For those of you who use the Heathrow Express, you no longer need to retrieve tickets at the ticket machines. Starting May 31, you will be able to either print your ticket at home or in the office, or even better — send the ticket directly to your phone. The ticket will be in the form of a barcode that can be scanned by the staff onboard.
Also remember, it’s always cheaper to book your ticket online. You will save £1 (approximately US$2) on a standard one-way ticket.
In addition to the main furniture and accessories exhibition, the Salone del Mobile this year also offers the Eurocucina, which is the exhibition for the kitchen. It’s not just about the cabinetry, but also the technology and design behind it. One of which is the Porsche Design Kitchen P’7340, a collaboration between German furniture brand Poggen Pohl and Porsche Design for the men in the kitchen. The design itself is a modular system that is customizable. In addition to the aluminum and glass that is common with Porsche Design, a “no-handles” approach to the drawers gives the kitchen a cleaner look. With a simple push the drawers will open slowly. Did I mention that this kitchen “system” also comes with a high-tech audio system and with Miele appliances?
Behind the main hall, we find a tent that is called FTK (future technology for the kitchen). Inside there are quite a few conceptual models as well as new technology featured. I found this wall-mounted oven by Siemens that features an elevator-type opening that would simply make life much easier (at least for me) when using the oven.
Next door is the tent for Salone Satellite, the young designers exhibition. This year’s pool of designs have definitely surpassed that of last years. Here are a couple that is worthy of mention.
This spoon/fork combination is definitely very functional, you can remove the scoop part of the utensil and it’s a fork – and vice versa. Designed by Katja Bremkamp.
This cube 6. cube 3 series (pictured is cube 6) is a space-saving set of six stools that can be easily pulled out or stored. There’s not much more to it. Designed by Naho Matsuno.
More is coming. Stay tuned.
On January 9th, Terminal 3 (T3) at Singapore’s Changi Airport will be open for business. I recently had the pleasure of visiting T3 while traveling through Singapore, so here is my report.
Location: The new T3 is conveniently located across from the existing Terminal 2 (T2), and not far away from the oldest terminal, Terminal 1 (T1). There is a convenient people mover that connects the three terminals. If you’d rather walk, there is a underpass that connects T3 with T2 — it’s only a short walk away. This is probably one of the best things I like about T3 in that it is truly passenger-friendly, unlike London’s Heathrow Terminal 4, which is quite distant from the rest of the terminals.
Capacity: With the opening of T3, Changi Airport adds another 22 million to its current annual passenger capacity, which brings the total up to 70 million passengers — more than 15 times of the city-state’s population. Eight of the new 28 gates will be capable of handling the new A380 passenger planes.
Interior: During the day, natural lighting will be brought in with its 900 skylights with reflector panels. The panels will also work at night, giving the skylights a natural glow. “Green” features such as waterfalls and ponds have been integrated into the design to give passengers a welcome feel. For those to like to shop, there are about 100 shops and restaurants in the terminal at your disposal.
Transportation: Well-connected with Bus, Taxi and MRT (subway) connections. Skytrain people movers are available for connections between terminals.
Initially, only Singapore Airlines will be occupying the terminal, mostly for its medium to long-haul flights. Check it out!
