8

LANDSCAPE

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8.1.

8.1.1

LANDSCAPE PLANNING CONCEPTS

LANDSCAPE PLANNING CONCEPTS

MD 1

Landscape option based upon Masterplan Nested Campus Option

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8.1.1

LANDSCAPE PLANNING CONCEPTS

The following diagram shows an overview of

the four landscape types proposed for Zones
B and C. These include:
Type A: Regimented Rainforest, a multitiered and biodiverse planting of native species, connecting the Academic Green to the
landscape of Kent Ridge.
Type B: Arcades, providing covered linkage between the various buildings, Activity
Nodes and landscape spaces.
Type C: Themed Gardens, providing a variety of open spaces in the Academic Green for
passive recreation and study. These employ
a variety of planting, hard-scape, seating and
lighting to create unique identities.
Type D: Activity Nodes, offering spaces for
recreation and gathering, as well as a range
of uses to the academic community. Activity Nodes may be open or enclosed (with air
conditioning), partially or fully covered.

B
C

C
B

D
C

A
C
B

B
C
D

MD 1

More information regarding Types A

through D is given in the subsequent pages.

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8.1.1

LANDSCAPE PLANNING CONCEPTS

Landscape plays a vital role in any large campus. In an academic setting, where visitors are constantly passing from one
building to the next, it is critical that the landscape assume
more responsibility than simply being that green stuff or
leftover space between buildings. It is a means by which
students reach their destinations, as well as a destination in
itself.
At present, the NUS landscape is maintenance-intensive and
yet remains little-used, either for pedestrian passage or recreation. Nonetheless, the current campus presents an existing
network of green spaces that is complex and rich, in spite
of a lack of landscape planning at the campus level. It is the
goal of the current exercise to create an over-arching series of
landscape guidelines to bring the courtyards, hillsides, road
verges and green buffers of NUS into a coherent system that
is simple to implement, sustainable, stimulating, and adaptive to future needs.
This plan does not propose major disruptions to the existing
distribution of landscape spaces, nor to the plants that are
currently established. However, there exists a need to amplify existing resources, as well as to supplement a landscape
that is principally composed of lawn and feature plantings
(such as would be found in Botanical gardens). These are necessarily maintenance-intensive, as well as low in the representation of native species that will contribute to the health of
the campus landscape.
The NUS landscape, as in the case of Singapore more generally, is one that has resulted from large-scale disruption; little
of the former equatorial dipterocarp forest exists, and much of
the current stock was imported, prior to independence, from
other British colonial holdings.

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8.1.1

LANDSCAPE PLANNING CONCEPTS

Landscapes of surprise
An important principle of the landscape master plan is to incorporate a broad-spectrum
approach to design. This proposal aims to
maintain and augment the different types of
landscape spaces, creating a rich sequence of
landscape spaces that strive to be distinctive in
character and qualitatively different from their
surroundings.
Open spaces should generate surprise and pleasure, inviting the user to linger. From an aesthetic viewpoint, the current landscape suffers
from a dual problem:
1. A monotony of the general landscape that
contributes to a system of open spaces that tend
toward similarity of experience, and do not
encourage the user to take full advantage of the
broader facilities.
2. A selection of disparate smaller landscapes
that are themed, locally-developed in an adhoc manner.
This proposal aims to improve the quality of
the general landscape through the clarification
of landscape elements, using an infill landscape technique. It also proposes to make sense
of the existing themed gardens by introducing a
system of such gardens throughout the campus
proper.
While achieving these goals, this proposal
simultaneously addresses the aesthetic goals
as well as the pragmatic challenges of maintenance and sustainability.

Infill landscaping
It is not the recommendation of this master plan
that new landscapes at NUS should be constructed as if on a greenfield site. While some
spaces will involve completely ground-up
implementation - such as the new Academic
Green - it is intended that existing natural resources, trees and shrubs, should be maintained
and incorporated into design improvements
wherever possible.
As such, the existing landscape provides a
frame-work for future works, where infilling
of additional specimens (as well as new hardscape and program areas) can take place.
Currently, the biodiversity of the NUS campus
is notably low; landscapes tend to consist of
a background of lawn and canopy trees, with
periodic planting of shrubs and ground-covers.
In some cases (see image at right), this has resulted in a feeling of desolate or under-tended
environments - what one observer called green
deserts. These should be taken as opportunities to fill in the landscape, increasing Green
Plot Ratio by reintroducing hardy native species
where possible.

A number of the existing NUS landscapes have great potential to contribute a special quality to
the campus; however, many of these currently show a history of ad-hoc management.

Other sustainability issues will also be addressed; the planting schemes propose to increase leaf area indices so as to increase shady
areas that might encourage outdoor walking.
The amplification of existing spaces through the
admixture of programs, lighting, furniture and
features is also recommended.

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8.1.1

LANDSCAPE PLANNING CONCEPTS

Space for improvement

The existing landscape at NUS, as noted above, depends heavily upon lawn, tree, and very occasional shrub
planting. This establishes an effective framework for the future landscape of the campus. However, by itself this
planting scheme creates a number of sub-optimal conditions for the user.

