URA's reply, 26 Jun 2014
We welcome ideas to make Singapore greener
We thank Mr Dong Yuzhen for his feedback on LUSH 2.0 (“Shortcomings of LUSH 2.0 and the creation of a vision”, 24 June). We agree that green corridors are important in Singapore’s journey towards a City in a Garden and this is one aspect that URA is working on. We welcome more ideas on how we can continue to make Singapore greener. Han Yong Hoe (Mr) Group Director (Development Control) Urban Redevelopment Authority
Letter, 24 Jun 2014, Lianhe Zaobao
Shortcomings of LUSH 2.0 and the creation of a vision
The Urban Redevelopment Authority recently announced the enhanced LUSH 2.0 which builds upon the success of the earlier LUSH programme. With LUSH 2.0, it will help to facilitate even more pervasive and accessible urban greenery.
The coverage of LUSH 2.0 is now more extensive. The first LUSH programme had focused mainly on the individual buildings while LUSH 2.0 extends its coverage to beyond individual buildings to include greening buildings in the community.
The writer felt that that the authorities should create “green corridors” for buildings adjacent to expressways as part of its efforts to create a greener urban landscape. He noted that for many tourists entering the city, their impression of Singapore as a “Garden City” depends very much what they see while travelling along the expressways. While the buildings (comprising MBS, buildings in CBD and mostly private residential developments) along the ECP between Changi Airport and the city are impressive, the same cannot be said for those along other highways such as the PIE and TPE as the HDB estates on the two sides of the expressways have marred the good image.
The writer’s business friends from China often commented that Singapore lacks good architects. But what they did not understand is that due to budget and quality issues, HDB flats are designed to look the same. With LUSH 2.0, the writer felt that more can be done to enhance the image of the HDB flats along the expressways.
The writer said while Singaporeans enjoy gardening, this is not taken into consideration during the construction of HDB flats. Therefore, residents can only place their plants on the corridors, which can cause some inconvenience. He suggested the authorities consider, with NParks’ assistance, placing plants on the façade and allowing the residents to maintain them.
The writer also suggested that the HDB estates near Woodlands Checkpoint be considered for an “image upgrade”.
The writer felt that a long-term vision of beautifying buildings along main roads and expressways as well as in regional centres be created, thus forming a network of “green corridors” and urban landscape, and this should be included within the LUSH programme.
All the above efforts as well as the community parks and park connectors would help Singapore take a great step forward from a “Garden City” to becoming a “City in a Garden”.
In addition, the incorporation of art would also help Singapore become a more vibrant city, and buildings along main roads and expressways could become canvases for local artists.
By Dong Yu Zheng
View the letter and URA's reply in Chinese