Color Kinetics Showcase Northwest Airlines

Detroit, MI

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. Learn more...