旅行客に自然を提供するバイオフィリックなリノベーション

テクノロジーと自然を融合したシンガポールの国際空港〈チャンギ空港第2ターミナル〉

CULTURE2024.08.01

シンガポールの国際空港である〈チャンギ空港第2ターミナル（Changi Airport Terminal 2）〉の改修が完了し、公開されました。

スムーズかつ見通しのよいチェックイン・プロセスが旅行におけるストレスを軽減し、随所に配された自然や、滝を表現する大型ディスプレイ、外部の天候をリアルタイムで再現するLED天井などのテクノロジーを活用した要素が、大陸間の移動で混乱している旅行客に安らぎの空間を提供しています。

パリとバンコクに拠点を置く建築事務所 BOIFFILSアーキテクチャズ（BOIFFILS Architectures）が設計しました。

空港の中に水が流れ落ちる森!?サフディ・アーキテクツが設計した空港の既存ターミナルをつなぐ屋内庭園〈ジュエル・チャンギ空港〉シンガポール

（以下、BOIFFILS Architecturesから提供されたプレスキットのテキストの抄訳）

シンガポール空港新ターミナル内に生み出すバイオフィリックなガーデンシティ

BOIFFILSは〈チャンギ空港第2ターミナル〉を改修するにあたり、乗客の流れの管理よりも旅行者の体験を優先するという、多くの空港プロジェクトにおける典型的な手法から逸脱したアプローチを採用した。

効率を優先する現代において、視覚的、聴覚的、インタラクティブな体験を通して、旅客の喜びと快適さを優先したのである。

このプロジェクトは、到着ホールと出発ホールを含む3つの階にまたがり、3階には飲食店が入る中2階もある。

BOIFFILSのアイデアは、快適で心地よいユーザー体験よりもビジネス効率を重視する既存のターミナルに対し、空港での体験をロマンチックなものとし、心、体、魂を癒すことを目的とした一連の刺激を通して、ストレスを感じることも多い旅行の工程に楽しい体験を吹き込むことであった。

ショッピングモールデザインの豊富な経験を活かし、BOIFFILSは効率的な回遊パターンと快適な環境を開発した。そして、旅行客が自然の鎮静効果を享受できるような、穏やかな多感覚的環境の創造に努め、さまざまな形や密度の鉱物、水、緑豊かな植物を含む屋内景観を旅するようデザインした。

BOIFFILSアーキテクチャーズのバジーレ・ボーフィルズ（Basile Boiffils）は次のように語る。

「私たちは、自然とのつながりを通して、建築が感情の源となり、感覚を刺激するものになることを望んでいた。そして、自然や庭園を愛する者として、植生、地形、地質、鉱物、池、小川、水流、水の反射など、さまざまなものからインスピレーションを得て、建築とランドスケープの境界を曖昧にするような空間やフォルムをつくり上げたのである。」

空港での体験を人間的なものとし、人と人とのつながりを保つため、BOIFFILSはラグジュアリーなホテルを彷彿とさせるデザイン哲学で空間を扱うことで、歓迎感があり、パーソナライズされたチェックイン体験を提供した。

また、アースカラーや貴賓のある素材、ハイテク要素を、従来の冷たく無機質な環境に統合した。出発フロアに到着すると、明るくカラフルなカーペットが上空から見た陸と海の眺めを想起させ、質感のあるラインが地球の堆積層を表現している。

植物を植えた柱が1階から延び、自然とその要素から着想を得たさまざまなアトリウムを形成している。

旅行におけるストレスを軽減する、スムーズかつ見通しのよいチェックイン・プロセス

現代的なホテルのホスピタリティを参考に、チェックイン・プロセスを人間的かつ、素早く効率的なものとした。オープンなフロアプランを採用し、自動チェックイン機と手荷物預けるカウンターは、直線的な従来のものではなくユニークな形状とし、アイランド状に配置されている。これにより、普段は正面からのみアプローチできるホールが開放され、スムーズな回遊性がもたらされている。

バジーレ・ボーフィルズは次のように語る。

「21世紀の旅は、チェックインからセキュリティライン、入国審査に至るまで、ストレスの多い瞬間に満ちている。未知の世界や空港に不慣れなことからくる不安を軽減する方法として、先のステップを見渡せるような透明性を確保したかったのである。」

旅行者は第2ターミナルに到着すると、植物が生い茂る壁とカラフルなカーペットの環境に囲まれ、連続的で有機的なラインは、旅における次のステップへの明確な見通しを提供する。

