Intended wildness: Utilizing spontaneous growth for biodiverse green spaces in a tropical city

Abstract

Manicured urban greenery is the norm in Singapore, but this approach to landscape obstructs the accommodation of ecosystem dynamics, and misses an opportunity to benefit from the region’s tropicality. Based on an understanding of floral succession gleaned from pilot tests and perception studies that identified factors in the preference for wilder landscapes in Singapore, this article proposes intended wildness as a novel approach to designing and managing urban green spaces. More specifically, it advocates a stepwise application of strategies that promote diverse and spontaneous growth of urban green spaces and public acceptance for them. Promoting spontaneous growth through management and maintenance can lead to floral and faunal diversity at nested scales, address social concerns and demands within a compact city, and provide a strong ecological incentive that works in harmony with the region’s characteristics.