| Date | 2024-02-23 |
| Event start | 15:00 PM |
| Duration | 1 hrs 30 min ( from 3:00pm to 4:30pm ) |
| Venue | Zoom |
| CPD | 2 points |
| Contact | 1.5 |
Synopsis
Singapore’s urban landscape is undergoing a green revolution. In a city where land is at a premium, innovative use of space is not just a necessity but an opportunity for community building and sustainable living. This talk series delves into the burgeoning trend of edible landscapes in Singapore, exploring how architecture can foster and elevate this movement.
Recent years have seen a remarkable growth in community-driven green initiatives. A study revealed that 1 in every 5 Singaporeans is keen on participating in urban farming activities. Since 2010, the number of community gardens has soared, with over 1,500 active gardens today, and an increasing trend of guerrilla-style food gardens sprouting across the city. These gardens are more than just plots of land; they are vibrant community hubs where residents of all ages come together to grow not just food, but relationships and a sense of belonging.
In response, architects, planners and our government agencies are creatively transforming underutilized spaces – rooftops, pocket parks, and even car parks – into lush, edible landscapes. These spaces are becoming integral parts of HDB estates, commercial buildings, and educational campuses.
Topic 1: Building Stronger Communities through Gardening Initiatives and Programmes
National Parks Board (NParks) has been actively building stronger communities through a range of initiatives and programmes aimed at promoting gardening and greening activities in Singapore. The genesis of this effort can be traced back to the Community in Bloom (CIB) programme, which was launched in 2005 to promote community bonding through gardening activities. Over the years, the CIB programme has evolved to become a key initiative aligned with Singapore’s national strategy to strengthen food resilience and achieve the City in Nature vision. Building on the success of the CIB programme, NParks started the Allotment Gardens (AGs) programme in 2016, which provides aspiring gardeners with the opportunity to lease gardening plots in our park spaces. There are now over 2,200 allotment garden plots across 26 parks and gardens in Singapore. NParks has also been facilitating AGs in heartland areas, making it more accessible for residents to participate in community gardening. In June 2020, NParks launched the “Growing Your Own Edibles” initiative to encourage Singaporeans to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home for their mental well-being. NParks has since distributed 860,000 free seed packets through this initiative. Riding on the momentum to encourage growing of edibles, NParks launched the Social Enterprises Community Urban Farm (SECUF) grant in 2021 to provide funding support for social enterprises to conduct gardening programmes for seniors, special needs individuals, and low-income families.
Topic 2: Transforming Urban Rooftops into Community Farming Havens
Mr Tan Jing Xiang will take us through the innovative journey of wethefarm, a unique urban farming initiative located atop Beauty World. He’ll delve into how they’ve converted an underutilized rooftop into a thriving community-centric farm, contributing to Singapore’s food resilience. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Sustainability & Environment’s Eco Sg Grant, exemplifies a successful model of integrating sustainable farming practices within urban architectural spaces. Jing Xiang will discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating a community-driven, sustainable, and educational farming space in an urban setting and how such initiatives can be a blueprint for future architectural projects in Singapore.
Topic 3: Integrating Edible Plants in Urban Landscapes: A Permaculture Perspective
Alexius will delve into the practical aspects of incorporating a variety of edible plants into urban settings, as explored in his book on 101 edible plants suitable for Singapore’s tropical climate. He will discuss the principles of permaculture and how they can be applied to urban farming, offering insights into how architects and urban planners can design spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and productive. Alexius’ session will highlight innovative ways to integrate nature into urban environments, fostering biodiversity and community engagement through thoughtful design.
Speakers
Ar Cai Bingyu, SIA-CSR Committee
Schedule
| 2.45pm | Registration via zoom (Admit into zoom webinar) |
| 3.00pm | Welcome Remarks by Ar. Cai Bingyu, SIACSR |
| 3.05pm | Presentation by Mr Woo Wee Meng, NParks |
| 3.25pm | Presentation by Mr Tan Jing Xiang, wethefarm |
| 3.40pm | Presentation by Mr Alexius Yeo, CarbonInQ |
| 4.05pm | Q&A |
| 4.30pm | End of Webinar |
Terms & Conditions
- Fees paid are non-refundable under all circumstances.
- Ticket is non-transferable under all circumstances.
- Group registration will be subjected to group admin fee of $1 per ticket per transaction.
- Replacement/Cancellation of participant will not be allowed under group registration.