Singapore's Changi 'Jewel' puts a rainforest inside an airport
By David Flynn, June 7 2017
Singapore's Changi Airport is already renowned for its pleasant human touches such as butterfly gardens and rooftop pools – but the new 'Jewel' complex could very well make you forget you're in an airport altogether.
Nestled nest to Terminal 1 where a carpark once stood, and due to open in early 2019, the $1.63 billion project is a climate-controlled glass dome boasting a massive five-story indoor garden larger than even the city-state's Gardens by the Bay domes.
The centepiece will be a 40 metre high indoor waterfall dubbed the Rain Vortex.
The world's tallest indoor waterfall, it's been created by water design firm WET (the aquatic architects behind stop-and-gawk water features at Las Vegas' Bellagio and Dubai's Burj Khalifa) and will use rainwater collected from the building's roof...
... and at night play host to a dazzling choreographed light and sound show.
A suspended 50 metre long bridge with glass panel flooring overlooks the Rain Vortex.
The upper level of Jewel will host Canopy Park, a sprawling 14,000m² garden with several unique 'play attractions' such as elevated nets to can walk (or bounce) along...
... and two mazes (just be sure to find your way out when it's time to board your flight).
Gardens terrace down nearly 30 meters to a central gathering space with informal amphitheater seating.
Then there are animal-shaped topiaries...
... and seasonal floral displays.
Designed by a team led by Moshe Safdie, who shaped the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Jewel could well double for the lair of a billionaire Bond villain, with five floors above ground and a further five basement levels.
Elevated air-conditioned walkways and the automated Skytrain will connect the Jewel to Terminals 2 and 3.
Of course, this is an airport and it is in Singapore, which means the Jewel complex will also contain some 300 shops plus food and beverage outlets.
Also planned is a 130-room hotel plus facilities such as airline lounges – and to promote Singapore as a 'fly-cruise' hub, there'll also be a dedicated cruise departure lounge where travellers flying into Singapore can pick up their cruise boarding passes and check in their bags.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
This is just a reminder of what was announced back in 2015 i think. Still its probably around the halfway point now.
28 Dec 2016
Total posts 74
Which hotel brand
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
And yet Cathay moves to T4
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2013
Total posts 699
Will be nice when its finished. It's also been slightly annoing with the T2 to T3 B Gates Skytrain not operating.
03 May 2013
Total posts 677
This airport is bliss to use from every aspect. This is an amazing project.
Qantas
03 Mar 2015
Total posts 20
Wow. I would take a day trip to Singers just to see this.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Feb 2015
Total posts 388
Such a great airport to transit and place to visit, if only QF went to London via Singapore again.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
I solve this problem by only flying SQ to europe
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Feb 2015
Total posts 388
Agree, I'm also not loyal to QF when flying to Europe now. Flying SQ business at Xmas. Maybe one day QF might reverse their decision.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
10 Nov 2011
Total posts 129
I absolutely love this airport. It's the only airport I've been to where you can consistently go from stepping off the plane to collecting bags and getting into a taxi in under 15 minutes. Amazing.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
I've done it in 5 mins last year since I was at the gate closest to the exit, already pre-filled the immigration card during flight, had only hand luggage and there was no queue at immigration or for taxi
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
04 Sep 2015
Total posts 7
I've managed to get through Melbourne airport in under 2 hours!
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1205
SIN continues to enhance its reputation as a world leading airport where spending time is a peasure not a drag. Meanwhile MEL does nothing to fix its chronic terminal issues except adding more shops!!!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Mar 2014
Total posts 219
Put the Skytrain through the waterfall
British Airways - Executive Club
07 Sep 2012
Total posts 47
Wonder if this will mix airside with the public or is it solely for airport passengers..?
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