SINGAPORE. Jewel Changi Airport, the under-construction mixed-use complex at the Singapore hub, has won the 2016 International Architecture Award.
The award was given out by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The International Architecture Awards were created to recognise developments that have high standards of excellence in design, construction, planning and sustainability, and which also maintain a close relationship with the communities that they serve. More than 130 developments from over 40 countries received the accolade this year.
Jewel is billed as a lifestyle destination being developed in the heart of Changi Airport. It is a joint venture between Changi Airport Group and CapitaLand Mall Asia and will feature a wide range of offerings including shopping and dining options, an indoor garden, play attractions, a hotel and facilities for airport operations.
Jewel Changi Airport Development Chief Executive Officer Hung Jean said the award was a testament to the strength of the complex’s design.
“It has always been our aspiration for Jewel to be a world-class development that will not only strengthen Changi Airport’s air hub status, but also enhance Singapore’s tourism appeal,” she said.
“A destination that every Singaporean can be proud of, Jewel will feature specially-designed spaces for the wider community to enjoy – where international visitors, local residents and airport staff can come together to interact and engage. This accolade serves as a strong encouragement as we work together with the best minds in the industry to realise our dreams for this project.”
Jewel was designed by a consortium of consultants comprising Safdie Architects (led by Moshe Safdie), Benoy and local architects RSP. It features a blend of greenery integrated with facilities and attractions, beneath its distinctive steel and glass façade.
There are two main centrepiece attractions in Jewel. The Forest Valley is a five-storey garden filled with thousands of trees, plants, ferns and shrubs. The 40 metre high Rain Vortex is said to be the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The complex will span five storeys above ground and five basement storeys.
Jewel is scheduled to open in early 2019.
