Dinosaurs, mummies and aquariums. These were some of the ideas that popped up when Canadian-Israeli architect Moshe Safdie and property developer Capitaland were brainstorming for a thematic attraction to go along with the retail space for Jewel Changi Airport, some years back. Mr Safdie, founder of Safdie Architects pointed out that such attractions would likely be appealing only for a period of time. “Why would passengers want to come back again after seeing it once?” he said. Not to mention, he felt such attractions would only appeal to a certain age group of visitors. Instead, he felt that the attraction should be timeless, appeal to all ages and income groups, something that is more universal. “I came up with the idea of the mystical, paradise garden. That would be appropriate for an airport and that is a place of serenity and repose,” he said. He also recognised the need for the retail spaces to be kept separate from the garden, otherwise they would compromise one another.... Continue Reading