TRAVEL/PHOTOGRAPHY/SUSTAINABILITY

Singapore’s Jewel Changi: A Remarkable Example of Sustainable Architecture and Community Involvement

Singapore Diaries: Inspiring Travel Through Photography

“The long-term vision is to continue building on this exciting marketplace in the very special unique environment and architecture marvel that it is. Like what Jewel was first envisioned to be — a place where Singapore meets the world and the world meets Singapore, to shop, eat, stay and play!” — James Fong, CEO of Jewel Changi Airport Development, per changiairport.com

During our recent trip to Singapore, my husband and I had the opportunity to explore Changi Airport’s renowned Jewel Changi, a shopping complex located in the heart of the airport.

Per CNN:

“Built at a cost of SG$1.7 billion (about US$1.25 billion) and designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, Jewel has 10 stories — five above ground and five in the basement.”

Given the time constraints we had during our arrival and departure, we specifically visited the mall, guided by useful suggestions from my local cousin.

Please take a moment to admire these photos I captured of the incredible Jewel Changi.

My husband and I were impressed by Jewel Changi ‘s convenient location connected to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 via a bridge.

The nature-themed design, highlighted by the magnificent Rain Vortex, the world’s highest indoor waterfall, created a serene atmosphere on the multilevel terraces.

We found the surrounding green plants and the variety of restaurants on the top floor to provide a pleasant dining experience.

Jewel Changi also offers a range of attractions such as the Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, Canopy Park, Bouncing Net, Canopy Bridge, and the Changi Experience Studio.

We were particularly impressed with how the architecture seamlessly integrated with nature, giving the airport a modern and stylish aesthetic.

We also appreciated the conservation efforts evident in the incorporation of nature indoors, especially around the iconic Rain Vortex.

Despite the expected crowds, our visit was enjoyable. We had the opportunity to relax at the waterfall and capture a few photographs.

While exploring the different levels of Jewel, we noticed a diverse range of cafes and shops.

When it came to dining, Jewel Changi surpassed our expectations with its array of choices catering to various tastes, including both local and international cuisine.

Although our schedule didn’t allow us to stay until the evening, we could tell that the area offered charming options for further exploration.

Jewel Changi: A Beacon of Sustainable Architecture and Community Involvement

Jewel Changi in Singapore sets a high bar for sustainable architecture and community involvement. It integrates eco-friendly principles into design, construction, operations, and community engagement, showcasing responsible living.

✅ Green Building Certification: Jewel Changi has earned the prestigious Green Mark Platinum certification from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), underscoring its dedication to sustainable construction practices.

✅ Energy Efficiency: The architectural design incorporates various energy-efficient features, including a double-skin facade for optimal daylight, photovoltaic panels generating 2% of energy needs, centralized cooling using natural elements, and efficient LED lighting and air-conditioning systems.

✅ Water Conservation: A rainwater harvesting system collects up to 50% of stormwater runoff for irrigation and toilet flushing, reducing dependence on conventional water sources.

✅ Waste Management: The automated pneumatic waste conveyance system efficiently sorts and transports dry and wet waste to recycling and composting facilities. Efforts towards achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030 include initiatives for food waste composting, cardboard recycling, and handling plastic, aluminum, and e-waste.

✅ Biodiversity Conservation: Jewel Changi integrates nature with commerce, featuring the Forest Valley as a green lung for natural ventilation and biodiversity efforts. The Canopy Park and HSBC Rainforest contribute to biodiversity conservation and environmental education.

✅ Recognition and Certifications: Jewel Changi’s commitment to sustainability has been acknowledged through certifications such as the BiodiverCity(R) label from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Green Mark certification for Sustainable Operations and Maintenance (SOM) from the BCA.

✅ Community Engagement and Education: Jewel Changi actively collaborates with the local community through partnerships with schools, charities, and environmental groups. Educational programs, workshops, and exhibitions are organized to raise awareness about sustainability issues and inspire environmental stewardship.

✅ Innovation and Technology: The complex showcases the seamless integration of nature and technology, utilizing the latest technologies and materials to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable living.

✅ Promotion of Reusables: The complex encourages reusable items such as bottles, bags, and cutlery. It provides free water refill stations and rewards users for returning empty drink containers through reverse vending machines.

✅ Incentives for Eco-Conscious Practices: Visitors are incentivized to adopt eco-conscious practices such as bringing reusable bags or net-zero practices through discounts or freebies, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Jewel Changi exemplifies how sustainable ideas can be part of building design and community involvement, promoting a commitment to eco-friendly living.

Closing Thoughts

Jewel Changi brings together nature, technology, and sustainability in a beautiful way. Its design is innovative, focusing on biodiversity and managing waste effectively.

The community is also involved, making it a top-notch destination that not only impresses visitors but also promotes responsible living.

Website: https://www.jewelchangiairport.com/en.html

References:

Will you be checking out Changi airport in Singapore anytime soon?

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