5
1

3
4

1. Extensive lawn cover does

not help to mitigate stormwater run-off, creating a
burden on drainage systems.

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2. Lawn is water and fuel

intensive to maintain.

3. On topography too steep

for human habitation, there
is no necessity to use turfing as opposed to shrubs or
groundcover.

4. Planting of shrubs in a
dispersed fashion discourages use by birds and microfauna, which prefer swaths
of contiguous planting cover.

5. Lack of under-story planting can create view corridors

toward less attractive facades; can also lend a barren look.

6. Monospecial planting
leaves the landscape vulnerable to pest and disease.

8.1.2

LANDSCAPE TYPES

Landscape elements with distinct characteristics

To achieve the Landscape Planning Concepts, the landscape is devised as a system of
parts that can be implemented by phasing in
parts or as a whole. These parts correspond
to different Landscape Types with distinct
characteristics.
Regardless of the final Master Plan Option
chosen, the landscape plan will consist of
these four elements, which can be re-organized in a modular manner to best suit the
architectural elements of the plan. Below, we
show how these Types would be arranged to
suit the Master Plan.

Type A: Regimented Rainforest

Type C: Themed Gardens

These extend as green fingers from Kent Ridge to

create a landscape of native species in multiple tiers
at certain areas of the campus. As in Zone A, these
are understood as extensions of the secondary forest
landscape at Kent Ridge. The planting of Regimented
Rainforests is simplified and structured to avoid the
messy appearance of secondary forest, which may
strike the user as unkempt, and thus be considered
inappropriate for campus landscaping.

The notion of a campus in a rainforest will be balanced with Themed Gardens. In the options presented
here, Themed Gardens are used to define common areas
between new and existing buildings in Zones B and C.
Themed Gardens, placed alongside Regimented Rainforests and Arcades are understood to provide these Zones
with a clear and unique identity.

Regimented Rainforest is developed in conjunction

with Associate Professor Hugh Tan of Department of
Biological Sciences/ RMBR.
Type B: Arcades
Any system of paths proposed for the NUH and NUS
campuses will be required to work within the Singapore climate. Intense heat and occasional storms are a
reality of this environment. As such, the current plan
proposes a network of Arcades - covered walkways or
colonnades - that link all buildings and provide shade
and cover for staff & students. These are used to link
Activity Nodes as well as buildings, and are hoped to
encourage student use of exterior spaces.

Type D: Activity Nodes

Activity Nodes comprise covered activity areas for group
events, student amenities, learning spaces, as well as
passive recreation. These are understood largely as architectural elements such as green-roofed pavilions or other
enclosed spaces.
Nonetheless, it is expected that some Activity Nodes can
be designed as sheltered landscape areas. Primarily hardscape, these would have feature canopies and other elements of interest. The latter may also include feature seating and lighting, as well as artwork and paving systems. It
is encouraged that attractive and innovative shading and
roofing systems are explored for these areas, to encourage more student use of semi-external spaces despite the
generally hot & humid Singapore environment.

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8.1.3

MASTERPLAN NESTED CAMPUS OPTION

Regimented Rainforest

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Themed Gardens

Arcades

Activity Node

The preferred Nested Campus master plan

features a double-row of buildings for FoS
and SoM that maintain a clear central green
space. The Formal Boulevard of NUH area
extends into NUS and becomes the central
axis in a network of Arcades, and leads directly to University Hall. Arcades crisscross
the expanse of landscape defined by the
building edges, creating Themed Gardens
between them.

8.2

8.2.1

TYPE A : REGIMENTED RAINFOREST

T H E E X PA N S I O N O F K E N T R I D G E

A secondary forest landscape

The Kent Ridge landscape is a major landscape
amenity for the NUS and NUH campuses. As a
lush stand of secondary forest, this is one of few
remaining landscapes of its type in Singapore.
There are intact regions of native secondary forest
in the interior of the hillside (set back from Kent
Ridge Road) and areas of the slope are protected
natural reserves.
The role of Kent Ridge is not as an inhabited
landscape, but rather as a green reservoir that
assists in maintaining the ecological health of the
campus. It is recommended that these areas be
conserved and protected, and their perimeters
reinforced with additional planting of native species, such that invasive species do not infiltrate.
Small viewing decks may be placed at the perimeter, such that users of the NUS campus can experience the Kent Ridge landscape more closely.
However, incursion of pathways or boardwalks
into the perimeter is not recommended as these
might prove disruptive to the forest ecosystem.
Within-forest bat roosts should be introduced
where possible, to reduce the current problem of
bat roosting/ guano on buildings at NUS.

Regimented Rainforests brings the unique character of the Kent Ridge landscape into the campus.

Regimented Rainforests are extensions of this

Kent Ridge landscape into the NUS/NUH campus. The planting scheme which will characterize
this landscape is described in detail in Chap 8.2.2.

