Henning Larsen's project includes spaces such as a walkway along the old Upper Aljunied Road with information about its history, and a memorial garden for the old Bidadari Cemetery. The park's vegetation supports more than 193 species of wildlife, including local and migratory birds.
The park includes Singapore's first multifunctional drainage system and an underground service reservoir. It leverages the topography of the land to reduce flood risk and improve water storage, while also creating diverse aquatic habitats.
This space promotes active living and a growing young community through its more than 6 kilometers of trails and activity centers. Together, these solutions support biodiversity and add recreational and educational value to Bidadari Park.
Bidadari Park by Henning Larsen. Photograph by Finbarr Fallon.
Project description by Henning Larsen
Envisioned as ‘a community in a garden,’ Bidadari Park was chosen among 43 submissions for its commitment to biodiversity and conservation. The jury has awarded the park for its potential to serve as a replicable model for other projects and communities.
Henning Larsen’s design redefines the interaction between open spaces, people and nature. The project repurposes and transforms the former Bidadari cemetery into a vibrant public park – creating a space for residents and a sanctuary for migratory birds. Centered on an innovative nature-based design and water management strategy – including a new lake – the design mitigates flooding, safeguards local ecosystems, and honors the site’s heritage.
“It is an honor to receive the ULI Asia Pacific Award for Excellence for our systems-thinking approach, creativity, and the passion of our entire team to make this project a success. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of landscape architecture, setting new standards in nature-based design”.
Agnes Chain, Senior Landscape Architect, Henning Larsen.
The park's design is guided by the following design principles:
1. Heritage conservation.
Bidadari Park’s design repurposes a former cemetery into a sustainable public space. The site includes a heritage walk along the old Upper Aljunied Road with storyboards on its history, and a memorial garden displaying relics, headstones, and native plants to preserve and showcase Singapore’s cultural heritage.
2. A refuge for biodiversity.
Bidadari Woodlands supports over 193 wildlife species, including 160 local and migratory birds. Indicator species such as the Changeable Hawk-Eagle and Brahminy Kite have returned to the woodlands since the parks opening. Key wildlife refuges are preserved, while green corridors and buffer zones enhance ecological connectivity. These measures integrate the woodlands into a broader green network, showing how urban parks can sustain biodiversity and support larger ecosystems.
3. Nature- based solutions for water management.
Bidadari Park includes Singapore’s first multifunctional drainage system and underground service reservoir, combining water management with public use. It uses natural topography and land shaping to reduce flood risk, improve water storage, and create aquatic habitats. These nature-based solutions support biodiversity and provide both recreational and educational value.
4. A model for public housing estates.
Bidadari Park supports the Singapore Green Plan 2030 by advancing the “City in Nature” vision. It integrates nature, heritage, and community through nature-based solutions, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship, serving as a model for future urban developments.
5. A haven for active living.
The park features over 6km of trails and activity nodes designed to support active living and a growing young community. Place-making and mobility strategies enhance access and use, while the design builds on existing landscape features to offer environmental and psychological benefits.
The project was delivered for the National Parks Board of Singapore and the Housing Development Board, in collaboration with CPG Corporation, BECA, and AECOM. The next phase of the project, the new Memorial Garden, will open in late 2025.
