Jewel Changi Airport（新加坡樟宜机场宝石项目）丨Moshe Safdie

The Jewel of Singapore, the newest addition to the Changi Airport dazzles visitors and locals alike

Changi Airport's Rain Vortex is a 130-foot indoor waterfall. Image courtesy of Changi Airport Group

Singapore

is already known for its mesmerizing structures. However, the country wanted to make sure Singapore isn't only a great place to visit, but stopover! With international travel increasing over the years airports are becoming more than just lines and terminals. Many

airports

are becoming hubs for shopping, cuisine, and must-see attractions. Airport execs are now exploring new ways for airports to be "experienced, turning them into new "lifestyle hubs."

Jewel Changi Airport. Image courtesy of Changi Airport Group

Rain Vortex Waterfall. Image © Rachel Tay/Business Insider

Canopy Park Image courtesy of Changi Airport Group

One of the world's most multi-faceted airports, no pun intended, the Jewel Changi Airport has 280 new retail stores and restaurants which make up the ten-story facility. With the structure split five feet above and five feet below ground, the airport has become the most luxurious airport in the world. New attractions include the Canopy Park which is said to open this summer and the Rain Vortex which is identified to be the tallest indoor

waterfall

. Standing at over 130 feet, the water spectacle is sure to gain social media fame. Another attraction to highlight is the airport's expansive four-story garden that was said to be inspired by

Moshe Safdie

's "city in a garden description of Singapore. In addition to amazing structural views, the airport also has a giant "playscape" where children, even adults, can skip the stairs and take one of the four slides within the structure.

Image © Rachel Tay/Business Insider

Slide "play scape" Image courtesy of Changi Airport Group

The asymmetrical toroid-shaped structure stands between the airport's air-traffic control tower and existing terminals. The $1.25 billion investment took about four years to make and is intended to function both as a space for commercial and entertainment use. According to Changi Airport Group's Senior Vice President, Ivan Heng, "Singapore is a tourist destination, but 30 percent of the people coming through Changi do not visit." With the airport's newest addition the hope is to have those stopping over experience a piece of Singapore prompting a return for a more extended stay.

Image © Rachel Tay/Business Insider

The architect behind the building's exterior is none other than Moshe Safdie. Already having designed a few iconic Singaporean stops like the famed

Marina Bay Sands

and Sky Habitat the architect knew he wanted to create something extraordinary for the airport. Safdie's quoted saying, "Airports are places of anxiety, and I’d like people to be uplifted and serene and feel good about themselves." In response to what the Jewel will become he states it will be, "the first airport center that serves passengers, airport employees and the people of the city."

Image © Changi Airport Group

Skytrain passing within the airport. Image courtesy of Changi Airport Group

This mega attraction will not require security screenings at its mall entrance which will also encourage local visitors to experience the structure. The Jewel will not only become a must see place for travelers but locals as well. If a stopover in Singapore is on your route, a visit to the Jewel is something one can not miss.