Changi Airport is the best in the world for a reason. Besides its efficiency, accessibility, and interconnectedness to hundreds of cities, it is famous for its architecture. And when one talks about design, the Jewel won’t be far behind.
The Masterpiece Known as the Jewel
No one misses the Jewel, the newest and grandest masterpiece in one of the busiest airports in the world. The glass-domed structure that covers over 1.4 million square meters stands proudly near Changi’s open-air parking lot.
The purpose of the Jewel was to connect the three major terminals—terminals 1 to 3—and true enough, guests can pass through the underground link via terminal 1. Meanwhile, those going to and fro terminals 2 and 3 can use the glazed elevated bridges.
But the Jewel itself is a destination. Inside, guests can find an affordable Singapore airport hotel, plenty of retail shops, and a variety of dining options. Most of all, it offers a smorgasbord of attractions:
1. HSBC Rain Vortex
At the heart of the Jewel is the HSBC Rain Vortex, a stunning downpour of water that spans around seven stories. Towering at 40 metres, it is currently the tallest indoor waterfall in the world.
The sound calms jittery passengers while the sight looks majestic both day and night. In the morning, the rays of the sun let it glisten. As the skies darken, the vortex puts on a light show thanks to its LEDs.
Besides entertainment, the vortex serves a more practical purpose: it allows the airport to recycle rainwater it collects to cool down the interiors.
2. Shiseido Forest Valley
The largest indoor waterfall deserves the perfect complement. The Shiseido Forest Valley covers a total of 22,000 square metres across multiple stories. Guests can take many trails, all of which are walkable and perfect for any age.
Along the way, they can explore and interact with over 50,000 varieties of shrubs and nearly a thousand trees and palms, some of which are rare.
Not only can guests rest and take photos, but they can also enjoy a complete sensory experience and Japanese natural aesthetics through Shiseido’s collaboration with teamLab.
3. Canopy Park
The Shiseido Forest Valley is a feast for the senses, but for those diligent enough to go all the way to the top, a reward awaits them.
The Canopy Park, which is around 14,000 square metres, is the playground children and the young at heart has been waiting for. Whether they’re looking for adventure or a fun walk, there’s an activity they can pursue.
In the Discovery Slides, kids can slide their way to the ground to their heart’s content. They can pretend they’re in the clouds in Foggy Bowls with its grounds releasing a gentle mist.
The Petal Garden and the Topiary Walk are ideal for plant hobbyists and avid horticulturists. Reminiscent of some of the world’s famous flower parks, plants of all sizes and shapes are meticulously arranged. Here, they can take their last mementos before they officially say goodbye to Changi—for now.
For thrill-seekers, they can venture into the Canopy Bridge, which is 23 metres above ground and laid with a glass bottom. The Hedge Maze challenges your sense of direction and memory while the Mirror Maze plays with illusions. Do you ever wonder how it feels to be weightless? Then you have to try the bouncing and walking Sky Nets.
When Mr Moshe Safdie and his partners designed the Jewel, he obtained inspiration from the mythical gardens of ancient scriptures and literature. For him, it provided balance to the glamour of shopping and dining other terminals are known for. Most of all, it is the perfect reminder for everyone that, despite being a small city-state, Singapore is a green country.