The new mixed-use complex at Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore delivers an exceptional experience for the 85 million passengers that pass through it every year. Occupying a site of approximately 1.4 million ft2, this lifestyle destination combines luxury shopping, hotel and dining facilities within a global air travel hub.
Cover image: Cascading down from an oculus in the glass domed roof, the 40m-tall Rain Vortex is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world and a magnificent centrepiece for the Jewel. Image: BHE
Buro Happold worked alongside Safdie Architects to provide structural and façade engineering services to deliver the skin of this iconic structure. The outer shell of the building posed significant challenges in terms of structural behavior, geometrical complexity and constructability. At the apex of Jewel’s glass roof is an oculus that showers approximately 130,000 gallons of water down to the center of the building. The massive steel and glass gridshell is one of the largest in the world, spanning nearly 650 feet. The 130 ft ‘rain vortex’ is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Presenters: Cristobal Correa and Karly Bast
Video courtesy of CTBUH