17 Apr 2019 US$1.2bn leisure airport with tallest indoor waterfall opens in Singapore BYAndrew Manns
Moshe Safdie recently said that his design was partly inspired by the surrealistic landscapes depicted in James Cameron's science-fiction film, Avatar. photo: Courtesy of Jewel Changi Airport
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."
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