Changi's Amazing Rain Vortex
The concept of “no-place” we owe it to the French anthropologist Marc Augé . By it we mean places of transit that do not have enough entity to be considered as “places” in themselves. For example, a non-place might be a highway service station, a nondescript hotel room, a supermarket, or an airport. All of them are almost exclusively defined by the passing of individuals, by that impersonal touch that makes us think that “I've seen this before”.
In this sense, an airport would be the quintessential non-place : Nobody stays there, not even Tom Hanks in The Terminal. Airports are places of transit, long layover hours to any other destination, time spent surrounded by identical signage, countless protocols, bureaucracy or endless security controls. We are talking, of course, about most airports.
signature architecture
However, **Singapore Changi Airport,** especially thanks to this new terminal called Jewel which we are going to talk about next, is the antipodes of that idea. Actually, Changi International Airport is proof that an airport can become a tourist destination in itself.
It was chance that brought us to Changi on Wednesday, April 17, so we did not know that on that same day, just a few hours ago, Jewel had been inaugurated. , a spectacular ten-storey complex of 135,700 square meters, built in the former open-air car park of Terminal 1.
Facilities that contain, in addition to a wide range of Leisure and entertainment, the world's largest indoor waterfall 40 meters of this imposing waterfall that pierces seven plants covered with vegetation, an interior forest with more than 1,400 trees, spread over terraces at different heights, paths for strolling, a plant labyrinth and another with mirrors, slides and a sculpture garden.
In its first hours of operation, this waterfall called rain vortex , – more than 37,800 liters of water are poured through it every minute that comes from the frequent storms in the region and is collected to supply the complex – was involved, not only in the magical effect caused by the mist and light thanks to the force of the water, but of surprised travelers who, phone in hand –selfies, selfie sticks, improvised tripods–, posed next to the waterfall with the feeling that this, more than a place to photograph or pass through, was an experience, a place to stop, the start of one's journey to this city-state, Singapore, the second richest country in Asia after Qatar.
Nobody without their photo in Changi
Jewel Changi, projected by the studio Safdie Architects , which is responsible for another of the city's icons, the Marina Bay Sands , three skyscrapers joined by a boat-shaped roof, is made up of a glass and steel structure that allows the entire interior of the complex to be filled with natural light, so that you have to spend a good time to discover all the possible landscapes that projects light inside : By day, Jewel is a tropical forest. At night, however, the waterfall shimmers with lights of different colors and it seems that we are facing an artistic performance.
Those arriving at any of the other airport terminals and wishing to visit this gem should take the SkyTrain , which connects the new Jewel Changi terminal in Singapore with the rest of this airport, which has been chosen for the seventh consecutive year as the best in the world in the Skytrax consultancy survey.
The famous waterfall of The Jewel in Changi
If we walk through the upper floors of Jewel, we find the Canopy Park , a park that houses more than 120 plant species – one of the largest collections in Singapore – that turns the airport into a lush garden. In addition, its ten levels – five above ground level and five below ground – contain check-in counters, a 130-room hotel, a cinema and 280 shops and restaurants.
Here it is not about coming to let time pass: Jewel Changi is a destination in itself, a complete experience in which to walk through lush forests and let yourself be rocked by the relaxing sound of water, and is perfectly compatible with walking around the 280 shops in the complex.
We can find from the largest Nike store in Southeast Asia to shops of Marks & Spencer , Muji , Uniqlo , the Spanish Zara Y oysho , or brands as particular as pokemon center in an area exclusively dedicated to the little ones. Internationally, the selection is unmatched, and balanced, with support for local trade and crafts.
Although the hotel offer in the vicinity of the airport is as impressive as the airport's own facilities –the Crown Plaza Changi is a good option–, for those who do not want to leave the new terminal, they have the ** Yotelair ,** an ideal option for long layovers or early flights. It has 130 rooms ranging from Premium Queen Cabins, ideal for couples, to Family Cabins, which fit four people, for friends and families.
The largest Nike store in Southeast Asia is here
WHAT TO EAT IN CHANGI?
If Singapore is a city-state, its airport could well be a destination for a weekend vacation and, as a good destination, the gastronomic offer lives up to expectations. In this exuberant environment where vegetation is the absolute protagonist, there are options for all styles and pockets. Here our suggestions:
SHAKE SHACK
Queuing for a hamburger? If it is the Shake Shack, this chain originally from New York, the wait is justified. Its about the only one in all of Singapore, with two floors with capacity for 180 people. The ShackBurger is always a great option, as is the Shroom Burger for vegetarians.
BURGER AND LOBSTER
At the end of May this London establishment specializing in this rare but winning combination arrives at Jewel Changi: burgers and lobsters.
Queuing for a burger? At Shake Shack, yeah
PINK FISH
For lovers of Salmon , this Norwegian restaurant that is changing the way we eat this fish. Salads, soups, wraps... the shape is the least of it.
YUN NANS
Specialties from the Chinese region of Yunnan. It is unforgivable to leave without trying the braised wild porcini mushrooms or the Yunnan rice noodles
DIN TAI FUNG
One of the ten best restaurants in the world According to The New York Times, this Taiwanese chain prepares some dumplings, especially the pork ones, which leave you wanting more.
RUMOR’S BAR AND GRILL
A good cocktail to accompany any meat dish? This is the site.
EMACK & BOLIO’S
Something for dessert? At Emack & Bolio's they are defined as the ice cream rock stars. More than a hundred flavors. A dessert at the height of the airport
If, as we have been saying, Changi International Airport has been considered the best in the world for the seventh consecutive year, with the arrival of Jewel it does not seem that this trend is likely to change. It's more, We will have to see who can unseat him.