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Northwest Airlines

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Northwest Airlines uses Color Kinetics intelligent illumination technology to help create a one-of-a-kind multimedia experience in its new terminal at Detroit Metro Airport. One of the terminal's extraordinary sensory experiences can be found in the 800-foot passenger tunnel that connects the main Concourse A to the western Concourses B and C. SmithGroup conceived the tunnel to provide an ever-changing, mood-enhancing sound and light environment - a respite from the hurries of travel. Comprised of sculpted art glass panels, translucent vinyl stretch ceilings, custom, choreographed music, and Color Kinetics Intelligent LED illumination technology, the tunnel gives passengers a symphony of invigorating color and sound. The tunnel incorporates spacious 54" wide automatic walkways, clutter-free and ad-free walls, and one of three synchronized sound and light shows. SmithGroup lighting designers turned to Color Kinetics when looking for a low-maintenance lighting solution. Mills James Productions composed the music and programmed the varying light and sound scenarios. Since passengers use airports virtually 24 hours a day, low maintenance was paramount. Color Kinetics products, which offer low maintenance and long life through the use of LEDs (light emitting diodes) as its light source, help reduce the man-hours and hassles of maintenance. Due to the digital intelligence inherent in Color Kinetics products, the fixtures have the ability to be controlled via an external lighting console - another plus for this installation. Mills James Productions developed "scenes" of custom light shows dancing to melodies of custom-composed music. Nearly 9,000' of specialized, 30° narrow-beam iColor® Cove was produced for the installation. Six rows of the customized iColor Cove®, each row turned to direct light at a different angle, were placed behind custom hand-etched glass panels. To complete the atmosphere in the tunnel, SmithGroup used approximately 120 ColorBlast® fixtures to highlight Newmat's arched stretch ceilings. Placed roughly 20' apart are speakers emitting melodious music synchronized to the Color Kinetics lights. Besides the emergency lighting, Color Kinetics products are the only lighting used in the tunnel, allowing passengers to enjoy a soothing moment during their travels.