Singapore’s Changi Airport has been ranked as the world’s best airport for the seventh consecutive time. In 2019, the airport unveiled its latest addition – Jewel Changi Airport. The airport extension is a stunning architectural masterpiece that leaves visitors in absolute awe. Designed by Safdie Architects, Jewel Changi Airport has not just added a beautiful destination for travelers and locals but has also become an iconic symbol of Singapore’s innovation and creativity.
The concept of Jewel Changi Airport is unique and revolutionary. The project was born out of the idea of transforming the airport into a destination that caters to the recreational and entertainment requirements of passengers and locals alike. The aim was to create an ‘airport city’, where people could shop, dine, relax and be entertained without having to travel out of the airport premises.
The 135,700 square-meter structure is built around a stunning 40-meter-high Rain Vortex - the world's tallest indoor waterfall. The glass and steel construction is an architectural marvel comprising a combination of retail stores, dining options, entertainment facilities, gardens, and parks. Safdie Architects ingeniously brought together the different elements of nature and urban spaces, creating a space that leaves visitors in awe.
As visitors walk into Jewel Changi Airport, they are greeted with an awe-inspiring and breath-taking view of the Rain Vortex. The jewel-shaped glass and steel dome are supported by curved steel trusses that span over a central atrium.
The Forest Valley sits right next to the Rain Vortex, offering visitors breathtaking views of the waterfall and an immersive experience of the rainforest. The Forest Valley comprises four levels of greenery and gardens, providing a tranquil haven amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport.
The Canopy Park is located on the topmost level and sets the recreational tone for the entire structure. The Canopy Park includes various leisure activities, such as walking nets, sky nets, canopy bridges, mirror maze, hedge maze, slides, and gardens.
The indoor gardens and plants that decorate the retail spaces, food courts, and restaurants enhance the natural ambiance. The various shopping and dining options offer visitors with an array of choices from affordable to luxury, local to international.
Safdie Architects has created a masterpiece that encompasses a blend of natural and urban spaces in Jewel Changi Airport. The entire structure is built around the Rain Vortex, which is the central focal point. The waterfall cascades from the top, providing an immersive atmosphere of nature and tranquility.
The structure is supported by four steel arches and a grid network of steel cable and glass panels. The Jewel-shaped dome is made up of aluminum cladding and supported by a steel backbone. The steel structure has been beautifully crafted, making it look ethereal yet incredibly sturdy.
The interior architectural design is awe-inspiring. The natural ambiance created by the plant life and greenery combined with the natural light from the roof make the entire center a visual treat. The escalators winding around the Forest Valley are an absolute pleasure to ride, as the passengers get to see the plants, gardens, and waterfalls from different angles.
Sustainability has been a key factor in the design and construction of Jewel Changi Airport. The natural light, heat recovery systems, rainwater harvesting, and greenery have been incorporated to make the structure eco-friendly.
The abundant greenery throughout the structure provides an oxygen-rich environment, creating a healthier atmosphere for passengers and locals. The focus on sustainable construction has made Jewel Changi Airport an environmentally responsible structure. The airport has been certified for achieving the highest standards of environmental sustainability.
Jewel Changi Airport has been recognized for its outstanding architecture, sustainable design, and innovation. It has received numerous awards and accolades from the architectural and aviation industry. Some of these include:
- The 2020 CTBUH (Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat) Award for the Best Tall Building in Asia Pacific.
- 2020 Iconic Awards – Best of Best: Interior – Institution
- 2019 Urban Land Institute's (ULI) Urban Open Space Award.
Q: What is Jewel Changi Airport?
Jewel Changi Airport is a world-class entertainment and retail complex that has been built as an extension to Singapore's Changi Airport.
Q: Who designed Jewel Changi Airport?
Jewel Changi Airport has been designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie.
Q: What is the Rain Vortex?
The Rain Vortex is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, a 40-meter high waterfall cascading from the top of the Jewel Changi Airport dome.
Q: What are the key features of Jewel Changi Airport?
Jewel Changi Airport is a stunning architectural masterpiece that includes a combination of retail stores, dining options, entertainment facilities, gardens, and parks. The structure is built around a stunning 40-meter-high Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
Q: What makes Jewel Changi Airport unique?
Jewel Changi Airport is unique as it transforms the airport into a destination that caters to the recreational and entertainment requirements of passengers and locals. The aim is to create an ‘airport city,’ where people can shop, dine, relax and be entertained without having to travel out of the airport premises.
Conclusion
Jewel Changi Airport has become an iconic symbol of Singapore's innovation and creativity. The stunning architecture, sustainable construction, natural ambiance, and recreational facilities make it an absolute delight for passengers and locals alike. It is no wonder that Jewel Changi Airport has received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of its world-class design and construction. It is an architectural marvel that has set new standards for future airport architecture and design.
