Gardens by the Bay Completes Facade of First Cooled Conservatory

The 1.2-hectare Flower Dome is one of two cooled conservatories which are central to the Gardens design concept. It will replicate the cool-dry climate of the Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions, and feature an uncommon range of flowers and plants such as baobabs, olive trees, and date palms.

After close to two years of construction, the Flower Dome was fitted with the last panel of glass by Minister for National Development Mr Mah Bow Tan, marking the completion of its facade.

Exterior works for its sister structure, the 0.8-hectare Cloud Forest which will replicate the cool-moist climate of the Tropical Montane region, will be completed later this year.

The conservatories will be an amalgamation of architectural, environmental engineering, and horticultural excellence in the heart of Singapore's new downtown, Marina Bay.

Designed with the environment in mind, they will apply cutting-edge technologies that provide energy-efficient solutions in cooling.

They will house a diverse collection of plants from the Mediterranean and Tropical Montane regions, which are among the most threatened habitats in the world as a result of climate change and habitat loss brought about by human activities.

While the conservatories are envisaged to be iconic architectural structures that will add to the identity of the Gardens and Marina Bay, their main purpose is to bring forth the beauty of plants, and enable the story of plants and their intimate relationships with Man and the ecosystem to be told.

Members of the public will have the opportunity for a sneak preview of the Flower Dome during the World Orchid Conference from 13 to 20 November 2011. In addition, previews of the Bay South Gardens will be arranged for organised groups from February 2012 onwards, leading up to the official opening of Bay South in June 2012. This period of public preview will help the Gardens ease in its operations and allow the public to provide feedback.

When Bay South officially opens in June 2012, visitors can look forward to enjoying the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, along with other exciting features and a host of educational, horticultural and leisure programmes.