Singapore has commenced construction on Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), a bold expansion set to redefine global airport design. Located within the Changi Airport precinct, T5 is the centrepiece of the 1,080-hectare Changi East development and is projected to open in the mid-2030s. Designed by KPF, Heatherwick Studio, and architects61, the terminal aims to accommodate up to 50 million passengers annually, merging functionality, sustainability, and a distinctly Singaporean design ethos.
Architecturally, T5 departs from traditional airport models. Its most striking feature is a series of overlapping, curved roof structures known as ‘roof leaves’, which break the terminal’s vast scale into more intimate, human-centred volumes. These canopies allow abundant natural light to filter through, enhancing both orientation and ambience while promoting energy efficiency. The layered roofscape also mirrors Singapore’s urban landscape, where built form and greenery coexist harmoniously.
T5 integrates smart systems and modular infrastructure, enabling flexible operations and rapid adaptability to future demands or health contingencies. The design includes automated check-ins, contactless interfaces, and an Automated People Mover (APM) linking T5 to Terminal 2, reducing walking distances and improving flow.
Beyond its core function, the terminal is conceived as a destination in itself, with intuitive wayfinding, green public spaces, and links to a wider multi-modal transport hub. The surrounding district will include lifestyle, business, and logistics zones, positioning Changi not just as a transport node but as a dynamic urban extension that reflects Singapore’s vision for integrated, human-centric development.
Images: Changi Airport Group
Article by: Lily Wong