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8.2.2

LOWER KENT RIDGE ROAD - A ROAD IN A RAINFOREST

Landscape at Lower Kent Ridge Road

Lower Kent Ridge Road (LKRR) remains the central vehicular accessway for the NUH and NUS campuses, and
provides a point of entry from South Buona Vista Road. As
such, LKRR forms a major ceremonial axis - it is the central
processional space and has a strong influence on the visitors impression of character and quality of the campus
landscapes.
LKRR benefits from a collection of mature canopy trees that
assist in providing shade, as well as forming an attractive
green envelope around the roadway. Small shrub plantings
are to be found on either side of LKRR, as well as at sporadic points along the median.
The master plan proposes to strengthen the existing character of LKRR through additional planting. While canopy
tree plantings have historically tended to be monospecial,
it is recommended that additional native canopy species be
added to wayside rows. This adds to biodiversity, and also
makes LKRR less vulnerable to the threat of canopy extinction by pest or disease.
Likewise, the addition of native shrubs and understory
planting is highly recommended, in particular on the east
side of LKRR. Here, the road closely abuts the AYE, and
at present inadequate visual screening exists between the
campus and the highway.
Understory planting should be executed in the manner of a
Regimented Rainforest, using a selection of native species
in a multi-tiered distribution to be a lush, attractive corridor. The route should likewise incorporate elements for
shading, seating, and safe passage across vehicular roads.

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Green envelope around Lower Kent Ridge Road

8.2.3

S P E C I A L C O N D I T I O N S - M A I N TA I N I N G V I S U A L C O N N E C T I V I T Y

At interface between buildings and landscape

Across large vertical drops

The green fingers of Regimented Rainforest extending from Kent Ridge may occasionally be interrupted
by a building. Yet it is important that these fingers
continue as if through these buildings to the other
side such that they form visible and robust elements
of the campus landscape.

At Block S5, between Kent Ridge Road and

the Academic Core at the +122 level, there
is a vertical drop of approximately 40 metres.

To maintain a visual connectivity, the Regimented

Rainforest planting scheme can extend to the planting on the grounds directly surrounding these buildings.
Along the axis of these green fingers, a green-roofed
canopy or walkway can extend from the building
face to act as a transitional element between the forest exterior and the building interior.

At this location, most of the drop occurs over

an existing slope. At the base, however, is
a retaining wall condition that produces a
sharp discontinuity between the landscape
of the Ridge, and that of the NUS campus.
It is suggested - at this particular central
green finger - that the vertical drop be mediated via the localized addition of landscape
fill, creating an achievable, gentle slope of
15 degrees. With Regimented Rainforest
planting, a continuous green finger can be
achieved.

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8.2.4

SPECTRUM OF PLANTING SCHEMES

RAINFOREST or JUNGLE

REGIMENTED RAINFOREST

NUS LAWN AND TREE

Found at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (above)

and Kent Ridge, as well as numerous reserve
sites in Singapore.

Found at Cluny Road.

Found at NUS, elsewhere in Singapore.

Strong representation of native species

High biomass and biodiversity
Low maintenance requirement
Messy appearance unsuited to campus
environment

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Potentially strong representation of native species

Poor representation of native species

Good biomass and biodiversity

Poor biomass and biodiversity

Low to medium maintenance requirement

High medium maintenance requirement

Structured appearance despite density

Very clean appearance

8.2.4

SPECTRUM OF PLANTING SCHEMES

RAINFOREST or JUNGLE

REGIMENTED RAINFOREST

NUS LAWN AND TREE

Not recommended for use at NUH and NUS

Recommended for use in many areas of NUH and NUS

Recommended for use in selected areas of NUH

and NUS, particularly in areas of high outdoor
activity

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8 . 2 . 5 A D D I T I O N O F R E G I M E N T E D R A I N F O R E S T : I N F I L L I N G / N AT I V I Z I N G
It is an assumption of this master plan that destroying existing landscapes
to build new ones is counter-productive. A benefit of regimented rainforests is the ability to maintain existing mature specimens and incorporate
these within an expanded planting palette.

Tree and lawn prior to infilling/nativizing

Lawn

In the common instance of canopy trees distributed in a row, or grid, regimented rainforests may be added within a similarly narrow or linear zone,
surrounding the existing.
At left are diagrams showing one preferred method of infilling/nativizing
in which infill species of different types are layered beneath and between
existing canopy trees.
Additional planting should be introduced with a visible order to prevent
the new landscape from appearing messy. To this end, it is encouraged
that infill understorey trees be monospecially clustered in the interval
between each pair of existing canopy trees. Species may vary from interval
to interval, similarly for shrubs, small trees, and epiphytes. It is preferred
that shrubs and groundcovers form a gradient of height, becoming shorter
towards the perimeter.