入国審査ゾーンから手荷物コンベアや出迎えエリアまで、視界を遮るものがないため、旅行者の先への不安が軽減され、落ち着きを取り戻すことができる。

出発ホールにて上を見上げると、複雑な構成の天井が設備を隠しつつ、独自の世界を生み出している。この天井はパラメトリック・デザインによって開発されており、アルミニウムのフィンがアーチを描きながらねじれる二重曲線の構成となっている。

スプリンクラーや監視カメラ、フロアライトなど、細部まで隠せるように設計されたこの天井は、空港が冷たく機械的な空間であるという印象をなくすためのアプローチである。

テクノロジーと自然の対話

旅行者に新しい体験を提供するという目的のため、BOIFFILSは、マルチメディア・スタジオであるモーメント・ファクトリー（Moment Factory）を招き、自然とテクノロジーが密接に絡み合う2つの空間を創造した。

旅行者は2つのユニークな没入型インスタレーションを通してシンガポールの植物を体験することができ、「ワンダーフォール」と呼ばれる高さ14mのディスプレイが表現するデジタルな滝が、出発ホールの中心軸に配置されている。

モーメント・ファクトリーとのコラボレーションは、乗り換えエリアの南庭の改修にまで及んでおり、大陸間の移動で混乱している旅行客に安らぎの空間を提供している。
また、乗り換えのために外に出ることのできない旅行客に屋外とのつながりを感じさせるため、曇り空から日の出、日の入りまで、外部の天候をリアルタイムで再現するLED天井が制作された。

また、「ドリームスケープ」と呼ばれるアクリルで縁取られたプラットフォームのあるエリアでは、水の上を歩いているような印象を与え、抽象的な鏡面スチールの壁と流れる水に抱かれる体験を提供する。
庭全体を通して、鳥のさえずりや昆虫の鳴き声など、シンガポールのトロピカルなサウンドが聞こえてくる。

プロジェクトの核となる持続可能性と人間性

このプロジェクトは、建物の環境への影響と性能を評価するシンガポールのグリーンビルディング評価システム「グリーンマーク認証」の最高レベルであるプラチナ認証を取得した。

また、人間性のある空間とするため、BOIFFILSは可能な限り職人的な素材を使用し、人間的なスケールの体験をつくり出した。

プロジェクトは多国間コラボレーションの見本としてもデザインされており、日本の建設業者と緊密に協力し、スペイン製の特注フローリング、イタリア製の有機的なカウンターと特注照明、フランス製の特注デザインの漆喰パネル、チェコ製の吹きガラスのシャンデリア、中国製の複雑な天井構造を調達した。

以下、BOIFFILS Architecturesのリリース（英文）です。

BOIFFILS Architectures Brings the ‘Garden City’ Inside New Biophilic Singapore Airport Terminal
Singapore, Singapore
BOIFFILS Architectures

Inspired by the ‘Garden City’, BOIFFILS Architectures’ Changi Terminal 2 establishes a new language for airport design, bringing serenity, pleasure and comfort.

BOIFFILS Architectures, a firm recognized for creative international architectural and design interventions for shopping centers, hotels, boutiques, and brand images, is proud to unearth its 5-year expansion project of Terminal 2 of Singapore’s internationally-renowned Changi Airport, comprising 120,000m² across three levels.

The agency completely redesigned an existing terminal building, and the Paris agency’s focus on traveler experiences and connections to the earth’s elements, particularly in the Departure and Arrival halls, has provided Singapore with a new 21st century gateway to the ‘Garden City’.

A family affair

Founded in 1984 by Jacqueline and Henri Boiffils, BOIFFILS Architectures is celebrating its 40th year as a family-owned agency, now led by Basile Boiffils, DPLG architect, a second generation following in the footsteps of its founders. The agency has carved out a place in the international market as an interior design workshop for prestigious retail brands, particularly in the fashion and cosmetics industries. With completion of a luxury shopping mall in Bangkok in 1994, BOIFFILS Architectures gained a foothold in the Asian market at a time of sustained growth and development.

Since joining the agency in 2004, Basile Boiffils has provided the business with a new dynamic that has paved the way to expansion of the agency’s portfolio of projects in various markets throughout Asia, most notably in Thailand, Malaysia, China, and India.

An innovative presentation

The agency’s architectural and commercial approach piqued the interest of Changi administrators, leading them to include BOIFFILS Architectures in their tender for the renovation and expansion of Terminal 2. Recognized for finding solutions to complex problems, and for its familiarity with Asian culture and markets, the agency was able to bring significant artistic and cultural elements to the project.

