The newly-opened Marina Bay Sands Apple store is an architectural marvel. The company calls the opening of the Singapore store its “most ambitious retail project,” and it shows. The structure is a geodesic dome that resembles a floating lantern on water. Cult of Mac shares the company’s press release about the new store:
Here’s what Apple says in its marketing spiel:
“Entirely surrounded by water, Apple Marina Bay Sands offers uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its spectacular 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 only 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection. As Apple’s third retail location in Singapore, the new store creates an unforgettable space for customers.
An oculus at the apex of the dome provides a flooding ray of light, with custom sunshade rings lining the interior glass. 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. With trees lining the interior of the dome, the green garden city of Singapore flows into the store, providing additional shading and soft shadows through the foliage.”
Image via Cult of Mac