Singapore, which calls itself a Garden City, is fulfilling that promise.
The rapid rise of Singapore's economy has formed a towering architectural landscape in a compact city --
However, with the continuous development of the metropolis, urban planners are weaving nature in the city, even to the height of the city.
New developments must include plant life in the form of green roofs, cascading vertical gardens and green walls.
Green buildings and green buildings have been mandatory since 2008.
Much of Singapore's vision to stay sustainable and livable stems from the first female Cheong Koon Hean to lead the Singapore city development council.
The experienced architect and urban planner is believed to have reshaped the skyline through iconic projects such as Marina Baye, a waterfront home and entertainment district, his garden is the top view of the city and Jurong Lake District is expected to become the second business district and the location of a new Highland
High-speed railway to neighboring Malaysia.
Cheong is now the CEO of the Housing and Development Board, which builds and manages public housing for most parts of Singapore's 5 th.
There are 6 million people.
Singapore's fashionable public housing emphasis community-centric towns (there are 23)and amenities.
National Geographic tells her about Singapore's unique architectural brand and how it will one day take the city underground.
What is the difference between Singapore as a city?
Singapore is both a country and a city, an island about half the size of London's metropolitan area.
But compact has its advantages: people can swim in the ocean for a morning and then jump on the train to work.
Singapore is a truly cosmopolitan city and we have managed to preserve our cultural, Chinese, Indian and Malaysian heritage as well as our architectural heritage through a heritage conservation program.
It is the combination of old and new, the combination of East and West.
These beautiful contradictions make Singapore a diverse city.
How did Singapore change when you were 35year career?
When Singapore became independent in 1965, we were a city full of slums, crowded, Rivers turned into open sewers, and we were working hard to find decent jobs for our people.
We have limited land and no natural resources.
In just 50 years, we have built a clean, modern metropolis with diversified economy and reliable infrastructure.
Our public housing program has transformed us from a shantytown country to a homeowner country: more than 90% of us have our own house, one of the highest --
The rate of ownership in the world.
Can you describe the move to expand urban green space?
Through an incentive program, we use the green plants in the sky to pass through the high-
Terrace and garden.
This adds a layer of space for entertainment and parties.
In Marina Bay, all development projects are in line with the green policy of 100%.
Pinnacle @ Duxton, the world's tallest public housing development company, has 7 50-
The 26 th and 50 th floors are floor buildings connected by gardens.
You can even jog on these levels of track, which is equipped with a fitness station.
Your goal is to create a model of livable density.
Can you define it?
Cheong Koon Hean, a senior architect and urban planner, is responsible for public housing in Singapore, most of which are 5.
6 million people live.
Sustainable Communities
Targeted residential development usually includes three
They call it a generation playground with access to the garden.
Given our land restrictions, Singapore has no choice but to take high
Density development.
In essence, the density of livability is to create the quality of life, although the density is so.
About opportunity, diversity and convenience: more work is caused by the synergy of so many talented people coming together.
We are close to shops, schools, entertainment, health care and outdoor activities.
The affordable public rail network has reduced traffic congestion.
Livable density also means that we give priority to parks and recreational facilities.
Innovative designs can reduce this sense of density by creating spatial illusion using "green" and "blue" elements.
We dotted the park, the river and the pond on high. rises.
These bodies of water are twice as large as floods.
Control mechanism.
We have planted about 3 million trees in Singapore, including a pristine rainforest, rich in biodiversity, right in the center of the island.
In a city expansion project in Marina Bay, we built one of the world's largest freshwater city reservoirs and set aside 250 acres of major real estate for Marina Bay's gardens, a Green lunch in the city.
We also connected many parks into a network.
Some of the mountain parks are connected by iconic bridges, another example of our illusion of creating space.
With the expansion of this park connector, Singaporeans will be able to get hundreds of kilometers of bikes and walking trails across the island, and they have spawned a new bike culture.
In our public residential area, Singaporeans build houses, build families, and build strong connections with their neighbors.
We consciously build community spaces and town squares to create places that gather, including three
Substitute playground and fitness area to encourage interaction between residents of different ages.
Public housing in Singapore is unique.
Can you talk?
Our founding prime minister has a vision to build a homeowner country that gives Singaporeans tangible benefits in our country, financial security and a critical sense of belonging.
Through the Housing and Development Commission (HDB)
Government-built apartments [apartments]
Sold to citizens for £ 99year lease.
Today, HDB manages nearly 1 million apartments with a population of more than 80%.
About 95% units are owned.
Urban planning is not just a good physical design.
The policy design here is also very thoughtful.
The prices of these apartments are affordable, about 20 to 25% of the income.
We offer a variety of needs and budget options from one bedroom to four bedroom multi-generation apartments.
Over time, the apartment may be a key source of funding to meet retirement needs.
Old apartment owners can sublet;
Sell larger apartments in smaller apartments;
Or sell a portion of their rental to the HDB so that the proceeds can be used to buy an annuity and provide income while they stay at their own home.
For disadvantaged families who can't afford to buy their own apartment, HDB helps them through a public rental program.
Looking ahead, what will Singapore look like in 2030?
The building will be green. In order to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, a major goal is to have 80% of buildings reach an environmental performance level called Green signs by 2030.
The new solution will support the urban lifestyle: more people will live in the smart work center, provide shared workspace near the home for employees from different companies, reduce travel needs and increase productivity,life balance.
People will get authorization for technology in new ways. Older people can get better care at home by remote phonemedicine.
We can also supplement our limited land with underground and cave spaces.
Our city planners are working hard to develop a 3-
Overall Plan for Singapore underground.
What can other cities learn from Singapore's experience?
Many cities, especially those in Asia, are densely populated.
Our experience shows that these cities are livable.
Our emphasis on equitable access to amenities and our commitment to affordable housing provide a solid foundation for a stable society.
Building powerful public institutions,
Private partnerships and technology are also crucial.
The interview has been edited for space and clarity.
Urban Innovators explore individual contributions to the creation of sustainable cities;
This article is part of the urban adventure series, funded by the American Association of Technology.