Jewel Changi Airport is Singapore’s latest and most innovative airport, offering a unique experience for travellers with its exciting array of attractions, sustainable features, and state-of-the-art facilities.
A Brief History of Jewel Changi Airport
Before exploring the remarkable features of the airport, let’s learn about its history and how the concept of Jewel Changi Airport came about.
Jewel Changi Airport is a mixed-use development designed by a consortium led by Safdie Architects that connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The project was initiated with the idea of creating a new gateway that would strengthen Singapore’s position as a global hub for air travel. The airport’s location in Singapore, a city-state that is a hub for trade and commerce, made it the perfect place for such a project.
The idea for Jewel Changi Airport was born out of a need to create a space that would be more than just an airport. The architects wanted to create a destination that would attract visitors from all over the world. They wanted to create a space that would be both functional and fascinating, and that would offer something unique to every visitor.
The Concept and Vision Behind Changi Airport
The vision behind Jewel Changi Airport was to create a world-class airport that’s not only functional but also fascinating. The airport’s architects wanted travellers to have a memorable experience with Jewel, a development that is not only an airport but also a destination in its own right. The objective was to offer a unique experience to every visitor with its attractions, facilities, and services.
The architects wanted to create a space that would be both visually stunning and environmentally friendly. They incorporated a number of sustainable design features into the building, including a rainwater harvesting system and a green roof that helps to reduce the building’s energy consumption.
The airport’s design was also inspired by Singapore’s reputation as a “City in a Garden.” The architects wanted to create a space that would be in harmony with nature, and they incorporated a number of natural elements into the building’s design, such as a large indoor garden and a waterfall that cascades down from the roof of the building.
The Development and Construction Process of Jewel Changi Airport
Construction on Jewel Changi Airport began in late 2014, and the development was officially opened in April 2019. It took a total of five years to complete from the conceptualization phase to the official opening. The result is a stunning glass-enclosed dome comprising 135,700 square meters of floor space.
The construction process was not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges was the fact that the airport had to remain operational throughout the construction process. The architects and construction team had to work around the airport’s schedule, ensuring that construction work did not disrupt airport operations.
Another challenge was the fact that the airport is located on reclaimed land, which meant that the building had to be designed to withstand the unique environmental conditions of the site. The architects had to take into account factors such as soil stability and the risk of flooding when designing the building.
Despite these challenges, the architects and construction team were able to deliver a stunning building that has quickly become one of Singapore’s most popular attractions. With its unique design, sustainable features, and range of attractions and facilities, Jewel Changi Airport is truly a destination in its own right.
Architectural Marvels and Design Elements of Jewel
The airport’s architectural marvels and design elements are one of the reasons why Jewel Changi Airport stands out. The airport is an excellent example of how architects can blend technology and art to create a masterpiece that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The Rain Vortex: World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall
One of the most striking features of Jewel Changi Airport is the Rain Vortex. At 40 meters high, it’s the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, providing a stunning visual display. It is surrounded by lush greenery and glass domes that allow natural light to creep in, creating a peaceful oasis within the airport.
The Shiseido Forest Valley: A Lush Indoor Sanctuary
Apart from the Rain Vortex, Jewel Changi Airport also features the Shiseido Forest Valley. It’s a lush indoor sanctuary with more than 200 species of plants and trees, ensuring that visitors are exposed to the natural world’s beauty while in the airport.
The Canopy Park: A Playground for All Ages
The Canopy Park spread across the top floor, is another exciting feature of the airport. With attractions such as the Sky Nets, Canopy Mazes, and Mirror Mazes, Canopy Park is a playground for all ages.
Innovative Technologies and Sustainability Features of Changi Airport
Besides the architectural marvels and design elements, Jewel Changi Airport is also a leader in innovative technologies and sustainability features.
Energy-Efficient Climate Control Systems
The airport is equipped with energy-efficient climate control systems that ensure minimal energy wastage in regulating the temperature in the airport.
Smart Airport Technologies for Seamless Travel
Jewel Changi Airport is the first airport in the world to fully deploy the Smart Nation Sensor Platform, which provides real-time information on foot traffic, queue lengths, and crowd density to help optimize airport operations. Besides, the airport also deploys facial recognition technology and self-service kiosks to provide seamless and hassle-free passenger movement throughout the airport.
