Complete with a unmatchable view, Pantheon-inspired oculus and underwater Boardroom, Apple Marina Bay Sands is a new feat by Foster + Partners.
Apple refers to it as its most ‘ambitious retail project yet’. A bulbous sphere emerging from Singapore’s Marina Bay and the only location which sits directly upon water, the Foster + Partners-designed store of which the tech giant speaks is an unprecedented project. It seems the long-time collaborators will stop at nothing to consistently surpass themselves spatially: it was a mere two months ago that Bangkok outpost Apple Central World – then the first all-glass architectural design, now joined by Marina Bay Sands – was opened.
The self-supporting domed building in Singapore comprises 114 pieces of glass with 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection. Positioned against the glittering glass skyline of the city’s central business district, it is a part of Marina Bay Sands. The luxury hotel – which includes an extensive shopping centre – has been cited as one of the most expensive built in the world, costing $5.7 billion USD to bring to fruition. Apple joins the likes of Dior, Cartier, Aesop and many more as resident retailers.
Even with the high-profile neighbours, Apple will be hard-pressed to be architecturally bested with this opening. An oculus at the centre of the dome, inspired by none other than the Roman Pantheon, bathes the space in natural light which then interacts with custom sunshade baffles affixed to the glass interior. These elements serve to create atmosphere by day and night, countering sun angles and providing an ambient lighting effect. This luminous magic happens all with help of the surrounding foliage outdoors, which casts a necessary balance of shadows and shade within.
Shop visitors can expect to find the usual meticulously curated collection of products at Marina Bay Sands in addition to a Video Wall for cultural events, workshops and the like. But the location is enticing for more than just test-and-buy: it serves as a scenic destination as well, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Singapore. And there’s something quite special behind-the-scenes – the interior boasts Apple’s first-ever underwater Boardroom, a place for entrepreneurs and developers to meet with staff for training and advice.