Built at a cost of $985 million Singapore dollar on the old budget terminal site, the new terminal offers travelers a fully automated check in to boarding process with use of facial and thumb print recognition technology and self service stations (issuing boarding pass, luggage check in, custom clearance and at boarding gate).
A green wall outside the building greeting travelers arriving at the terminal. A Peranakan heritage zone that will screens a cultural show on giant screen camouflaged as facade of old shop houses. A 70m by 5m immersive LED screen at departure hall showcasing scenery and Patelclouds, six identical kinetic sculptures spanning 200m that move to choreographed music and lighting changes among others.
If you've noticed, there is extensive use of a particular shape throughout the terminal.
Everywhere you look, you will see it. The ceiling skylight, carpet, marbled floor, fire extinguisher holder. Even the opening between two floors and the Petalclouds sculpture are designed in this shape.
It's the shape of orchid petal which the design of Terminal 4 draws inspiration from.
The airport conducted a trial with its reward program members to test out the systems and processes.
I was honored to be picked to take part in the trial.
During the lunch break, the staff pointed to the ceiling skylight and asked if we noticed the shape and asked the 200 plus of participants at the trial if we know what was it.
An auntie shouted, "Png kueh."
If you do not know what is Png Kueh, go google and take a look.