Green Initiatives and Sustainable Practices
Jewel Changi Airport is also a leader in green initiatives and sustainable practices to ensure minimal environmental impact. The airport’s green initiatives include water harvesting, green roofs, and the use of LED lighting systems.
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Options
Jewel Changi Airport also offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
A Wide Range of Retail Outlets
The airport has over 300 shops and restaurants, offering a diverse range of products and cuisines, ensuring that visitors are spoilt for choice.
- Uniqlo: A popular Japanese clothing brand offering a wide range of casual wear for men, women, and children.
- Zara: A well-known fashion retailer with a selection of trendy clothing and accessories.
- H&M: A global fashion brand offering affordable and stylish clothing for various age groups.
- Nike: A renowned sports and athletic wear brand featuring a range of footwear, apparel, and accessories.
- Apple Store: The official Apple retail store where you can find the latest Apple products and accessories.
- Adidas Originals: A store specializing in Adidas’s streetwear and lifestyle collections.
- Muji: A Japanese brand offering a variety of household goods, clothing, and stationary items known for their minimalistic design.
- Pandora: A jewelry store featuring a wide range of customizable charm bracelets, rings, and accessories.
- Sephora: A beauty and cosmetics store with a wide selection of skincare, makeup, and fragrance products.
- Swatch: A store specializing in colorful and stylish Swiss watches.
- Supermama: A store showcasing Singaporean and Asian design-inspired products, including homeware, jewelry, and accessories.
- Naiise Iconic: A concept store featuring a curated selection of Singaporean and international designer products.
- Marks & Spencer: A British retailer offering clothing, food, and household items.
- Muji to Go: A smaller version of Muji focused on travel essentials and on-the-go products.
- Tiger Street Lab: A unique concept store offering Singaporean street food and souvenirs.
Diverse Dining Experiences
Jewel Changi Airport offers a diverse range of dining options to cater to various tastes and preferences.
- Shake Shack: Known for its delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes, Shake Shack offers a casual dining experience.
- Din Tai Fung: A famous Taiwanese restaurant chain renowned for its dumplings, noodles, and other Chinese dishes.
- Tim Ho Wan: A Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant offering a wide selection of dim sum items and Cantonese dishes.
- A&W: A fast-food chain serving classic American fare, including root beer floats, Coney dogs, and fried chicken.
- Burger & Lobster: A restaurant specializing in burgers made from premium beef and lobster dishes.
- Paradise Dynasty: A Chinese restaurant known for its colorful xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and Sichuan cuisine.
- Kam’s Roast: A Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its roast meats, including roast duck and roast pork.
Entertainment and Attractions for the Whole Family
- HSBC Rain Vortex: The HSBC Rain Vortex is one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, cascading from the roof of Jewel to the basement. At night, it comes alive with a light and sound show that is a must-see.
- Canopy Park: Located on the top level of Jewel, Canopy Park is a 14,000-square-meter recreational area with several attractions, including:
- Manulife Sky Nets: A large net playground suspended high above the ground.
- Discovery Slides: Giant slides for thrill-seekers of all ages.
- Foggy Bowls: Mist-filled concave bowls for a unique walking experience.
- Petal Garden: A beautifully landscaped garden with seasonal floral displays.
- Topiary Walk: Featuring animal-shaped topiaries.
- Mirror Maze: The Mirror Maze is an optical illusion attraction where you navigate through a maze of mirrors and lights, making it challenging and fun for all ages.
- Hedge Maze: A lush and green hedge maze located outdoors at Canopy Park, offering a more traditional maze experience.
- Changi Experience Studio: An interactive multimedia attraction that provides insights into the history and operations of Changi Airport, including interactive games and exhibits.
- Shiseido Forest Valley: A serene indoor forest with walking trails, lush greenery, and beautiful waterfall features, providing a peaceful escape from the airport’s hustle and bustle.
- Pokemon Center: A retail store dedicated to Pokémon merchandise, where fans can shop for a wide range of Pokémon-related products and memorabilia.
- YotelAIR: Located within Jewel, YotelAIR offers micro-hotel rooms for travelers in need of a comfortable place to rest during layovers or extended waits.
Please note that new attractions and experiences may have been added since our last update, and some attractions may have seasonal or periodic changes. It’s a good idea to check the official Jewel Changi Airport website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information on available attractions and entertainment options during your visit.
