JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT SET TO OPEN NEXT WEEK

Singapore Changi’s much hyped and eagerly-awaited mega retail and lifestyle development, Jewel Changi Airport, is set to open on April 17.

Designed by a consortium comprising Safdie Architects, led by world renowned architect Moshe Safdie, as well as architects from RSP Architects Planners and Engineers and Benoy, Jewel will feature a distinctive dome-shaped façade made of glass and steel.

According to Singapore Changi operator, Changi Airport Group (CAG), the concept for Jewel’s design represents the juxtaposition of a park and marketplace.

This, says CAG, is exemplified in the lush Forest Valley and majestic 40-metre high Rain Vortex – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall – that take centerstage in the complex, surrounded by over 280 retail stores and eateries.

Sneak peek of Jewel
CAG’s desire to showcase its latest asset to the world, and at the same discover any minor teething issues prior to the opening of the S$1.7 billion project, means that up to 500,000 Singapore residents will get to have a sneak peek of Jewel before the public opening.

Indeed, between April 11 and 16 April, a ticketed, but free of charge event, will give members of the public the opportunity to sample Jewel’s huge variety of shops, F&B outlets and other facilities.

These include the largest Nike store in Southeast Asia, Marks & Spencer, MUJI, ZARA, UNIQLO, Shaw Theatres with IMAX and FairPrice Finest with unique features such as exclusive products and specially curated sections and event areas. 

Five Spice, the food court operated by Food Junction, will also feature over 10 local brands, such as Faai Di by Ka-Soh and Fu Lin Yong Tofu, which have more than 20 years of culinary heritage.

Benoy, which led the interior design, retail and aviation facility planning for Jewel, believes that it will set to become a new landmark for the city.

The 137,000-square-metre space acts as a central hub, connecting three of Changi Airport’s current four terminals, making it easily accessible to public and passengers.

And with over 65 million passengers passing through Changi Airport in 2018, Jewel is set to establish a new airport typology as a destination that promotes community, commerce and entertainment.

Benoy states that its design celebrates the natural light offered by the Forest Valley at Jewel’s core, redefining the traditional sense of the commercial space.

In notes that the retail design enables visitors to experience “the vastness of the open space and the intimacy of nature throughout their elliptical journey of the building”, adding that Jewel will become “an iconic, world-class lifestyle destination, enhancing Singapore as a major aviation hub”.

Benoy’s director and head of its Singapore studio, Terence Seah, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the work we have done for Jewel.

“We’ve created a dynamic environment that becomes a unique place for travellers and residents alike. This addresses the important question of place making in the aviation context.

“In the process too, Jewel has enhanced the Changi experience. We are confident that other cities will be inspired to rethink the future of airports.”