Singapore – The internationally recognized Bidadari Park has been awarded the prestigious ULI Asia Pacific Award for Excellence 2025. Designed by renowned architecture firm Henning Larsen, Bidadari Park sets new standards in sustainable urban development and impressively demonstrates how urban spaces can be harmonized with nature, history and community.
Bidadari Park is the result of a bold vision: the transformation of a former cemetery into a vibrant, multifunctional natural space. Under the motto “A community in the garden”, the park was developed into a center for biodiversity, environmental education and active living – a place that both honors the past and shapes the future in a sustainable way.
The award as a model project
The park was selected from 43 submitted projects by the Urban Land Institute jury – not only for its landscape architectural quality, but above all for its innovative approach to water management and its holistic concept. Henning Larsen’s design is seen as a replicable model for other urban developments.
1. preservation of the cultural heritage
Bidadari Park honors the history of its location in an impressive way. A Heritage Walk runs along the old Upper Aljunied Road with information boards about the history of the former cemetery. This is complemented by a Memorial Garden, which preserves and visualizes the cultural identity of the site with relics, gravestones and indigenous plants.
2 A retreat for biodiversity
With over 193 recorded animal species, including more than 160 bird species, the park acts as a hotspot for biodiversity in urban areas. Rare and sensitive species such as the Changeable Hawk-Eagle or the Brahminy Kite have been spotted again since the park opened. The park creates green corridors and ecological buffer zones that connect habitats and thus preserve them in the long term.
3. sustainable water management through nature
A unique feature of this park is its nature-based water management. Singapore’s first multifunctional drainage system with an underground reservoir was realized here. By integrating natural landforms, rainwater is stored, the risk of flooding is reduced and new aquatic habitats are created at the same time.
4. role model for urban neighborhood development
The park plays a key role in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. As part of the “City in Nature” initiative, the park demonstrates how green infrastructure, cultural heritage and social participation can be successfully anchored in an urban living environment. This makes Bidadari Park a model for future public housing estates – in Asia and worldwide.
5 A space for movement and encounters
With over 6 kilometers of paths, diverse activity areas and recreational spaces, Bidadari Park promotes an active and healthy urban lifestyle. The design focuses on barrier-free access, nature-based experiences and the promotion of social interaction. The park offers attractive leisure opportunities in a natural environment, especially for young families.
Bidadari Park was developed on behalf of the National Parks Board of Singapore and the Housing Development Board – in cooperation with CPG Corporation, BECA and AECOM. With the opening of the Memorial Gardens at the end of 2025, the next stage of the project is already imminent.
The award from the Urban Land Institute underlines the special value that Bidadari Park offers as a future model for urban transformation. In times of increasing urbanization and climate risks, it is an example of how cities can not only grow, but also be designed to be resilient, green and liveable.
Bidadari Park embodies the change in urban planning: away from sealed surfaces and towards green, integrative and sustainable urban spaces. It combines cultural heritage, ecological diversity and modern infrastructure in a well thought-out, holistic concept. This makes the park not only a place of recreation for the population, but also an international showcase project for sustainable urban design.
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