Mar 22, 2006

First Phase of Gardens by the Bay International Design Competition draws talent from around the World.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) phase of the Gardens by the Bay (GB) International Design Competition has attracted more than 70 entries submitted by 170 firms from 24 countries worldwide. Among them are 35 Singaporean firms, which make up 21 % of the participating companies.

Dr. Kiat W. Tan, Advisor to NParks and Project Director of the Gardens by the Bay, said, NParks is gratified by the tremendous interest worldwide generated by the GB Project. Reputable firms have submitted bids from cities as far-flung as Dubai, Paris, Madrid, Munich, New York, San Francisco, Beijing, Tokyo and Sydney. I am particularly pleased with the strong showing of Singapore firms. All in all, the number and quality of submissions have exceeded our expectations, bringing together some of the best talents from the East and the West to help plan and shape Singapores waterfront gardens. Singaporeans can expect a high quality project.

Dr. Tan added that the excellent entries would set the benchmark for the quality of talent and expertise in the fields of urban planning, landscape architecture and architecture in the effort to propel Singapore to the forefront among global cities.

The Competition was launched by NParks in January 2006 to invite top local and international landscape architects and planners to conceptualise and create Singapores three iconic Gardens on 94 ha of prime land by the waterfront, the first of its kind in the tropics.

The EOI phase calls for submissions to provide design philosophy and approach for the three Gardens. NParks expects to short-list 6-8 entries in this phase. The evaluation of entries is based upon track record of the participants as well as their design philosophy and approach for the GB masterplan.

Details of the shortlisted firms will be announced in April 2006. These firms will be required to submit detailed masterplan designs. The masterplans will be judged by a high-profile jury comprising distinguished international and local experts in August 2006.