1 Singapore's Changi Airport never fails to come up with innovative and nature-oriented concepts in keeping with Singapore’s enduring “Garden City of Asia” monicker, and its latest showpiece, the Butterfly Garden, is an enchanting example.
Located in a quiet corner of Terminal 3’s Departure/Transit mall, the two-storey, alfresco facility has been drawing insect fanciers as well as providing a green respite for harried transiters.
A variety of 47 butterfly species, native to Singapore and Malaysia, were selected for this unusual garden that is fully enclosed by a curvilinear roof (a design that features no crevices to prevent trapping the delicate creatures), keeping the butterflies in and maintaining an exchange of wind and natural air vital for their comfort and survival. A timber walkway enables visitors to pleasantly experience the garden, while a waterfall feature helps cool the entire attraction.
Beside its aesthetic and de-stressing purposes, the mini park is used to illustrate butterflies’ life cycle. Information panels and feeding corners with softly fluttering clusters invite observation and photo ops. Those clueless about how butterflies come to be can view caterpillars in the breeding section and peek at the Emergence Enclosure, a glass case containing pupae in various stages of development, including the final stage, with a fragile butterfly about to unfold.
Up on the second level is a gallery of jungle plant carnivores and insectivores, exhibiting unusually shaped but deadly species such as pitcher plants and ladder ferns.
Although open air, the garden is absolutely forbidden to smokers who can satisfy their urges in specially designated smoking areas located within Changi’s three passenger terminals.
2 The new Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) Premier check-in lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 2 Departure hall is now serving First and Business class passengers.
The facility, managed by SATS and Changi Airport Group, has been designed for premium passengers of airlines served by SATS at T2. Participating carriers include Korean Air, ANA and Etihad with more to come on board. An exclusive lounge with direct access to the immigration area provides interiors in shades of brown and orange, light refreshments, international TV programming and a wide range of reading material.
Premium passengers checking in at Terminal 1 Departure hall will enjoy similar privileges with the SATS check-in lounge there.
3 Terminal 1 is currently experiencing a S$500 million (US$362 million) make over, following the “Tropical City” theme. When completed in 2011, the results are expected to improve passenger flow and enhance the overall passenger experience.
A key highlight is the creation of a new “lantern” feature along T1’s roofline. When lit up at night, it will form a prominent focal point for passengers heading toward the terminal.
Other facilities include a new departure kerb-side canopy to span the entire length of the building façade and extend over the first two lanes of the departure kerbside. This will provide shelter for arriving passengers from the elements. In the departure hall, immigration will be centralised to enhance service and traffic flow. The main terminal building will be extended into the airside by 35m. This will increase space for more services and facilities.
Airside areas will also be expanded, including the main thoroughfare, gate holdrooms and finger piers along older sections of the terminal.
4 Next time you use T3, spare time to study some of the artwork placed in various areas. They’re not only visually arresting but have also been chosen for their relation to the role Changi Airport plays as one of this region’s and the world’s key air hubs.
