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April 12 (UPI) -- Layovers at Singapore's new Jewel Changi Airport might be a bit more interesting than typical stops -- thanks to the world's tallest indoor waterfall. The "Rain Vortex," a waterfall of rain water with a 131-foot drop, can channel 10,000 gallons of water per minute and sits within a five-story greenhouse. The glass and steel-domed building, which also has five stories below ground, is connected to several airport terminals. It was designed by Safdie Architects.
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The airport won't open until next week, but visitors saw a preview Thursday. The $1.26 billion complex, which has three new terminals, is an extension of Singapore's existing 38-year-old airport.
"The Jewel toroidal inverse dome creates a new kind of spatial experience, a daylit vast landscaped garden, combined with seven levels of shopping and airport facilities," said head architect Moshe Safdie. "Light penetrates everywhere, while the roof drains through the dome to create a dramatic waterfall, dropping seven stories to the lowest building level."
Water from rainstorms is collected to irrigate greenhouse plants and supply the waterfall. Each glass pane has a five-eighths inch gap to absorb the noise of aircraft takeoffs and landings, and was tested to eliminate potentially distracting reflections.
