Access by an underwater tunnel designed by Foster + Partners
Apple is known for its ambitious projects, but its latest retail project in Singapore is the most high-reaching yet.
Appearing as a sphere floating on the pearly Marina Bay in Singapore, the Apple Marina Bay Sands store offers sweeping views of the city and its famous skyline. As for the sphere itself, it is a one-of-a-kind, all-glass dome structure comprised of 114 pieces of glass with only 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection. As Apple’s third retail location in Singapore, the new store creates an unforgettable space for customers.
Designed in collaboration with Foster + Partners, the glowing orb takes its inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome. An oculus located at the apex of the dome provides a flooding ray of natural light. The glass-lined with custom baffles counters sun angles to provide a nighttime lighting effect.
“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,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People.
“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.”
Visitors enter through The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands via a curved stone entrance, flanked by Apple’s signature Avenue display on either side of a 147-foot long and 24-foot wide space. This leads directly to a set of dramatic escalators that take visitors on a “kaleidoscopic” journey to the heart of the spectacular domed space.
Inside, Apple and Foster + Partners lined the interiors with trees, allowing the green garden city to seep into the store, providing shade and soft shadows. Visitors can explore curated products and accessories, receive personal technical support, or simply enjoy the view. The Forum is centered around a Video Wall, which will serve as the stage for Today at Apple sessions featuring Singapore’s artists, musicians, and creators. Entrepreneurs and developers interested in receiving training and advice can meet with Apple team members in Apple’s first underwater Boardroom, located on the lower level of the store.
The store officially opened on Thursday, September 10, 2020. Visitors were required to book appointments to ensure the health and wellbeing of guests. The store will continue to enforce rigorous health measures for visitors and its 148-person team, who collectively speak over 23 languages.