Tree and lawn after infilling/nativizing

Canopy tree

Width of zone
may vary to
account for
available space;
4m minimum

Understorey tree

Shrub/small tree
Shrub/epiphyte
Shrub
Groundcover

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8 . 2 . 5 A D D I T I O N O F R E G I M E N T E D R A I N F O R E S T : I N F I L L I N G / N AT I V I Z I N G
Before

After
At left are examples showing specific areas at
the NUS campus before and after infilling/
nativizing. The familiar lawn and canopy
tree model will be gradually replaced with
a Regimented Rainforest to reduce the
amount of lawn and related water consumption, and increase biodiversity and green
density.
As shown, understorey shrubs and trees can
be easily added around and below existing
canopy trees to achieve the desired outcome.

Before

After

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8 . 2 . 5 A D D I T I O N O F R E G I M E N T E D R A I N F O R E S T : I N F I L L I N G / N AT I V I Z I N G

Phasing linearly :

Infilling along a stretch occurs systematically from one end to the other, in phases of variable length

Phase 1

Phasing by node

Phase 2

Infilling occurs at various key nodes (intersections, points of interest, et cetera) and radiates outwards

Phase 1

Phasing by infill type

Phase 2

Phase 3

Infilling occurs by plant type, from largest to smallest

Phase 1:
Understory trees

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Phase 3

Phase 2:
Shrubs, epiphytes

Phase 3:
Groundcover

8.3

8.3.1

TYPE B : ARCADES
TYPE B : ARCADES

An extensive and pleasant pedestrian route

An academic campus requires an extensive
pedestrian network that offers a comfortable,
sheltered pedestrian experience and flexibility of routes. To this end, the Arcades are
designed to crisscross the open space between the buildings of FoS and SoM, linking
academic buildings, Themed Gardens and
Activity Nodes.
In contrast to the singular and expedient
Formal Boulevard of NUH area, the Arcades
of NUS (FoS, SoM & FoD) range across the
campus to link its various components.
It is desired that the network comprises a
variety of Arcade types, each designed in
accordance with the following guidelines.
These Arcades will remain unified by the
strong geometry of the network in the Plan,
and by other unifying elements described in
the following pages.

MD 1

Network of arcades linking buildings, Themed Gardens and Activity Nodes

Variety of arcade types within the pedestrian route network

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8.3.2

T Y P E B : A R C A D E S - D AY O N E S C E N A R I O

Starting with a clear gesture

The goals of a Campus Master Plan are necessarily sweeping, and will take decades to
implement. During this time, it is reasonable
to expect that other planning priorities and
concepts will be introduced. It is unlikely
that the present Master Plan will be exactly
implemented as envisaged in 2009, without
modification.

Day One
scenario: start with a
clear gesture by introducing the central
pedestrian axis

However, it is important to establish certain

elements, anchors or touch-stones that
provide a clear and appealing structure that
will maintain in spite of changes to the evolution of NUS campus.
To this end, it is proposed that a central
pedestrian axis linking the NUH, MRT, and
the broader NUS campus be considered as
such an element. As a relatively light (inexpensive, quick and minimally destructive)
element, a pedestrian route seems to offer an
effective place to start.
The exact course of this route may, in future,
shift to take advantage of new openings provided by the subsequent removal of existing
buildings. However, a clearly appreciable
gesture on Day One will help to place this
element within the campus landscape.
An additional benefit to this strategy is the
impression that major changes are afoot
from the very inception of this scheme - an
impression that can be produced without
major capital expenditure.
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MD 1

8.3.3

VA R I E T Y O F S PAT I A L E N V E L O P E S

Those familiar with the NUH and NUS

campuses will be well aware that many
existing circulation paths are planned for
great lengths, while maintaining a consistent
length and character. While efficient, this
can lead to a monotonous experience for the
user, and suggests that the campus is to be
bypassed rather than enjoyed.
In contrast to the standard pedestrian linkway, in which the spatial envelope remains
constant, it is proposed that new pathways,
such as the central spine, make use of available peripheral spaces to expand at the side
where possible and where appropriate. Small
gardens are created at either side. This lends
an element of surprise and relief, and presents the pedestrian routes as linear parkways
rather than infrastructural corridors.

Crossing Themed
Gardens on either side,
the Arcade can take
advantage of the surrounding greenery
Abutting building
faces, can also be incorporated within building
footprints as a portico

Passing through
above a Trench, pedestrians can enjoy the
sights of the Regimented Rainforest

CANTEEN

Paths may expand to accommodate adjacent Themed Gardens

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8.3.4

C I R C U L AT I O N

One of the central roles of the landscape

master plan is to support the experience of
the user during the process of circulating
across the many spaces of the campus. Careful choices of hardscape and softscape - both
in type and in distribution - can assist in
making movement at NUS both clearer and
more pleasant.
The goal of the future master plan is to establish a circulatory system that, while maintaining multiple routes across the campus, is
nonetheless clear and user-friendly.

non-NUH user

NUH user

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8 . 3 . 5 A VA R I E T Y O F A R C A D E T Y P E S

In addition of high-quality execution at the detail level, Arcade structures should take advantage of a full range of design
methods to provide comfort as well as visual interest and variety between areas in NUS campus.

