Apple Marina Bay Sands Opening in Singapore

Apple’s newest store, Apple Marina Bay Sands, is opening this week in Singapore. It is the first Apple Store to sit directly on the water, appearing as a sphere floating on the iridescent Marina Bay.

Entirely surrounded by water, Apple Marina Bay Sands offers uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its 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 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection. As Apple’s third retail location in Singapore, the new store creates an unforgettable space for customers.

Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, an oculus located at the apex of the dome 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. Trees line the interior of the dome, providing additional shading and shadows.

“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 and 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.”

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, while taking in the 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. 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.

The 148-person team at Apple Marina Bay Sands, who collectively speak more than 23 languages, will welcome visitors for the first time on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. SGT. The store will implement the same rigorous health measures for both employees and visitors seen across all Apple Store locations, including a mask requirement, temperature checks and social distancing. Visits to Apple Marina Bay Sands on opening day will be by appointment only.

Source: Design Retail