Page 29 - AAA JULY-AUGUST 2012 Online Magazine

FEATURE CHANGI UPGRADE

and israel. The most recognisable aspect Open approach
of the upgrade, the huge stainless steel another objective of the upgrade – not
raintree and tumbusu 2D sculptures that helped by the massively strong framework
greet passengers as they enter the main build by Takenaka 30 years ago – was
halls, are laser cut in singapore. The to give a more open, welcoming feel to
huge tree sculptures spread right across the terminal that its “business-like”
the upper areas of the halls and give what predecessor interior lacked. “we wanted
wightman refers to as a “softer, greener, the whole feel to be more welcoming,
more gentle approach than as used more spacious,” notes Ralls. “we got rid
elsewhere – for example in Terminal 3.” of all the hard edges, most of the internal
walls are gone, and the massive supports
are covered in mirrors to give a more open
ROLLINg RESuLTS feel,” he adds.
As a result of the success of the as part of the drive to a move away
T1 upgrade, other airports have from pure utilitarianism, the terminal
come calling, keen to tap into uses only real plants to decorate the
the expertise the upgrade has public areas. “every plant here is real,”
brought to the Changi project says Ralls proudly. “we have our own TOP Stuart Ralls and Brett
team. And not least to tap into nursery here with dedicated full-time Wrightman check plans at
the organisation’s ability to staff who grow and look after all the the new Terminal 1
keep costs from spiralling as greenery. not one single piece of greenery departure hall
with some major infrastructure is plastic!” This theme is now extended to ABOVE New glass lifts
projects. “We were bang on the new outdoor deck area, overlooking continue the open feel
budget,” grins Stuart Ralls. the edge of the apron. it features mature
trees, ferns, a series of fans, water and a
WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM JULY / AUGUST 2012 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS 29