Such variations may include: expressive geometries in the ceiling

plane, optical effects such as changes in color and porosity, form
and geometry of columns and structural elements; and incorporation of occasional lighting, seating, and art work.

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8 . 3 . 5 A VA R I E T Y O F A R C A D E T Y P E S

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8 . 3 . 5 A VA R I E T Y O F A R C A D E T Y P E S
Sample Formal Boulevard Canopy shown in Master Plan of NUH area

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8.4

8.4.1

TYPE C : THEMED GARDENS

TYPE C : THEMED GARDENS

Gardens as place-makers
It is imagined that each Themed Garden will
present a fresh destination to visitors to the
NUS campus.
To achieve this, each Garden should employ
a characteristic set of landscape techniques to
create its own distinct identity. These can include the use of particular planting palettes,
material palettes, paving patterns, water
features, earth works, and lighting schemes,
amongst others.
Not only will there be an increase in points
of interest within the campus, there will also
be a system of gardens that help to create
identities within the larger landscape. By increasing imageability of various parts of the
campus, these gardens can help to orient the
user within NUS.

Existing Gardens
MD 1

NUS already has a system of extant Themed

Gardens. However, these have heretofore remained largely as localised phenomena and
have been developed on an ad-hoc basis.
By introducing an entire patchwork of
Themed Gardens, the existing and new landscape parcels become unified in an overarching landscape planning concept that ties the
disparate parts of the NUS campus together.

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8.4.2

T Y P E C : T H E M E D G A R D E N S - R E P R E S E N TAT I V E I M A G E S

Innocenti and Webel, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA 1964-85

Klan and Singer, ENBW Zentrale, Karlsruhe, Germany 1997

Michael Van Valkenburgh, Avenue Montaigne Courtyard, Paris, France 1993

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8.5

8.5.1

TYPE D : ACTIVITY NODES

TYPE D : ACTIVITY NODES

Special circumstances
While most Activity Nodes will be enclosed
green-roof structures, there may be certain
circumstances where a landscape-based Activity Node may be desired.
In these cases, it is proposed that these landscapes will be characterised by a predominance of hardscape, and/ or the presence of
a feature canopy.
These canopies will provide both a visual
signature to the Node, but also provide relief
from the heat and rain. It is intended that
these areas will be aesthetically and environmentally attractive to students such that they
will be encouraged to spend time outside of
the academic buildings themselves.

Example of a feature shading for an Activity Node

The surrounding landscape should be considered in the design of the ground plane of
these spaces. It is encouraged that no distinct
separation between the two should be made
as this might deter visitors from crossing into
the landscape.
It is intended to create favourable circumstances for increased outdoor use.

Turinscape, The Red Ribbon, Hebei Province, China 2006

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Public landscape, The Netherlands

8.5.2

GREEN ROOFS

There are several types of extensive and intensive green roof systems readily available. In general, as with all other gardens, each green roof
system should be studied independently to achieve the desired effects and design intention of the overall theme or concept.
Two diagrams of flat roof and pitched roof systems are shown here:

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8.5.2

GREEN ROOFS

The Academic Green is essentially an extensive green roof. Efforts should as well be made to introduce green roofs to LTs and activity pavilions
within the Academic Green. Some successful built examples of both extensive and intensive green roofs are shown here:

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8.6

RECOMMENDED SPECIES

Native species
As part of an overall commitment to sustainability in landscape design, it is intended that this Master Plan utilize native plant species for new plantings, as much as possible.
This will serve to augment the vision proposed by former
NUS President, Prof. Shih Choon Fong, that NUS be a campus in a tropical rainforest.
The use of native species would also align with the expressed
intention of the Ministry of National Development to make
use of the Singapore Index of Cities Biodiversity for evaluating Singapores urban development. This is an index that
only takes into account native species.
The list of recommended species that follows comes from
Associate Professor Hugh Tan of the Department of Biological Sciences/RMBR. Most of these are beach forest species as
they can be purchased in the local market, require less irrigation and are hardy for roadside planting conditions.

Special highlights - Tembusu

Tembusu are native species that are historically associated with NUS. A tembusu sapling was used to represent NUS in a handing-over ceremony by the next-toprevious and previous NUS Presidents. However, the
fact that the tembusu is slow-growing should be taken
into consideration.

Special highlights - Dianella ensifolia

This understory shrub can grow in full sun as well as
shaded conditions, and produces fruit in a blue consistent with one of the NUS colours.

Existing Rain Trees

It is recommended that all large trees on campus be retained,
and that this landscape plan proposes mainly additional
planting, rather than the removal of any extant landscapes.
Where non-native trees exist, these can be surrounded by
native species to create a multi-tiered planting scheme. In the
case of large raintrees, these can be nativized using native ephiphytic and climber species. These can include Ficus
superba or Ficus kerkhovenii (Johor Fig). Most figs are particularly attractive to native bird species.

