Changi Airport Terminal 1 Transit East

As one of the world’s most celebrated airports, Changi Airport is not only a vital international gateway but also a powerful symbol of Singapore’s identity as a “City in Nature.” In its latest transformation effort, the Changi Airport Group has appointed TA.LE’sto lead the revamp of Terminal 1’s Transit East zone—a significant milestone for the firm and a defining moment in the evolution of the airport.

TA.LE’s design concept is deeply rooted in biophilic principles and draws inspiration from one of Singapore’s most enduring urban motifs: the tree. Far more than a design metaphor, the tree is a living symbol of Singapore’s approach to urbanism—providing shelter, orientation, and a deep connection to nature. These qualities are woven into the terminal’s architecture through natural textures, flowing forms, and soft lighting that together create the impression of moving beneath a tropical canopy.

From arrival to departure, the redesigned spaces aim to transform the traveller experience—offering a journey that is intuitive, serene, and immersive. Key highlights of the revamp include the Canopy Dining zone, a lushly designed dining experience that allows passengers to eat and unwind “under the trees,” embodying the seamless integration of nature and functionality.

The project balances visionary design with the demands of one of the world’s busiest transport nodes. The scheme addresses critical operational needs such as wayfinding, lighting, and efficient passenger flow—while simultaneously enhancing emotional comfort and spatial clarity.

The Changi Terminal 1 Transit East Revamp is not just a renovation—it is a reimagining of airport architecture as a restorative, nature-anchored experience. It affirms Singapore’s commitment to sustainable design and highlights TA.LE’s growing prominence in shaping biophilic, context-responsive environments at a global scale.

Status:
Completed 2025

TA.LE is proud to lead the design upgrade of Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 transit area, creating a microcosm of Singapore’s “Garden City” vision.

Our approach integrates biophilic design, bringing natural elements indoors to enhance passenger wellbeing, improve flow, and reduce stress during travel. From lush greenery to natural light optimisation, the space will offer a more calming and refreshing transit experience.

As travellers step into the refreshed Changi Terminal 1, they’ll be greeted by a space inspired by one of tropical Singapore’s most enduring symbols, the tree.

Echoing the quiet strength and purpose of trees, the terminal’s design draws on their natural grace and rhythm. Architectural columns take the form of soaring trunks and canopies, while the Canopy Dining zone features a branch-like ceiling treatment that evokes the experience of dining under a lush treetop.

These design choices go beyond aesthetics. They foster a sense of calm and grounding, a welcome counterbalance to the often hectic energy of airports. It’s biophilic design in action, transforming a transit space into a moment of serenity and connection to nature.

At TA.LE, we believe good design combines function with storytelling. Here, the story is one of Singapore as a Garden City rooted in nature, even in the heart of a bustling terminal.

Biophilic design is a cornerstone of our approach to creating meaningful spaces. We believe that connecting people with nature is not only visually enriching, it also improves well-being, reduces stress, and supports how people feel and function in a space. As our cities grow denser, integrating nature into the built environment is essential for well-being, sustainability and a liveable future.

In Singapore, this approach aligns naturally with our Garden City vision. By reconnecting people with nature through thoughtful design, we can make everyday spaces more calming, purposeful and resilient.

This is how we see the future. Cities that breathe, buildings that restore, and designs that centre the human experience.

Changi Terminal 1 brings this philosophy to life. From tree-like columns to the branch-inspired ceiling at the Canopy Dining zone, the design introduces the calm and rhythm of nature into one of the world’s busiest airports. It’s a transit space that not only functions efficiently, but also offers travellers a moment of stillness and clarity, surrounded by nature-inspired forms and materials.

In doing so, it also reflects Singapore’s identity as a Garden City, offering travellers comfort, clarity and a sense of stillness, even in motion.