Jewel Changi Accused Of Copying Overseas Airport Design; CAG Has Responded

It’s 2019 and Singapore’s crowning achievement is back on the news again.

And with that, I mean Jewel Changi.

Or more specifically, the garden and waterfall feature that landed us on the world’s map.

Yes, that same one which inspired JJ Lin, Singapore’s very golden boy, into composing a song.

Unfortunately this time, it’s hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“Referee Kayu lah, Jewel Changi Waterfall Design Is Copied From Us!”

“How the-who dares-blasphemy-,” if that was your reaction, don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

But first, let’s go back to the beginning.

Who was the one to make that accusation?

Well, it’s none other than Mr Akbar Al Baker, the chief of Qatar Airways.

And why did he do that?

Because here’s what Hamad International Airport looks like.

That looks familiar.

“Someone” Copied Our Design

Okay, if you’re wondering why the image for Hamad International Airport is an artist’s impression, it’s because it hasn’t been built yet.

Doesn’t that mean they’re the ones doing the copying-No, Mr Abdul says.

He claimed that the design for the Hamad International Airport existed 6 years ago. And said that individuals “from that country” took the design.

He unnecessarily added that he “will not mention who took it”. I mean, it’s pretty obvious.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) Responds

Obviously, with such a blatant call out, CAG has to respond. And they did.

They denied all allegations of copying and clarified that they held a competition back in 2012 for the best design bid.

It eventually went to Capitaland who submitted a design proposal conceptualised by Safdie Architects.

Safdie Architects also responded, saying that they have not done any projects in Qatar, nor has Mr Safdie ever visited the country.

CAG asserts that they respect Intellectual Property (IP) Rights and expects the people they work with to do the same.

And it ends with a burn by both Safdie Architect and CAG

Safdie Architect: Oh, yours existed six years ago? We’ve been chasing this concept for decades.

CAG: “We are delighted that Jewel’s uniqueness and originality have been well-recognised by the international community and resulted in many wanting to emulate it.”

Netizens’ Responses

When it comes to matters of national pride like this, you know the first place we have to dive into is the comments’ section.

What do Singaporeans think? Do Mr Abdul’s claims hold water (pun intended)?

Some pointed out the ridiculousness of the entire saga:

Other netizens pointed out that the waterfall feature at Jewel Changi isn’t anything new:

A sharp-eyed netizen looked at both reports and realised 2012, the year of the winning bid, was still earlier than Qatar’s claimed date of “six years ago”.

One person decided to hit where it hurts.

Whelp, one thing for sure, Hamad International Airport is (probably) still going to go ahead with their planned enhancements and Jewel Changi sure as hell isn’t going to re-renovate again.

Let’s just take it this way: since both countries came across the same idea without copying from each other, this means the design is really the best in the world.