Special highlights - Ficus heteropleura

This sandy-leafed fig has fruit that is orange when
half-ripe then red when fully ripe. The orange fruits
are visible for long periods, making this a good partner with Dianella ensifolia - together, they have the
orange and blue corporate colours of NUS.

* Foreword, Trees of Bukit Timah Campus: A Tribute to Old Friends.

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8.6

RECOMMENDED SPECIES
Scientific Name

Common Name

Family

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Acanthus
ebracteatus

Holy-Leaved
Mangrove,
Sea Holly,
Jeruju, Jerujah

Acanthaceae

Magnoliophyta

Herb, spiny

2m

Can propagate

Acanthaceae

Magnoliophyta

Herb, spiny

2m

Can propagate

HERBS

Acanthus
ilicifolius

228

Acrostichum
aureum

Leather Fern,
Paku Laut,
Mangrove Fern,
Coarse Swamp
Fern

Pteridaceae

Filicinophyta

Herb, aquatic

4m

Available

Acrostichum
speciosum

Mangrove Fern

Pteridaceae

Filicinophyta

Herb, aquatic

1.5m

Can propagate

Crinum asiaticum

Seashore Lily,
Poison Bulb,
Bakung, Crinum
Lily, Asiatic
Poison Lily,
Spider Lily,
Seashore
Crinum

Amaryllidaceae

Magnoliophyta

Herb

2m

Available;
can propagate

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Image

CLIMBERS
AND
TRAILERS

Scientific Name

Common Name

Family

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Wollostonia biflora

Holy-Leaved
Mangrove,
Sea Holly,
Jeruju, Jerujah

Asteraceae

Magnoliophyta

Herb; scandent

1.5m

Can propagate

Acanthus volubilis

Acanthaceae

Magnoliophyta

Climber/ herb

2m

Can propagate

Cayratia trifolia

Vitaceae

Magnoliophyta

Climber/ trailer

NA

Can propagate

Cissus repens

Vitaceae

Magnoliophyta

Climber/ trailer

NA

Can propagate

Derris trifoliata

Fabaceae

Magnoliophyta

Climber/ trailer

NA

Can propagate

Image

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

229

Scientific Name

Common Name

Finlaysonia obovata

Hoya verticillata

Ridleys Hoya

Ipomoea pes-caprae Beach Morning

Glory, Railroad
Vine, Sea
Morning Glory,
Tapak Kuda,
Goats Foot

Family

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Apocynaceae

Magnoliophyta

Climber

NA

Apocynaceae

Magnoliophyta

Climber/
laticiferous

NA

Can propagate

Convolvulaceae

Magnoliophyta

Trailer/
laticiferous

NA

Available

EPIPHYTES

230

Asplenium nidus

Birds Nest Fern,

Rumah
Langsuyar

Aspleniaceae

Filicinophyta

Crown epiphyte;
terrestrial herb

1.5m

Can propagate;
available

Davallia
denticulata

Rabbits-foot Fern Davalliaceae

Filicinophyta

Epiphyte,
lithophyte;
trailing herb

0.7m

Available

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

Image

Scientific Name

Common Name

Family

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Dendrobium
crumenatum

Pigeon Orchid,
Anggerek
Merpati, White
Dove Orchid

Orchidaceae

Magnoliophyta

Crown epiphyte

1.5m

Can propagate

Fagraea auriculata

Pelir Musang,
Bira Bira

Loganiaceae

Magnoliophyta

Shrub, small tree;

epiphyte,
litophytic,
terrestrial

4m

Can propagate;
slow growing

Platycerium
coronarium

Staghorn Fern,
Polypodiaceae
Crown Staghorn,
Stags Horn
Fern, Disc Stags
Horn Fern,
Elkhorn Fern,
Semum Bidadari,
Rumah Langsuyar,
Paku Langsuyar

Filicinophyta

Crown epiphyte

NA

Available

Ardisia elliptica

Seashore Ardisia, Myrsinaceae

Mata Pelanduk,
Penah, Periah,
Buah Letus, Cempenai, Daun Bisa
Hati, Mata Ayam,
Mata Itek

Magnoliophyta

Shrub; small tree

3m

Available

Clerodendrum
inerme

Indian Privet,
Seashore
Tubeflower,
Bunga Pawang,
Wild Jasmine,
Sorcerers Bush,
Seaside
Clerodendrum

Magnoliophyta

Shrub; scandent

1.5m

Available;
can propagate

Image

SHRUBS

Verbenaceae

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

231

Scientific Name

Common Name

Colubrina asiatica

Family

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Rhamnaceae

Magnoliophyta

Shrub; small tree

5m

Can propagate

Licuala spinosa

Palas,
Mangrove Fan
Palm, Spiny
Licuala Palm

Arecaceae

Magnoliophyta

Shrub

5m

Available

Barringtonia
asiatica

Fish-killer Tree,
Beach
Barringtonia,
Poison Fish Tree,
Sea Putat,
Barringtonia,
Butun, Butong,
Pertun, Putat

