Located within Bidadari Estate, a new public housing estate in Singapore. Previously a multicultural cemetery, Henning Larsen's transformation of the 13-hectare park honors the site's heritage-rich history, creating a natural, inclusive space right at the doorstep of the community. By integrating placemaking and active mobility strategies to support the vibrant population, Bidadari Park is an accessible destination, centered on the residents' needs, one of a growing community.
At the heart of the nature-based design is Alkaff Lake, marked by the Rain Tree Island, featuring the Samanea saman tree. The 1.8-hectare lake serves as a cornerstone of an innovative, multi-functional drainage infrastructure for stormwater management, capturing 90% of the site's stormwater through terraced wetlands, swales, marshes, creeks, and a retention pond. During periods of heavy rainfall, stormwater across the park collects in the marshland, flows through the Ficus Hill stream, and finally ends in the lake. When water reaches the Alkaff Lake, it is recirculated through terraced wetlands, forming a closed-loop cycle which enhances drainage and the ecological resilience of the site. This water-sensitive urban approach supports the natural habitats, boosts biodiversity, and contributes to an increase in wildlife.
Designed for all members of the family-humans and animals alike, Bidadari Park features 6km of walking trails, observation decks and pavilions, and engaging children's play areas inspired by nature, offering visitors spaces to rest, observe, play, and connect with the local flora and fauna. Even in its urban location, Bidadari Park supports over 193 wildlife species. The park hosts more than 50% of Singapore's migratory dryland bird species and remains one of two existing woodland habitats in the nation. A 100-meter-long bridge is also featured, connecting two patches of mature woodlands within the estate, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll, watching the fauna in its natural environment.
Henning Larsen's planting strategy retained 84% of mature trees and added over 170 native plants. Across the topographically diverse site are 'passive zones' as core areas of natural vegetation, and 'active zones' for park users to support community activities, balancing the human-nature coexistence. Ecological features such as snags, log piles, and boulder piles provide various bird species places to rest, nest, and forage, while a 20-meter-tall Raptor nest platform provides an additional perch and alternative nesting site for the apex predator.
In May 2025, Bidadari Park was awarded the ULI Asia Pacific Award for Excellence, one of the highest landscape architecture honors, recognizing the studio's blue-green design approach.
The project was delivered for the National Parks Board of Singapore and the Housing Development Board, in collaboration with CPG Consultants, BECA, AECOM, and National Water Agency. The next phase of the project, the new Memorial Garden, will open in late 2025.
