Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel), a lifestyle destination being developed in the heart of Singapore Changi Airport, has been named Best Futura Shopping Centre at MAPIC Awards 2016 in Cannes, France – a prestigious retail real estate industry event which honours the world’s most exciting and innovative retail property projects.
Developed by Jewel Changi Airport Trustee – a joint venture between Changi Airport Group and CapitaLand Mall Asia – Jewel is a mixed-use complex featuring a wide range of lifestyle offerings including a five-storey indoor garden, unique play attractions, comprehensive shopping and dining options, a hotel, and facilities for airport operations.
Celebrating excellence, innovation and creativity in the global retail real estate industry, the MAPIC Awards, into its 21st run, saw a total of 180 entries from 40 countries. A newly-introduced category, the Best Futura Shopping Centre award recognises upcoming retail developments with outstanding architectural qualities and strong, original concepts. Other considerations include the innovative use of materials, integration with the environment and impact on the local community. Based on these evaluation criteria, Jewel emerged winner of the inaugural accolade.
Designed by a consortium of consultants comprising Safdie Architects led by world renowned architect Moshe Safdie, as well as Benoy and local architects RSP, Jewel features a distinctive steel and glass facade, that will house a refreshing environment of lush greenery that are integrated with facilities and attractions.
There are two main centrepiece attractions in Jewel – the Forest Valley, a huge five-storey garden filled with thousands of trees, plants, ferns and shrubs, and the 40-metre high Rain Vortex, currently the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The complex spans five storeys above ground and five basement storeys.
Following the commencement of Jewel’s construction in end-2014, works on the five basement levels of the complex have been completed, and the focus going forward will be on the works above ground. Jewel is on track to open in early 2019.
“The MAPIC Awards are one of the most prestigious accolades in the retail real estate industry and we are honoured to be a recipient this year. In developing Jewel, it is our vision to create a world-class destination that will enhance Singapore’s tourism appeal and augment Changi Airport’s position as a leading air hub in the world. With its unique features that will engage and entertain visitors, we aspire for Jewel to be a place of discovery and experiences for both local residents and international travellers. This award is a tremendous encouragement to the team and an affirmation of Jewel’s innovative design and concept,” said Ms Hung Jean, Chief Executive Officer, Jewel Changi Airport Devt.