Sense of Place: Changi Airport

Air travel can be quite the grind, with outdated terminals, underwhelming food, inadequate service—it's often enough to negate a positive destination experience. But then again, most airports aren't Singapore's Changi.

What helps it connect a strong sense of place—the best of Singapore?. Perhaps it's the water features or the multitude of gardens: orchid, butterfly, sunflower, cactus, water lily, and "enchanted," to name a few. Or maybe the kinetic art installation of 1,216 aluminum and copper raindrops. Then there's the food—dozens of gourmet restaurants, six expansive dining halls, including one that specializes in Singaporean street food. Stores are all around, like Saint Laurent, Hermès, and not one, not two, but three different Adidas shops.