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Foster + Partners designs floating Apple Marina Bay Sands store with all-glass dome in Singapore

Singapore Architecture News - Sep 09, 2020 - 15:46   7309 views

Foster + Partners designs floating Apple Marina Bay Sands store with all-glass dome in Singapore

Foster + Partners has completed a floating Apple Marina Bay Sands store with all-glass dome in Singapore. Set to be officially opened to the public on Thursday, September 10, Apple has released the first images of the store, the store is described as "Apple’s most ambitious retail project sits on the waters of Marina Bay".

Called Apple Marina Bay Sands, the domed store is the first Apple store sitting directly on the water. Appearing as a sphere floating on the iridescent Marina Bay, the store introduces a new and captivating retail experience at one of the most iconic locations in Singapore.

Foster + Partners designs floating Apple Marina Bay Sands store with all-glass dome in Singapore

Entirely surrounded by water, the store offers uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its spectacular skyline. 

"The sphere is a first-of-its-kind, all-glass dome structure that is fully self-supported, comprised of 114 pieces of glass with only 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection," said Apple in a press release

"As Apple’s third retail location in Singapore, the new store creates an unforgettable space for customers."

Foster + Partners designs floating Apple Marina Bay Sands store with all-glass dome in Singapore

Foster + Partners is inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the studio designed an oculus located at the apex of the dome that provides a flooding ray of light that travels through the space. 

"The interior of the glass is lined with custom baffles, each uniquely shaped to counter sun angles and provide a nighttime lighting effect," according to a press release. 

With trees lining the interior of the dome, the green garden city of Singapore flows into the store, providing additional shading and soft shadows through the foliage.

"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."

Foster + Partners designs floating Apple Marina Bay Sands store with all-glass dome in Singapore

Visitors entering the store encounter a dramatic reveal into the massive volume of the dome, where they can explore curated Apple products and accessories, receive personal technical support from Geniuses, or simply take in the stunning view of Marina Bay. 

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. 

Foster + Partners designs floating Apple Marina Bay Sands store with all-glass dome in Singapore

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.

Foster + Partners designs floating Apple Marina Bay Sands store with all-glass dome in Singapore

To ensure the health and well-being of guests, Apple will take visitors to Apple Marina Bay Sands on Thursday by appointment only. Customers can visit the website to choose from available times, and each non-transferable reservation admits one person. 

"Capacity will be limited, so guests may experience wait times before entering the store," said Apple.

All images courtesy of Apple.

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