Jewel Changi Airport: An Urban Marvel at the Heart of an Airport
Introduction
Jewel Changi Airport is a multifunctional complex at Changi Airport, Singapore — combining a spectacular indoor garden, aviation facilities, over 280 shops, and hundreds of dining outlets. Officially opened on 18 October 2019, this S$1.7 billion building was designed by Moshe Safdie and his team, showcasing a stunning neofuturistic style.
Spectacular Structure and Design
The toroidal roof is a curved glass-and-steel structure supported by 14 tree-shaped columns, creating a pillar-free interior bathed in natural light. An iconic oculus at the center allows water to cascade seven floors down, forming the Rain Vortex — the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (40 meters). The building also features a deep basement built using top-down construction across five basement levels, making it one of the deepest excavations in the Changi area.
Nature and Recreational Attractions
The Shiseido Forest Valley is a five-storey terraced garden covering approximately 22,000 m² with 3,000 trees and between 60,000–100,000 shrubs from 120 species, complete with walking trails and peaceful terraces. The HSBC Rain Vortex not only offers a breathtaking visual but also features stunning nighttime light shows. At the top level, Canopy Park offers suspension bridges, Sky Nets, mirror mazes, and a 14,000 m² foggy garden for visitors to enjoy.
Facilities and Services
With over 280 outlets, Jewel offers extensive retail and dining options, including the first airport Apple Store, the Pokémon Center Asia (outside Japan), IMAX cinemas, and a FairPrice supermarket. The YOTEL hotel provides around 130 transit rooms, alongside early check-in services, baggage handling, and a multimodal lounge for ferry and bus passengers. Jewel is directly connected to Terminal 1 and linked via air-conditioned bridges to Terminals 2 and 3, with convenient MRT and transport access.
Impact & Statistics
After its soft opening, Jewel attracted around 300,000 daily visitors, surpassing initial targets. By 2024, it reached a record of over 80 million visitors. In the fiscal year ending March 2024, traffic increased by 26% and retail sales grew 20%, nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Philosophy & Culture
Architect Moshe Safdie envisioned Jewel as an “airport as public space” — a public attraction outside security zones that serves as a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, not just a gateway to flights. As an embodiment of Singapore’s ‘City in a Garden’ vision, Jewel blends nature, commerce, and recreation, pioneering a new model for future airports.
Conclusion
Jewel Changi Airport is not just an additional facility but a redefinition of the airport’s role in urban life. It provides a refreshing experience that seamlessly integrates nature and technology, connecting transit needs with public leisure. Beloved by travelers and locals alike, Jewel proves that airports can be destinations in themselves.