This latest collaboration between Apple’s design teams and Foster + Partners, Singapore’s Apple Marina Bay is now open. Complimenting its sister pavilions both in scale and material selection, the 30-meter diameter structure is a fully glazed dome with a black glass base.
Structurally, the dome acts as a hybrid steel and glass shell, where the grid of steel sections supports the weight of the glass and shading, and the curved structural glass panels restrain the steel elements laterally and stiffen the overall form against lateral loads. Integrated solar shading devices keep the interior cool. Each of the 114 panels of glass is carefully selected to meet glazing indices as prescribed by BCA Green Mark (Singapore’s sustainability rating system).
Drawing inspiration from the famous Pantheon in Rome, a semi-opaque oculus provides a dramatic shift of light that travels throughout. This roof feature comprises a multifunctional concentric light sunshade with rings that reduce in size as they progress towards the top of the building. The rings further provide acoustic absorption for the store and diffuse/reflect daylight to the baffle above, creating a luminous effect.
Stefan Behling of Foster + Partners says of the effect, ‘The dome appears ephemeral. The effect is very calming, and the changing intensity and colour of the light is mesmerising. It is not only a celebration of Apple’s incredible products but a celebration of light.’
Ten trees placed along the perimeter of the building add additional shading and soft shadows, as well as helping to enhance the garden city ideal of Singapore by providing comfortable urban places to sit and enjoy the ambience of the store.
A curving stone entrance forms the entrance, flanked by Apple's signature display on either side of a 45-meter long and 7.6-meter wide space. The entrance leads visitors to the retail centre of the dome where customers take in spectacular views across the bay and towards the city.
In the daytime, the dome reflects colours of the surrounding water and sky, while in the evening the subtle interior lighting gives off a warm glow that adds to Singapore’s urban skyline.
