Changi Airport Singapore is my favourite airport… by far. One of the busiest international airports in the world, Changi often tops lists of the world’s best airports. In my book, it’s also one of the most beautiful. It’s one of the few airports I actually look forward to spending more time at! Why do I love this airport? Well, it’s efficient, clean, has a mind-boggling array of facilities, and the architecture and design are truly impressive. I’ve passed through many times and the Changi Airport design never fails to amaze; from its layout to lighting, greenery and artworks. One of the distinct design features of Changi Airport is its extensive carpeting. During one of my trips, I posted a photo on social media and asked if anyone could guess the airport. Someone responded with: “Changi Airport! Can’t miss those carpets!”. Many people replied to this comment with their opinion of the Changi Airport carpets. It was a hilarious discussion which prompted me to write this post.
Details in design: the carpets of Changi Airport
Changi utilises carpeted flooring at the transit and check-in areas in all four terminals. The terminals all sport different colours and patterns, from vibrant Van Gogh-style swirls to soothing earthy tints. This helps to give each terminal a unique ambiance. The carpets are not only aesthetically pleasing, they’re also functional: they help to reduce noise and soften acoustics, and make for a more comfortable walk. The last point is crucial, considering how big the airport is, and the distance transit passengers have to cover especially if they’re switching terminals.
Walking around Changi Airport – I’ve now been to all four terminals and the spectacular Jewel – is indeed a pleasure. Despite being one of the busiest airports in the world, it feels and sounds remarkably subdued. The carpets do their job well in absorbing the noise of footsteps, trolleys and vehicles. They’re soft enough to cushion a footstep but sufficiently hard to easily pull a trolley bag (without the wheels sinking into the carpet). Check out my photos of the carpets at the Changi Airport terminals:
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 sports a variety of carpet designs. I especially like the Van Gogh-style blue swirls, though if you’re feeling very jet-lagged, they can have a dizzying effect. Haha! Don’t fret because Terminal 1 also has other, more soothing designs.
Terminal 2
I walked the entire length of Terminal 2 and I don’t recall seeing another carpet design other than this blue-orange-cream amorphous pattern.
Indoor gardens of Terminal 2
One design element that I love in Terminal 2 are the indoor gardens. I visited the Enchanted Garden and the absolutely magical Dreamscape Garden.
The Dreamscape garden features more than 20,000 plants from 100 different species draped onto 18 towering columns, and a constantly changing digital ceiling. A serene light-and-sound show is played every 30 minutes at the Dreamscape garden.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 has several carpet designs. I especially like the vibrant blue design in the Crystal Garden concourse, perhaps my favourite of all the designs because of its cheery character.
Terminal 4
Changi Terminal 4 is mostly utilised by low-cost airlines but that doesn’t mean the terminal reflects the airlines it serves. It’s bright, airy and features an impressive avenue of trees. The shapes in the purple carpet design reflect the skylights above.
Have you been to Changi Airport? If so, what do you think of the carpets? Which designs are your favourites?
I can’t wait for my next visit to Changi Airport! If you’re passing through, don’t miss the spectacular Jewel gardens and waterfall! Find out how to see Jewel from the different Changi Airport terminals.
