Green high-rise bolsters Singapore’s sustainable urbanism

The building’s design increases natural light and includes plants and trees inside and on the roof to replace any greenery destroyed during construction

Spotted: Singapore’s Robinson Tower is embedded with greenery – inside and out – to help reduce the building’s environmental footprint. The design aims to bolster Singapore’s new “City Garden” identity and promote sustainable urbanism.

The building was designed by multinational Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, together with Singapore-based Associate Architect A61.

Its prism-like form reflects light, includes public gardens and uses trees as an integral part of the design. The reflective facade allows those inside to view the cityscape, and people outside to see the activity within.

The building’s base is a seven-storey retail area, followed by a 17-storey office space high-rise. An open, publicly accessible garden separates the two parts of the multi-functional building. The rooftop garden that caps the building is surrounded by glass so people can see the marina below. 

Cities in other countries are also adopting similar approaches. For example, Springwise recently featured a villa in Denmark that is entirely covered in potted plants.