SAA Architects Unveil Lush Garden-Filled Terminal 4 for Singapore’s Changi Airport

Singapore's award-winning airport is taking off with another vibrant and innovative upgrade. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/saa-architects" target="_blank">SAA Architects</a> and UK design firm <a href="http://www.benoy.com" target="_blank">Benoy Limited</a> just unveiled plans for Terminal 4, the newest addition to Changi Airport, which was recently voted the <a href="http://www.worldairportawards.com" target="_blank">2013 World's Best Airport</a>. The new 48-acre terminal will feature lush gardens, an upgraded luxury shopping district, and the introduction of innovative biometric technologies to facilitate a faster and more comfortable travel experience.

Boulevards of live, indoor trees will grow throughout the various waiting areas, and the entire building will be flooded by warm, natural light.

Inside the impressive two-story glazed facade, colorful skylight lanterns will hang from the entrance hall and lead visitors to the 'Central Galleria,' a glazed open space located at the heart of the terminal.

Over in the departure lounge, Singapore's cultural heritage will be represented in uniquely designed retail facades that mimic the style of old Peranakan architecture.

The new terminal will also include a new walk-through retail concept where passengers pass through a spacious retail experience after clearing immigration.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/airport-terminal/" target="_blank">Terminal 4</a> will be the first terminal in Changi to use biometric technology such as iris scanners and fingerprint imaging, and self-service check-in and a bag-drop option will create a more seamless and efficient travel experience.

"We believe in the concept that has embraced energy and motion; creating a dynamic yet timeless design in a welcoming environment," says David Buffonge, Director at Benoy.