In the annual survey by the London-based Skytrax Institute in September 2021, millions of air travelers among 500 airports once again voted the hub in the city-state of Singapore one of the top airports: Changi Airport came in third and scored particularly well in the following categories: “World’s Best Airport Staff “,” Best Airport Staff in Asia “and” Covid-19 Airport Excellence “.
As if this result and that of the even better previous years were not enough, the airport administration opened an extension to the public two years ago – unprecedented for the otherwise anonymous and interchangeable airport world: the jewel – in English “Jewel” called.
The 135,000 square meter round building was built in 2019 directly in front of Terminal 1 and is located between Terminal 2 and 3. This means that the glass structure is easily accessible from three of the four Changi terminals. Although there is also an arrival area with baggage carousels, which complements the functions in Terminal 1 and increases capacities, the jewel is primarily an area of relaxation and consumption, not just for transfer passengers.
But the extravagant building has long since developed into a visitor magnet for locals. The Singaporeans take the metro out to the Jewel, especially on weekends – as a travel substitute, because there are still only a few destinations that can be easily reached without quarantine. And for young people, The Jewel is a popular place to go on a date.
Pastime on ten levels
On the five above-ground and five below-ground levels, everything is not just about food and shopping with 280 different shops and restaurants, but rather about tropical greenery. Singapore is close to the equator and the rainforest is accordingly tropical.
The architect Mosche Safdie from Haifa, who created Singapore’s new landmark, the Marina Bay Sands, in 2010, also designed the new airport complex. The center of the jewel is a waterfall that rushes 40 meters down from the glass ceiling as a circular curtain. “We can regulate the volume and the flow rate. Under the waterfall we have tanks that collect rainwater so we can use it,” an airport official told CNN.
This visual eye-catcher is surrounded by hanging gardens, flower beds and artificial forests, through which transit guests can stroll on several levels, including a swaying treetop path. The whole thing is strongly reminiscent of Singapore’s Garden by the Bay, the botanical garden with two large air-conditioned houses and its funnel-shaped artificial trees, the “Super Trees”.
An overnight stay is also being considered: the first is on level 4 Yotelair Asia opened with 130 rooms, making the jewel a destination of its own.
Further information: www.jewelchangiairport.com
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