Apple Store in Singapore: A Fusion of Nature and Technology
The renowned Foster + Partners architectural firm has recently unveiled a new Apple Store in Singapore, featuring an abundance of greenery. Just like previous Apple flagship stores, hand-carved stone staircases are an essential design element in this structure. This first-ever flagship Apple Store in Singapore draws inspiration from the city’s reputation as Asia’s greenest metropolis.
Similar to Apple’s latest London and Dubai stores, this biophilic design concept integrates trees into the retail space. The store’s entrance is flanked by eight mature trees, while 12 ficus trees are carefully placed within the store’s interiors. Additionally, the building is a showcase of sustainable technology, operating entirely on renewable energy sources.
A Green Vision: Redefining Indoor-Outdoor Spaces
“This is one of our greenest Apple Stores,” says Stefan Behling, head of Foster + Partners. He describes how the design blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless experience for visitors. The cascading greenhouse-like structure extends from the mezzanine level down to the ground floor and beyond into Orchard Road, fostering a vibrant urban connection.
Minimalist Aesthetics: Apple’s Signature Design
In alignment with Apple’s distinct architectural identity, this flagship store features a minimalist, all-glass façade spanning 36.5 meters in width. This transparent storefront is sheltered by a slim, suspended canopy, designed to shield visitors from Singapore’s frequent tropical downpours.
At the entrance, eight towering trees create an inviting public square, paying homage to the fruit and nut trees that once flourished in this region. This lush garden atmosphere reinforces Apple’s commitment to integrating nature into urban retail experiences.
Interior Design: A Harmonious Blend of Craftsmanship and Sustainability
Inside, the two-story retail space is enclosed by walls made from Castagna Italian stone, seamlessly merging with two hand-carved spiral staircases. Foster + Partners describes this as a “beautifully crafted book cover,” paying tribute to both craftsmanship and materiality.
The ficus trees, a signature element in Apple’s recent store designs, are placed in custom-designed circular planters. The majority of these trees are strategically positioned on the mezzanine level, which is the largest of its kind across all Apple Stores worldwide. This slightly recessed mezzanine, with its tilted glass balustrades, creates an open atrium with a double-height courtyard below.
Architectural Highlights of Apple Store Singapore
Beyond its lush greenery and seamless design, this Apple Store boasts one of the world’s largest video screens, prominently located in a dedicated “Forum” space. The Forum serves as a community hub, fostering collaboration among Singapore’s creative talents.
Foster + Partners has solidified its status as Apple’s go-to architectural firm, playing a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s global retail expansion. While the firm was not involved in Apple’s initial store designs, it has introduced groundbreaking interior features, first unveiled at the Apple Store in Union Square, San Francisco.
