US$1.2bn leisure airport with tallest indoor waterfall opens in Singapore
by Andrew Manns | 17 Apr 2019
The Moshe Safdie-designed Jewel Changi Airport – an atmospheric leisure complex and air terminus in Singapore – has finally opened its doors to the public.
The result of a four-year construction process, the US$1.25bn (€1.1bn, £958m) structure is roofed by a unique glass and steel geodesic dome that links to its crowning feature, a 40-metre-tall waterfall dubbed the "Rain Vortex".
The impressive complex – a city in its own right – also boasts a seemingly innumerable array of facilities, including retail outlets, restaurants, Asia's first YOTELAIR hotel, and a 14,000 sq m Canopy Park which Safdie said was partly inspired by the surrealistic landscapes depicted in James Cameron's science-fiction blockbuster, Avatar.
Jewel Changi is also home to a number of on-site attractions, such as mazes, sky nets, a butterfly garden, and a cinema.
BuroHappold Engineering served as the main contractor, while Atelier Ten provided environmental and sustainability design oversight.
The expanded airport – expected to spur a global rethinking of passenger experience design – will now be able to accommodate up to 85 million travellers.
"The vision for Jewel Changi Airport is to be a destination where 'The World meets Singapore, and Singapore meets the World'," Hung Jean, executive of Jewel Changi Airport Development commented in a statement.
Jean added: "The unique proposition of world-class shopping and dining, seamlessly integrated with lush greenery, fulfils the needs of increasingly discerning travellers for a meaningful and experiential journey, even for brief layovers."
Speaking on the opening, Lee Chee Koon, president and CEO of CapitaLand Group, one of the property's developers, said: "Jewel demonstrates our multi-faceted capabilities in real estate development and illuminates the limitless possibilities we will have to enliven an airport precinct with retail at its core."
Jewel Changi Airport Moshe Safdie Singapore
The complex comprises over 800 shops and dining outlets. Credit: Courtesy of Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi's theme park-style attractions are set to launch in June. Credit: Courtesy of Jewel Changi Airport
The airport is also home to Asia's first YOTELAIR. Credit: Courtesy of Jewel Changi Airport
BuroHappold Engineering was the property's main contractor. Credit: Courtesy of Jewel Changi Airport
05 Mar 2019
First-of-its-kind leisure airport set to debut this spring in Singapore
01 May 2018
Singapore's leisure-filled airport attraction on track for 2019 opening, complete with 40m indoor waterfall and forest valley
The Moshe Safdie-designed Jewel Changi Airport – an atmospheric leisure complex and air terminus in Singapore – has finally opened its doors to the public. The result of a four-year construction process, the US$1.25bn (€1.1bn, £958m) structure is roofed by a unique glass and steel geodesic dome that links to its crowning feature, a 40-metre-tall waterfall dubbed the "Rain Vortex". The impressive complex – a city in its own right
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