US SECONDARY TO NATURE : ECOTOURISM @ BUKIT TIMAH

Abstract

Due to pragmatic reasons to increase the economic and politic growth, the conservation efforts of our native green landscape have always been secondary. Even with the implementation of the Nature Reserves Act in a bid to protect these native plants and animal species, these species will be wiped out if there is ever a need for more development space in future. The thesis aims to design an artificial terrain or a greenway, stitching two nature reserves located along the Bukit Timah Expressway. This is to increase the rate of recuperation of suffocated nature reserves we have right now. This terrain is not just a link for animal movement but also serves a platform for endangered and vulnerable plant species to flourish. Seeds from these selected species are then pollinated by the animals that pass through this terrain. Other than the tangible aspect of stitching the nature reserves, the project also capitalizes on redefining a new relationship between human and nature. In doing so, we understand first-hand how nature works. The terrain houses various functions catering for both specialist and the general public, depending on the sensitivity of each area. The formality of space catering to us will be consumed by the natural environment over time, dictating the way we work, live and play. The explicit accompaniment of the environment will inform us of their strong presence that we are not the only sole species that control the environment.