Apple store in Singapore,
project: Foster+Partners
In the heart of Singapore, on the Marina Bay waterfront, there is a floating Apple store designed by British studio Foster + Partners in collaboration with the Apple team.The centerpiece of the structure is a 30-meter diameter dome that looks like a sphere floating on the water. The office has previously created several other projects for the brand, including Apple Park in California and a store in Kuala Lumpur with a similar spherical design.
The Apple store on the Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore at night.
photo by Finbarr Fallon © Foster + Partners
The geodesic dome of the Apple Store in Singapore
The structure of the Apple store in Singapore is made up of 112 precision-crafted glass elements, which are set on ten metal supports. Each glass segment was covered with frit and advanced coatings to achieve the effect of full transparency of the facade from the outside, while providing integrated solar shading inside. The connections between the various elements were implemented almost invisibly, creating a coherent and harmonious frame for the entire dome.
The structure of the Apple store in Singapore is made up of 112 finely crafted glass elements, which are set on ten metal supports
photo by Finbarr Fallon © Foster + Partners
The base of the structure, made of black glass, gives the structure the impression of an island floating on the surface of the water. The only link to land is a narrow ramp that leads from the promenade directly into the interior.
Apple store on the Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore - a ramp leads to the interior of the structure
photo by Finbarr Fallon © Foster + Partners
sustainable design in a tropical climate
Although the dome is fully glazed, its design incorporates energy-efficiency principles, crucial in the context of Singapore's tropical climate. The glass elements act as protection from intense sunlight, while improving the acoustics of the space and minimizing glare. Thanks to the solutions used, the area of exposed glass has been reduced, helping to reduce the energy required to cool the interior. This approach not only enhances occupant comfort, but also fits in with global sustainable design trends, where minimizing a building's environmental impact is a priority.
Apple store on the Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore - glass elements act as protection from intense sunlight.
photo by Finbarr Fallon © Foster + Partners
central "oculus" and play of light
At the top of the dome is a fully glazed opening that is a key element in the distribution of light in the space. The stream of light penetrating through it enlivens the interior, echoing the effect seen in the Roman Pantheon, where a central opening in the dome directs light into the building. After dark, internal lighting illuminates the dome from within, creating a contrast with the dark backdrop of the bay and the illuminated cityscape.
The Apple store on Singapore's Marina Bay waterfront - atop the dome is a fully glazed oculus-like opening
photo by Finbarr Fallon © Foster + Partners
nature at the heart of the space
- "garden city" inspiration
The interior of the dome reflects Singapore's idea of a "garden city," combining natural elements with modern architecture. Along the perimeter of the space are twelve trees placed in pots finished with shell, which serve as seating, allowing for a moment of relaxation surrounded by greenery. This layout of the space promotes interaction between users and the environment, enhancing the sense of harmony with nature in the heart of the urban landscape.
two access options
- From the promenade and shopping mall
Apple Marina Bay Sands offers two ways to reach the interior. The first leads via the aforementioned ramp from the boardwalk. The second access leads from the Marina Bay Sands mall through a curved stone entrance. This tunnel leads to an escalator that takes visitors directly to the center of the spherical space. The contrast between the shopping mall and the interior of the dome reinforces the impression of a transition to another world - from an enclosed commercial space to an open, light-filled structure.
Panorama of Singapore and the Apple store on the Marina Bay waterfront
photo by Finbarr Fallon © Foster + Partners
architecture in dialogue with the environment
The dome of the Apple Store Marina Bay Sands lives in symbiosis with its surroundings. During the day, its glass surface reflects the colors of the water and sky, blending into the landscape, while after dark, the interior lighting creates a subtle contrast with the dark backdrop of the bay.
<img src="https://cdn.architekturaibiznes.pl/nowebp/upload/galerie/221840/images/original/2092fa162108f4dda6f073884001c16e.jpg" alt="The Apple store at Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore lives in symbiosis with its surroundings." width="100%" height="auto" /></p> <p class="signature-cms-default signature">The Apple store at Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore lives in symbiosis with its surroundings.Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore lives in symbiosis with its surroundings</p> <p class="signature-cms-default signaturefot">fot. Finbarr Fallon © Foster + Partners</p> <h3 class="article-middletitle-default article-middletitle-h3-cms">technology and nature in harmony</h3> <p class="body-paragraph-default body-paragraph">.The use of energy-efficient materials, intelligent light management and integration of greenery inside the Apple store space in Singapore show that modern commercial buildings can be not only functional, but also sustainable. <strong>Apple Store Marina Bay Sands has revolutionized the approach to commercial space design, becoming one of the most recognizable landmarks on Singapore's map.</strong></p> <h4 style="text-align: right;" class="author-cms-default author"><span>Design: {tag:AuttorAiB}</span></h4> <p style="text-align: right;" class="authorfot-cms-default authorfot">Illustrations provided courtesy of Foster + Partners.</p> studio.