“Our deliberate departure from the typical approach to most airport projects really caught the attention of the Changi Airport Group,” says Basile Boiffils. “Our proposal placed the priority on the traveler experience, rather than on the management of passenger flow.”

Originally built in the 1990s and renovated in 2003, at a time when efficiency prevailed, BOIFFILS Architectures prioritized passenger pleasure and comfort through punctuations of visual, auditory, and interactive experiences.

The project spans three levels, including Arrival and Departure halls, and a mezzanine on Level 3 where food and beverage options are available. The existing terminal architecture was rooted in the traditional airport focus on business efficiency, rather than comfort and pleasurable user experiences. BOIFFILS Architectures’ idea was to romanticize the airport experience, infusing pleasurable experiences into increasingly stressful travel scenarios through a series of visual, audio, and interactive stimuli intended to soothe the mind, body, and soul.

Leveraging their extensive experience in shopping mall design, BOIFFILS Architectures developed efficient circulation patterns and welcoming environments, which were critical components of their vision for the project. Their experience in developing relationships of trust with clients also played a critical role, and the agency collaborated closely with Changi’s teams. Through monthly presentations and constant requests for approval of materials and creative ideas, the working relationship evolved into a partnership of trust, with the client embracing the agency’s creative visions.

“Singapore is a model of perfection, and the Changi project management team were the most professional that we have worked with to date,” notes Jacqueline Boiffils. “Through constant dialogue, our pursuit of perfection harmonized with the expertise of the Changi team.”

A fluid gateway to the Garden City

As the first step in travel, airport experiences can be daunting. BOIFFILS Architectures endeavored to create a serene multi-sensory environment allowing passengers to enjoy the calming effects of nature. The project was designed as a journey across an indoor landscape encompassing minerals, water features, and lush vegetation in various forms and densities.

“We wanted the architecture to be a source of emotions and a stimulant of senses through its connections with nature,” says Basile. “As lovers of nature and gardens, we drew those inspirations from vegetation, topography, geology, minerals, ponds, streams, currents, water reflections, and much more to create spaces and forms that blur the boundaries between architecture and landscape.”

To humanize the airport experience and keep people connected, BOIFFILS Architectures treated the spaces with design philosophies reminiscent of luxurious hotel complexes, with a welcoming and personalized check-in experience. Rich earth tones, noble materials, and high-tech elements were integrated into an environment traditionally defined by cold and sterile colors. Upon arrival in the departure level, bright, colorful carpeting evokes aerial views of land and sea, with colorful and textured lines representing the sedimentary layers of the earth. Vegetated columns extend from the ground floor, forming multiple atriums inspired by nature and its elements. Borrowing from contemporary hotel hospitality, BOIFFILS Architectures humanized the check-in process, making it quick and efficient. The open floorplan positions each of the automated check-in kiosks and baggage drop belts as uniquely shaped and positioned islands, rather than as traditionally linear counters.

“The islands were designed as an alternative to the traditional frontal approach, and the idea was to make the hall as panoramic and open as possible, with smooth circulation,” explains Basile. “Travel in the 21st century is filled with stressful moments – from check-in, to security lines, and immigration – and we wanted to provide extensive transparency to enable views of the steps ahead as a way of reducing anxiety derived from the unknown and unfamiliarity with the airport.”

Upon arrival in Terminal 2, travelers descend a set of escalators to a highly automated and streamlined immigration zone, where BOIFFILS Architectures strived to conceal the technical and regulatory aspects. Travelers are surrounded by an environment of vegetated walls and colorful carpeting, with continuous, organic lines facilitating transitions and offering clear forward views of adjoining steps in the journey as part of a shared architectural language. Unobstructed views from the immigration zone through to the baggage carousels and ‘meet and greet’ area induce a calmer mindset, allowing travelers to get their bearings prior to moving forward.

An unprecedented challenge

Faced with a two-year closure of the terminal during COVID-19, the Singapore airport authorities were faced with a drastic decrease in revenue, leading to discussions of cost reduction measures with BOIFFILS Architectures. However, the client sought only cost-effective alternatives that could be implemented without sacrificing on quality and experience.

“One of the ways we addressed the issue was with the flooring of Level 1, after we had already completed the installation of a beautifully patterned stone floor on Level 2,” says Basile. “Rather than proceeding with the same process, we found a ceramic company that was able to masterfully replicate the color and patterns of the stone at a lower cost.”

