Grant Associates, the landscape architecture firm behind projects that include Funan and Gardens by the Bay, explains why biophilic architecture is crucial to the fight against the climate crisis
Andrew Grant believes that landscape architects have a leading role to play in salvaging what remains of the Earth’s biodiversity and the natural global climate. “Landscape architecture has always been important but in the recent past it had largely been seen as a peripheral aspect of new development,” shares the landscape architect, who is the founder and director of Grant Associates.
“The difference today is the realisation that the landscape is essentially our global life support infrastructure.” Since starting his firm in 1997 in Bath, UK, Grant has forged connections between people and nature. Collaborating with WilkinsonEyre, the firm was responsible for the ground-breaking design of Gardens by the Bay. Both practices are working together again on the Sentosa-Brani Masterplan, as well as the Tianjin Friendship Park in China.
See also: Design Speak: Sou Fujimoto Blends Nature With Architecture
What is unique about the way you approach your projects in Singapore?
Andrew Grant (AG) We believe our strength as a design practice lies in our constant search for opportunities to reconnect people with the natural world while addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction. Singapore offers a perfect setting to apply this approach, which is why we started an office here in 2012.
Our design process is underpinned by our knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science, combined with innovative design technology. While we enjoy being playful and inventive, our approach isn’t just about experiences and aesthetics. It’s about the creation of inspirational places and spaces that have purpose, a distinctive identity, promote wellbeing and are part of a biodiverse ecosystem.
See also: How WilkinsonEyre Bridges Art And Science In Projects Like Gardens By the Bay