Gardens by the Bay

From the competition brief:

"Singapore is seeking three world-class gardens for Marina Bay. Each of the three emblematic gardens will feature a distinctive design and character. Together the gardens will form a public waterfront loop interwoven with urban developments that offer a diversity of activities, recreational options and entertainment in a scenic setting.

The Garden at Marina South, sited on 54 hectares of land, will feature a conservatory complex for cooler climate plants, mass floral displays showcasing horticulture and floriculture at its best, areas for garden festivals and an outdoor open space for concerts and performances.

The Gardens at Marina East, which is 30 hectares, is a waterfront garden centred on water-based activities within the Marina Channel. It will include facilities such as boathouses and spectator amenities.

Gardens at Marina Central, the smallest of the three gardens at 10 hectares will be a beachfront garden and promenade that is set against the future developments along the Nicoll Highway."

And here's my colleague's prediction of the finalists whose selection will be announced soon:

"I keep forgetting to send you my predictions.....

Die Die sure be in category

Field Operations
West 8
Gustafson Porter
EDAW

Pretty sure they will be in

Toyo Ito
WIN Landscape & Mace Studio

Outside Chance if they pick 8 teams (not sure which of these entered)

Martha Schwartz Partners
Hargreaves Associates
Olin Partnership
Ken Smith
OMA
Bernard Tschumi
FOA
Lutzow 7
Taylor Cullity Lethlean
Gross Max (possibly with Zaha Hadid)
Room 4.1.3 (team name is Symbios + ARM + Jurong)
Cristophe Girot
Desvigne and Dalnoky"

Will my colleague be proven right? Does it mean then that local or regional firms have little chance of being shortlisted even if this is an international competition, and that the criteria are stacked against them at the onset? We'll find out soon enough...

Chup