Design & Architecture

World’s First Floating Apple Store Officially Opens in Singapore

Apple Marina Bay Sands | Image via Apple
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Officially opening on 10 September 2020, Apple’s “most ambitious retail project” is a modern architectural marvel and what will undoubtedly be known as Singapore’s flagship Apple store going forward. It is Singapore’s third Apple outlet after their first store in Knightsbridge Mall, Orchard Road and the more recent Jewel Changi Airport.

Singapore once again has made a mark globally as a tech and smart design focused society with this latest “first of its kind” Apple store. Its spherical dome was inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, and the all-glass structure is fully self-supported, comprising of 114 pieces of glass with only 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection.

Apple Marina Bay Sands | Image via Mashable SEA

The interior of the glass dome is lined with custom baffles, each uniquely shaped to counter sun angles and provide a nighttime lighting effect. With lots of natural light, the addition of trees lining the interior of the dome promotes the country’s “green garden city” image, also providing additional soft shading to the calming atmosphere. It’s a perfect masterpiece of modern design boasting universal functionality, simplicity, and a successful blueprint for 21st-century architecture.

An oculus at the apex of the dome provides a flooding ray of light, with custom sunshade rings lining the interior glass. | Image via Apple

“We couldn’t be more excited to open the breathtaking Apple Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, building on our commitment to this special place that began more than 40 years ago. Our passionate and talented team is ready to welcome this community to our new store and deliver the care and support that our customers around the world love,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People.

Located in the Lion City’s glitzy downtown area of Marina Bay Sands, this latest Apple store not only sits directly on the water, it has a 360-degree panoramic view of Singapore’s vibrant city skyline! The structure now occupies the space that previously housed bar and nightclub Avalon.

Customers can explore curated Apple products and accessories or receive personal technical support from Geniuses. | Image via Apple

Apple’s official Newsroom also reported that Apple Marina Bay Sands will be helmed by a 148-person team, who collectively speak over 23 languages. Visitors will be welcomed for the first time on Thursday, September 10 at 10 a.m. SGT. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, only visitors with appointments will be allowed into the space to ensure the health and well-being of all guests. The store will implement the same rigorous health measures for both employees and visitors including a mask requirement, temperature checks, and social distancing. Visitors can make their appointments at apple.com/sg/marinabaysands and choose from the available time slots. Each non-transferable reservation admits one person. Capacity will be limited, so visitors may experience a wait time before entering the store.





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