Bringing nature inside: how CapitaLand uses biophilic design to cool buildings and boost wellbeing
Developers and designers are looking to nature-based solutions to mitigate urban heat and create healthier, cooler urban environments. This article looks at the benefits of this approach, including decarbonisation, and how CapitaLand is aiming to green its property portfolio.
Climate change is reshaping how we design and live in buildings, especially in tropical Singapore, which is warming up at twice the global average. Developers are actively seeking solutions to cool buildings, aiming to reduce both high energy costs and carbon emissions associated with air conditioning. Many are turning to nature-based solutions to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect and create healthier, cooler urban environments.
CapitaLand Group (CLG), one of Asia’s leading property developers, is committed to reducing emissions by greening its property portfolio. Tony Chan, our Southeast Asia Cities and Planning Leader, recently spoke to Giovanni Cossu, Head of Sustainability at CapitaLand Development (CLD), to discuss how the organisation is embracing nature into its projects.
Developing property portfolios inspired by nature
CapitaLand Development aims to green its property portfolio by prioritising energy-efficient technologies, sustainable materials and incorporating smart and biophilic design principles. By integrating natural elements and green spaces they strive to create buildings that holistically integrate sustainable design, fostering ecological, societal, and economic resilience in urban areas.
Biophilic design brings occupants closer to the nature, promoting wellbeing through improved air quality and calming environments. Integrating nature into buildings also helps mitigate the urban heat island effect by enhancing natural ventilation and providing shade.
Giovanni Cossu sees biophilic design and nature-based solutions as complementary approaches that harness nature for human wellbeing.
Biophilic design integrates natural elements into the built environment to enhance wellbeing, while large-scale adoption of nature-based solutions can address societal challenges by restoring and improving ecosystems.
Fostering an ecosystem of design partners
CapitaLand Development aims to foster an ecosystem of partners dedicated to innovative design and construction, with the goal of embedding sustainability throughout the entire life cycle of real estate projects.
In Singapore, several organisations are actively developing strategies to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Examples include CoolNUS led by the National University of Singapore and Cooling Singapore, initiated by the Singapore-ETH Centre. Both initiatives focus on understanding and addressing the challenges posed by urban heat islands to create more sustainable urban environments.
CapitaLand Development is committed to enhancing sustainable urbanisation. Partnering with companies like Arup provides the sophistication the industry needs to drive decarbonisation and sustainability globally.
Property developments exemplify biophilia
Several of CapitaLand Development’s projects exemplify biophilic design, blending nature seamlessly into urban environments. CapitaSpring, a new 280-metre integrated development, offers a vertically connected space for work, living and recreation. This development prioritises wellbeing by incorporating diverse public and social spaces across multiple levels. The 35-metre Green Oasis, spread over four stories, features lush greenery and activity areas that open the building to the outdoors, fostering a connection with nature in the heart of the city.
Jewel Changi Airport also demonstrates biophilic principles, featuring the world’s tallest humanmade waterfall amidst a lush, tropical landscape. The central oculus channels water to create a mesmerising 40-meter waterfall, which transforms into a captivating light and sound show at sunset, providing a calming and immersive experience for visitors.
CapitaGreen, we designed in collaboration with CapitaLand and completed in 2014, showcases biophilic integration into the building’s design. Its dynamic green façade, plays an active role in mitigating temperature increases and reducing energy consumption, further emphasising sustainability through the intelligent use of greenery.