Between earth and sky

Looking up, BOIFFILS Architectures designed a complex ceiling structure in the Departure Hall to conceal a world of its own, where a network of essential catwalks provides access to a multitude of mechanical systems. Developed through parametric design, they created an intricately baffled ceiling composed of aluminum blades, with each fin forming a double-curved configuration that arches and twists to fulfill its function.

“The ceiling is designed to conceal every little detail, including sprinklers, security cameras, and floor lights that are tucked between the baffles, almost unnoticeable to the eye,” explains Jacqueline Boiffils. “Most of the elements that we created are partially or completely invisible, which was a conscious effort on our part to remove the impression of an airport as being a cold and engineered space.”

The nearly invisible lighting, designed in collaboration with French lighting design consultant Ph A Concepteurs Lumière, combined with the choice of semi-polished flooring, infuses a far more soothing and serene vibe into the atmosphere than that experienced in traditional airports. Accordingly, noise levels are noticeably lower. And as an agency that has embraced nature in its DNA since its founding, additional lighting was designed to provide all of the necessary illumination required by indoor vegetation, all custom-designed according to the optimal requirements of each species to ensure long-term sustainability.

“Beyond just attempting to put forth an eco-friendly project, our focus was really on creating a calming environment for travelers,” notes Basile. “And, in doing so, it has become a benchmark for this type of ecological design.”

A dialogue between technology and nature

Continuing with the aim of offering travelers new experiences, BOIFFILS Architectures created two spaces where nature and technology are intimately intertwined, inviting multimedia studio Moment Factory to collaborate on the creations.

Travelers will have the opportunity to experience Singapore’s flora through two unique immersive installations. Leveraging advances in technology that would not have existed a decade ago, BOIFFILS Architectures created a visual focus at the central axis of the Departure Hall in the form of a 14-meter-high digital waterfall display known as “The Wonderfall”. Soothing cascades flow between vertical gardens rising on both sides of the curved LED screen, composed of three large flat segments to provide an optimal view. Several times an hour, the tumultuous waters change direction on megaliths, creating a fascinating dance between the elements. Set to music composed by Jean-Michel Blais, the choreography channels the raw energy of a torrent into moments of grandeur until gravity returns the water to its natural state.

“The entire project is a dialogue between technology and nature, but with the technology largely concealed to highlight the natural elements,” says Basile. “The technology provides comfort and efficiency, but the human focus is what defines the user experience.”

Collaboration with Moment Factory extended to a renovation of the south garden of the transit area, providing a restful respite for layover passengers disoriented by intercontinental travel. To provide a sense of connection with the outdoors, where they are not permitted to go, the collaborators created an LED ceiling that replicates external weather conditions in real time, from overcast skies to sunrises and sunsets. Additionally, every 30 minutes, a show features the skylight screen producing rain, accumulating water, spurring vegetation growth, and more. On the floor, an acrylic edged platform gives the impression of walking on water, embraced by abstract mirrored steel walls and flowing water in an area collectively known as ‘Dreamscape’.

Throughout the garden, the tropical sounds of Singapore can be heard through bird songs, insect noises, and other local creatures, generated in real-time from a catalog of nearly 100 recordings and broadcast through an immersive 3D sound system. BOIFFILS Architectures enlisted the contribution of Patrick Blanc, an artist botanist and inventor of the green wall, for the botanical sequences and plant selection.

Sustainability and humanity at its core

The project has been proudly rated Platinium for The Green Mark Certification Scheme. The Green Mark certification is a green building rating system in Singapore designed to evaluate a building’s environmental impact and performance. It provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the overall environmental performance of new and existing buildings to promote sustainable design and best practices in construction and operations.

Platinum is the highest level of certification under the Green Mark Certification Scheme. Buildings awarded the Platinum certification are industry leaders in environmental sustainability, showcasing exceptional and innovative practices in green building design, construction, and operations. These buildings achieve the highest standards of environmental performance and are models of sustainability.

On the human side, another major contributor is BOIFFILS Architectures’ use of artisanal materials wherever possible to create very human scale experiences. The agency is proud to have engaged craftsmen from very small firms to create many of the elements. Colors were chosen for their soothing qualities, including champagne-colored aluminum that envelops the main pillars of the terminal. As a model of multinational collaboration, they worked closely with a Japanese contractor, and procured custom flooring made in Spain, organic counters and customized lighting from Italy, custom-designed stucco panels from France, blown glass chandeliers from Czechia, and the intricate ceiling structure made in China.

