The project consists in the expansion and renovation of Terminal 2 of Singapore’s Changi Airport, comprising 120,000m² across three levels. The agency completely redesigned an existing terminal building with a proposal placing the priority on the traveler experience, rather than on the management of passenger flow, through punctuations of visual, auditory, and interactive experiences, intended to soothe the mind, body, and soul.

As the first step in travel, airport experiences can be daunting. We endeavored to create a serene multi-sensory environment allowing passengers to enjoy the calming effects of nature. The project was designed as a journey across an indoor landscape encompassing minerals, water features, and lush vegetation in various forms and densities.

As lovers of nature and gardens, we drew those inspirations from vegetation, topography, geology, minerals, ponds, streams, currents, water reflections, and much more to create spaces and forms that blur the boundaries between architecture and landscape.”

In the departure Hall, the check in islands were designed as an alternative to the traditional frontal approach, and the idea was to make the hall as panoramic and open as possible, with smooth circulation. Travel in the 21st century is filled with stressful moments - from check-in, to security lines, and immigration - and we wanted to provide extensive transparency to enable views of the steps ahead as a way of reducing anxiety derived from the unknown and unfamiliarity with the airport.

We strived to conceal the technical and regulatory aspects. Travelers are surrounded by an environment of vegetated walls and colorful carpeting, with continuous organic lines facilitating transitions and offering clear forward views of adjoining steps in the journey as part of a shared architectural language. Unobstructed views from one step to the other induce a calmer mindset, allowing travelers to get their bearings prior to moving forward.

The entire project is a dialogue between technology and nature. The technology provides comfort and efficiency, but the human focus is what defines the user experience. Two immersive installations develop this concept further, the Wonderfall and Dreamscape, where natural compositions, LED screens and audio creations create a restful respite for layover passengers disoriented by intercontinental travel.

Another major contributor to the human experience is the use of artisanal materials wherever possible. We are proud to have engaged craftsmen from very small firms to create many of the elements as the organic shaped counters, the custom-designed stucco walls, or blown glass chandeliers.

Beyond just attempting to put forth an eco-friendly project, our focus was really on creating a calming environment for travelers. And, in doing so, it has become a benchmark for this type of ecological design.

The project has received the Platinum Green Mark Certification. This is the highest level of certification at the Singaporean green building rating system, recognizing the exceptional and innovative practices in green building design, construction, and operation.