Changi Airport's new "jewel"

Perhaps little introduction is needed for Changi Airport in Singapore, often dubbed the "Meryl Streep of airports," or perhaps even the "star of stars." Changi is renowned for its amenities such as a butterfly garden, swimming pools, a free 24-hour cinema, and upscale shopping malls—all things that make visitors reluctant to leave.

However, on April 17th, a masterpiece of architectural engineering called Jewel will open, continuing to amaze visitors to Changi. This "center," directly connected to Terminal 1 and to Terminals 2 and 3 via a bridge, was realized by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie and his team at Safdie Architects (who are also responsible for designing the famous Marina Bay Sands and the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.). "Jewel" is an ambitious public space that will undoubtedly change the way we think about airports and their surrounding ecosystems.

forest in the valley

This promises to be a captivating destination for nature lovers. Jewel, developed in collaboration with PWP Architecture, features a five-tiered garden with walking paths, approximately 2,500 trees, and 100,000 shrubs sourced from countries such as Brazil, Australia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, the USA, and more. Furthermore, this grand garden comprises four "gateway" gardens, each with unique landscape elements designed to attract anyone staying at Changi.

A rain shower

Have you ever seen rain indoors? If not, at Jewel, this phenomenon will become a reality, thanks to the "Rain Vortex". This is a 40-meter-high rain-generating vortex, making it the world's tallest indoor waterfall. Water falls through a giant hole in the center of the dome (up to 40 cubic meters of water per minute) and is then reused throughout the entire complex. Developed by the water design company WET, the waterfall will include special effects, used for light and sound shows at night.

Canopy Glass Bridge and children's play area complex.

One of the most interesting features of this indoor botanical garden is the 20-meter-high glass canopy bridge suspended 25 meters above the ground.

Children visiting Jewel will surely be thrilled to bounce on the trampoline platform, which is more than 25 meters above the park below. This platform was created through a collaboration between the German design firm Officium and the leading French trampoline manufacturer, Chien Noir.

Changi Jewel Airport will feature a dedicated slide area, called Discovery Slide, with both straight and spiral slides. Discovery Slide is envisioned to be both a recreational area and a contemporary art installation.

On the top floor, Jewel will dedicate 500 square meters to a mystical maze designed by renowned British designer Adrian Fisher. Fisher will create two maze complexes: one made of plants, and the other of glass and mirrors. In this maze space, children can freely play hide-and-seek and chase each other.

In addition to the aforementioned play area, children also have a separate playground called Foggy Bowls. Here, Changi Airport will spray artificial fog, giving children the feeling of playing in the clouds.

Nga Nguyen