“The client was very pleased to have these elements custom-designed exclusively for their project,” says Jacqueline Boiffils. “They particularly appreciated the tours of the artisan workshops we arranged for them, and this process became a very important aspect of strengthening our relationships.”

A major success, ahead of schedule

After submitting their winning bid in late 2018, BOIFFILS Architectures spent most of the first year further developing their design concept. Construction of Terminal 2 at Changi Airport broke ground in 2020, and opening began in phases in 2022. On November 1, 2023, an official ceremony unveiled the entire complex, several months ahead of schedule.

“To work on large projects like this, you must begin by finding the right language, and the five or six materials that will successfully express that language,” concludes Basile Boiffils. “Once you have found your language, regardless of the scope of the project, it becomes about applying it consistently and harmoniously.”

The project proudly won the A+Awards Popular Choice in the Transport Interiors category; Platinum A’ Design Award in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design category; and BCA Universal Design Excellence Award by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore.

Technical data
Project: Changi Airport Terminal 2 (expansion & renovation)
Location: Singapore
Customer: Changi Airport Group (CAG)
Architectural firm: BOIFFILS Architectures
Sector/project type: Airport (expansion & renovation)
Project start: May 2018
Project completion: November 2023
Total surface area: 120,000 m²
Photo credits: Changi Airport Group – Fabian Ong

Project team
Managing partner(s): Basile Boiffils, Jacqueline Boiffils, Henri Boiffils
Creative director & principal architect: Basile Boiffils
Architects/designers: Arda Beyleryan, Monir Karimi, Sung Ju Kwak, Nicolas Delesalle, Victoire Bonniol, Laura Follin

Collaborators
Contractors & builders: TakenakaTakenaka
Structural engineers: RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd, Singapore
Engineers: J Roger Preston (S) Pte Ltd, Singapore
Collaborating architects (external): RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd, Singapore
Lighting consultants: Philippe ALMON PhA Concepteur Lumières, Paris
Botanical design: Patrick Blanc, Paris
Landscape architects: Genesis Nine One Pte Ltd, Singapore
Consultancy and cost management: Rider Levett Bucknall, Singapore
Fire safety and risk engineering: IGNESIS Consultants Pte Ltd, Singapore
IT Consultant: Inline Technologies Pte Ltd
Multimedia: Moment Factory, Montreal
Architectural software used: Autocad, Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Cinema 4D

Materials and suppliers
Luggage handling system: BEUMER Group
Manufacturer of counters and luggage backdrop: C.C.M. Italy
Solid Surface material for Counters and Luggage backdrop: KRION, Spain
Ceilings: SG BOGEN
Feature Lighting: LASVIT, Czech Republic
Lighting fixtures: ERCO, IGUZZINI, LUMENPULSE, LOUSS
Local lighting distributor: TECHNOLIGHT
Natural stone floor coverings: COSENTINO
Ceramic floor and wall tiles: PORCELANOSA
Carpet (designer): TAIPING
Carpet (manufacturer): ROYAL THAI
Interior wall coverings: S.O.E STUC & STAFF
Sofas and armchairs: Arper, B&B Italia
Chairs: Kettal, Mooi, Hay, Rix

About BOIFFILS Architectures

Founded in 1984 by Jacqueline and Henri Boiffils, BOIFFILS Architectures is a globally-renowned family firm specializing in architecture and interior design. The firm articulates its strengths around a creative core of brainstorming and innovation. In addition to the Boiffils family, they engage a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team of architects and interior designers to complete its large-scale projects.

BOIFFILS Architectures’ design work has supported the brand images and territories of renowned global cosmetics companies including l’Oréal, Biotherm, Lancôme, and more. In 1994, the firm’s expertise was commissioned to design ‘Emporium’, the first luxury mall in Thailand. That project was followed by Bangkok’s ‘Siam Paragon’ in 2001, one of Asia’s largest shopping malls, and then EmQuartier, which opened in 2015.

Renowned for solid expertise in programming, master planning, architecture, interior design, and furniture design, BOIFFILS Architectures also works in close collaboration with select subcontractors in the landscaping and specialized lighting fields.

「CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 2, SINGAPORE」BOIFFILS Architectures 公式サイト
https://www.boiffils.com/changi-airport-terminal-2

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旅行客に自然を提供するバイオフィリックなリノベーション