Lecythidaceae

Magnoliophyta

Tree

10m

Available

Lecythidaceae

Magnoliophyta

Tree

8m

Available

Magnoliophyta

Tree

8m

Available

TREES

Barringtonia
conoidea

Barringtonia
racemosa

232

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

Common Putat,
Lecythidaceae
Putat Ayam, Putat
Kampong, Common Putat Powder
Puff

Image

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Borneo Mahogany, Clusiaceae

Penaga Laut,
Bodek
Laut, Paku Achu,
Indian Laurel,
Alexandra Laurel,
Bintangur Bunga

Magnoliophyta

Tree

20 m

Available

Casuarina
equisetifolia

Horsetail Tree,
Southsea Ironwood, Mile Tree,
Australian Pine,
Cemara Laut,
Common Rhu,
Aru

Casuarinaceae

Magnoliophyta

Tree

30m

Available

Cocos nucifera

Coconut, Kelapa,
Niyor, Coconut
Palm

Arecaceae

Magnoliophyta

Tree, unbranched 20m

Available

Cycadaceae

Cycadophyta

Tree, usually unbranched

5m

Available; expensive

Fabaceae

Magnoliophyta

Tree

8m

Available

Scientific Name

Common Name

Calophyllum
inophyllum

Cycas edentata

Cynometra
ramiflora

Katong Laut

Family

Image

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

233

Scientific Name

234

Common Name

Family

Ficus microcarpa

Malayan Banyan,
Jejawi, Indian
Laurel, Curtain
Fig, Chinese Banyan, Glossy-leaf
Fig

Moraceae

Magnoliophyta

Strangler; tree;
laticiferous

30 m

Can propagate

Ficus superba

Sea Fig

Moraceae

Magnoliophyta

Strangler; tree;
laticiferous

20m

Have NUS Native

Plant Nursery stock

Gnetum gnemon

Meninjau, Belinjau, Gnetaceae

Bago, Gnemon
Tree,
Maninjau, Minjau,
Songkok, Spanish
Joint
Fir

Gnetophyta

Tree

8m

Available

Intsia bijuga

Merbau Ipil, Mer- Fabaceae

bau
Ayer, Ipil, Kwila

Magnoliophyta

Tree

15m

Have NUS Native

Plant Nursery stock

Knema globularia

Small-Leaved
Nutmeg,
Gerahan,
Merbatu
Kechil,
Penarahan Padi

Magnoliophyta

Tree

10m

Have NUS Native

Plant Nursery stock

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

Myristicaceae

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Image

Scientific Name

Common Name

Family

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Oncosperma
tigillarium

Nibung, Nibong,
Nibung Palm

Arecaceae

Magnoliophyta

Tree; clumping
palm; prickly

25 m

Available

Pandanus
odoratissimus

Pandanus Palm,
Pandanaceae
Screw
Pine, Mengkuang
Laut, Mengkuang
Duri,
Pandan Darat

Magnoliophyta

Tree; spiny

6m

Can propagate

Peltophorum
pterocarpum

Yellow Flamboyant,
Jemerlang Laut,
Yellow Flame,
Batai, Batai
Laut, Yellow
Poinciana

Magnoliophyta

Tree

10m

Available

Pouteria obovata

Menasi, Sea Gutta, Sapotaceae

Misi

Magnoliophyta

Tree

8m

Available

Magnoliophyta

Tree

30m

Have NUS Native

Plant Nursery stock

Terminalia catappa Sea Almond,

Ketapang, Indian
Almond, Tropical Almond Tree,
Lingtak, Bastard
Almond,
Singapore
Almond,
Telisai, Jelawai
Ketapang

Fabaceae

Combretaceae

Image

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

235

236

Scientific Name

Common Name

Thespesia
populnea

Tristaniopsis
whiteana

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

Family

Phylum

Habit

Max. Height

Remarks

Bendy Tree, Milo, Malvaceae

Bhendi Tree, Portia
Tree, Pacific Rosewood, Baru Baru,
Baru Laut, Bebaru

Magnoliophyta

Tree

5m

Have NUS Native

Plant Nursery stock

River Tristania,
Myrtaceae
Pelawan, Selunchor

Magnoliophyta

Tree

10m

Available

Image

8.7

T R E E C O N S E R VAT I O N S T R AT E G Y

For Tree Conservation Strategy, please refer to Nparks guidelines for Development Control Submission for Private/Public
Building Developments.
Under the Parks & Trees Act S14, written approval must be
obtained from the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation to
remove or cut any tree with a girth exceeding 1m, unless it is:
i.
for the prevention of imminent danger; or
ii
in compliance with any obligation imposed by any
written law; or
iii
an expendable species listed in Annex 5.
It is a general recommendation that all existing trees be retained unless felling is deemed necessary for future construction, or as above.
Topographical surveys with detailed surveys shall be carried
out for specific areas as required. Surveys shall be conducted
during planning and design stages of new works, to ensure
that all trees and relative soil/ground levels are accurate at
the time of construction.
Existing trees are shown at right.

