Airport travel-induced stress is a common woe, especially this time of year. Most passengers brood over long security lines, flight delays, screaming babies and lost luggage. But Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport is seeking to change these perceptions of international air travel — with a 130 foot (40 meter) waterfall.
Construction on ‘Project Jewel,’ a $1.7 billion terminal expansion, began earlier this month. The glass and steel clad structure will encase the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and an expansive indoor park with native flora. At night, the ‘Rain Vortex,’ the terminal’s most notable feature, will entertain travelers with a light and sound show.
The 10-story terminal designed by architect Moshe Safdie will cover 1.4 million square feet, equipped with walking trails, high-end shopping, playgrounds, restaurants and even a 130-room hotel. An above ground transit system will connect to all terminals, so that travelers will have easy access to the Jewel.
Changi Airport was named the world’s best in 2014 by the World Airport Awards. Project Jewel is intended to attract travelers to Singapore as a stopover destination. The expansion is expected to increase the airport’s capacity from 17.7 million passengers a year to 24 million.
