With features like an indoor forest, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, treetop walking trails, retail (a retail galleria will feature more than 280 retail and food and beverage outlets and a 130-room hotel), and gathering spaces, the 1.4 million-sf Jewel Changi Airport addition will create a new model for airports as a destination for community activity, entertainment, and shopping.
The core of Jewel is the Forest Valley, a terraced indoor landscape that will feature walking trails and seating areas among more than 200 species of plants. The Forest Valley will also feature the world’s tallest indoor rain-fed waterfall, dubbed The Rain Vortex. The Rain Vortex will shower water down seven stories from a central open oculus in the domed roof. The waterfall will have nightly light shows that integrate sound and projections from 360 degrees around the Vortex.
Courtesy Charu Kokate, Safdie Architects.
The steel and glass structure of the roof spans more than 650 feet at its widest point and uses only intermittent supports in the garden, which results in a nearly column-free interior. The roof’s geometry is based on a semi-inverted toroid (think of a donut) with the waterfall at its center.
See Also: Design team unveils Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport
Courtesy Charu Kokate, Safdie Architects.
Canopy Park will be located on the fifth level and include 150,000 sf of attractions within the garden spaces, such as net structures suspended within the trees, a suspended catenary glass-bottomed bridge walk, a planted hedge maze, a topiary walk, horticultural displays, and an event plaza for 1,000 people.
The Jewel is slated to open in spring 2019. Safdie Architects designed the project. BuroHappold Engineering handled the building structure and facades and Mott MacDonald handled MEP duties.
Courtesy Charu Kokate, Safdie Architects.
Related Stories
Airports | May 1, 2019
The Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport opens in Israel’s Negev Desert
Amir Mann-Ami Shinar Architects and Planners designed the facility in partnership with Moshe Zur Architects.
Airports | Apr 1, 2019
Home team wins O’Hare terminal design competition
Studio ORD, which includes Chicago-based Studio Gang, is chosen from five finalists.
Airports | Feb 28, 2019
Renovation of Tampa International Airport’s Main Terminal completes
Skanska and HOK led the design-build team.
Airports | Feb 26, 2019
Design team unveils Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport
The terminal’s design philosophy combines nature, technology, and community.
Airports | Feb 21, 2019
Self-service bag drops and the challenges of speeding up airport baggage check-in
More airports are asking passengers to check their own baggage. What’s the ripple effect?
Airports | Feb 10, 2019
Chicago searches for the right design to expand O’Hare Airport and make passenger connections less stressful
Competition finalists took different approaches to rethinking the logistics of a gigantic, hectic space.
Airports | Oct 31, 2018
Foster + Partners’ Mexico City Airport has been cancelled
The project was set to cost $13.3 billion.
Airports | Aug 3, 2018
Airport trends 2018: Full flights with no end in sight
As service demand surges, airports turn to technology, faster building techniques.
Airports | May 31, 2018
Denver's airport city
Cultivation of airport cities is an emerging development strategy shaped by urban planners, civic leaders, airport executives, and academics.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.