Singapore In the Rain: Changi Airport's Showpiece

The main attraction at Changi International Airport in Singapore is not its fancy duty-free shops, au curant lounges, or the building’s modestly tasteful design. No, the jaw-droppinh experience here is all about one amazing art installation.

“Kinetic Rain” was created by Berlin Firm ART+COM, and the sculpture consists of two sets of 608 suspended raindrops made from lightweight aluminum covered in copper and is controlled by complex programming and computer presets. Each raindrop weighs 180 grams (6.3 oz), and is suspended by a thin wire. These beautiful raindrops are raised and lowered in a 15-minute computationally designed choreography controlled bu motors embedded in the ceiling. The raindrops are in motion constantly, fancifully morphing into different shapes such as airplanes, kites or hot air balloons.

This unique moving sculpture was installed in early July 2012 at the Departure-Check-in hall of Terminal 1 of Singapore Changi Airport. According to its designers, the sculpture “aims to be a source of identity for its location, and provides a moment for passengers to contemplate and reflect.”

It’s certainly easy to get lost for a few minutes as this installation takes you out of the monotony and seeminhly endless drudgery of waiting to board a flight. Here in Singapore, your delight can begin long before your trip.

Enjoy new highlights of travel photographer Edwin Santiago’s journeys each week.