Guinness World Record
Singapore: Gardens by the Bay is the Largest Glass Greenhouse in the world
Featured in the Guinness World Records 2015 book, the Flower Dome covers 1.28 hectares under glass. Its column-free gridshell and arch structure lets in maximum light and replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions of the world.
The Flower Dome sits alongside the 0.8-hectare Cloud Forest conservatory. Both glasshouses, designed by UK architecture firm Wilkinson Eyre, form the botanical arks that have become a distinct feature of Gardens by the Bay. Unlike most temperate greenhouses which have a warm interior, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are climate-controlled in a sustainable, energy-efficient manner to provide a cool environment that brings forth the concept of perpetual spring in the tropics. Along with the outdoor garden spaces at Gardens by the Bay, the cooled conservatories were open to the public in June 2012.
“We are thrilled that the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay now holds the Guinness World Record for the Largest Glass Greenhouse,” said Dr. Kiat W. Tan, CEO, Gardens by the Bay. “When we created the Gardens, we set out to make this a vibrant leisure destination where families, friends and communities can come together to enjoy. The cooled conservatories are an iconic part of the Gardens that bring visitors on a botanical holiday to the natural wonders of faraway realms – right here on the equator. This recognition of the Flower Dome as the Largest Glass Greenhouse is an achievement that we can all take pride in.”
The Flower Dome houses vivid floral displays which are refreshed periodically to bring ever-changing horticultural experiences to visitors. For 2015, Gardens by the Bay will embark on a story-telling journey as told through six ‘chapters’ of colourful floral displays. The Gardens will usher in the new year with Asian tales, before welcoming the return of the popular Tulipmania - this time amidst a fairy-tale setting. The story-telling continues with nursery rhymes that will bring back memories of familiar childhood verses. In August, the Gardens will celebrate the nation’s 50th birthday with a floral depiction of the Singapore story, before moving on to folklores surrounding the chrysanthemum flower. The year will close with a fantastical Christmas floral display featuring toys and tales from Santa’s workshop.
Source: gardenbythebay.com