Safe design of skyrise greenery in Singapore

Abstract

Singapore is transforming from a “garden city” to a “City-in-a-Garden”. Designing for safety is recognized by researchers and some governments as a best practice in facilitating eventual worker safety within the built environment. This research was undertaken to understand and describe the status of safe design for skyrise greenery in Singapore. Forty-one rooftop and vertical greenery systems were observed with a focus on access, fall from height, and planting considerations. Rooftop greenery systems in Singapore were found to be adhering to safe design principles. Vertical and ledge greenery systems, on the other hand, are newer arrangements and were found to be in need of design for safety guidance. The results add to the body of knowledge in the area of safe design and skyrise greenery and will aid those seeking to understand from a policy and practice perspective. The published version of this article can be accessed here: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/20466091211260677.