these cities improve residents’ lives with the support of nature. Urban planner and environmentalist F. Kaid Benfield advocates for cities’ smart growth through the creation of designs that allow nature to support urbanity. The addition of green infrastructure, as well as trees and parks within the concrete spaces can provide solutions to improve residents’ way of life. Likewise, architects like Jeanne Gang demonstrate that cities such as Chicago can be transformed and revitalised simply by maximising its residents’ opportunities to enjoy nature. At a personal level, Singaporeans have realised the benefits of getting closer to nature. A report by Sarah Ichioka sheds light on the nascent urban farming community in Singapore, and the nation’s steps toward improving its food security. The many green spaces in Singapore also afford residents opportunities to commune with nature easily. Residents in a number of housing precincts, including The Interlace and Yishun Greenwalk, can admire and interact with nature from their doorsteps.

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