location of existing trees on campus

LANDSCAPE
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237

8.7

T R E E C O N S E R VAT I O N S T R AT E G Y

Legend

no excavation, raise/lower of soil level, compaction and any form of construction including temporary works are allowed in this zone.

line of min. tree

protection zone
hoarding to be
provided along
the limits of the
tree protection
zone

line of min. tree

protection zone
hoarding to be
provided along
the limits of the
tree protection
zone

outline of canopy

outline of canopy

tree trunk

tree trunk

Illustration 2: Minimum TPZ;

Tree girth < or = 1.0m

Illustration 3: Minimum TPZ;

1.0m < Tree girth < or = 1.5m

hoarding
line of tree protection zone
Notes:
All tree protection zones indicated are the minimum
requirement only. Actual tree protection zone shall be
determined on site, especially for trees with girth > 2.0m

line of minimum protection zone

hoarding to be provided along the
limits of the tree protection zone
no excavation, raise/lower of soil
level, compaction and any form of
construction including temporary
works are allowed in this zone

Illustration 1: Minimum TPZ;

1.5m < Tree Girth < or = 2.0m;
Section

soil levels are to be adjusted

outside of hoarding. construction works are allowed
in this area.
original soil profile

line of min. tree

protection zone
hoarding to be
provided along
the limits of the
tree protection
zone

line of min. tree

protection zone
hoarding to be
provided along
the limits of the
tree protection
zone

outline of canopy

outline of canopy

tree trunk

tree trunk

Illustration 4: Minimum TPZ;

1.5m <Tree girth < or = 2.0m

Illustration 5: Minimum TPZ;

Tree girth < 2.0m

splay corner of
entrance culvert

splay corner of
entrance culvert

trunk of palm

driveway

driveway

Illustration 6: Minimum Distance req.

for splay corner of culvert from palm

splay corner of
entrance culvert

trunk of small tree

trunk of
large tree

Illustration 7: Minimum Distance req. for

splay corner of culvert from small to medium tree

edge of cement
crossing
roadside
green
verge

cement
crossing

trunk of
tree or
palm

driveway

238

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

Illustration 8: Minimum Distance req.

for splay corner of culvert from large tree

Illustration 9: Minimum Distance req.

for cement crossing to palm/tree

8.8

R E C O M M E N D E D PAV I N G PAT T E R N S

Activity areas should create interest through a lively use of materials and patterns. These may take advantage of the growing market in recycled
paving products and reconstituted woods to create a ground surface that is textured, durable, and sustainable.

Suggested paving patterns

Built examples of recommended paving material and patterns which are textured, durable and
sustainable. and those which are not recommended.

LANDSCAPE
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239

8.9

L I G H T I N G , S E AT I N G , A N D A R T W O R K S

A variety of lighting options

Lighting can add invaluably to the experience of a landscape. Landscape in turn offers
many different contexts in which lighting
effects can be produced. The NUS campus
would do better to avoid traditional institutional lighting provisions, such as mast lights
at regular intervals.

240

Taylor Cullity Lethlean - Customs House Park,

Greater Geelong, Australia, 2001

Josef Pleskot - Pedestrian Walkway of Deer Moat,

Prague, Czech Republic, 2002

SLA - Frederiksberg New Urban Space,

Copenhagen, Denmark, 2005

OMA - Casa da Musica,

Porto, Portugal, 2005

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009

While it is important that the campus is welllit for safety reasons, there are numerous
ways in which this goal can be achieved. It
is likewise important to acknowledge that a
well-lit public space will represent a range of
lighting atmospheres from bright to restful.

8.9

L I G H T I N G , S E AT I N G , A N D A R T W O R K S

A variety of seating options

In the contemporary campus environment,
it is acknowledged that seating of various
kinds can contribute a sense of fun and aesthetic interest. It is no longer expected that a
single bench type be employed throughout a
common campus. Rather, different areas can
benefit from the unique identity conferred by
a combination of lighting, seating and other
landscape elements.

BCA Landscape - Face of Liverpool,

Liverpool, UK, 2004

Klahn + Singer - Castle of Gottesaue,

Karlsruhe, Germany, 2003

Landworks Studio - Court Square Press Courtyard,

Massachusetts, USA, 2003

Zvi Hecker - The Page, Lindenstrasse Memorial,

Berlin, Germany, 1996

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241

8.9

L I G H T I N G , S E AT I N G , A N D A R T W O R K S

A variety of artwork options

Art work can be used in a creative way to
enliven spaces within NUS campus, and in
particular, those areas with a high degree of
pedestrian flow.
Those art pieces that produce a sensation of
surprise or invite interactivity are preferred
as these will contribute a sense of enjoyment
and excitement to the new spaces.

242

Kusama, Yayoi - Ascension of Polkadots on the

Trees, 2006

Wilma Cruise - Bronze sculpture, Alice

Taylor Cullity Lethlean - Eucalyptus,

Montreal, USA, 2005

Nip Paysage - Annual Garden Festival installation,

Montreal, USA, 2005

LANDSCAPE
NOV 2009