Nanolumens, in partnership with Moment Factory, Electrosonic, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Munich Airport International, crafted a collection of multimedia installations aimed at leaving travelers with a timeless perception of New Jersey.
The Digital Journey of Surprises in Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) Terminal A offers travelers key touchpoints of the passenger experience with over 63 million pixels available on the digital canvases. The project partners created a multi-faceted encounter meant to soothe and educate passengers about the people, landmarks, and possibilities in New Jersey.
Nanolumens Global Director of Airports and Transportation Todd Alan Green said airports have a unique opportunity to present a sense of community and local culture, and that was the goal behind The Digital Journey of Surprises.
“We collaborated with Electrosonic and Moment Factory to develop the unique use of dynamic displays to tell this story along with the ability to have the content change as the seasons change, to allow this facility to feel fresh and inviting for many years to come,” he said.
Passengers are initially met at the Departure Hall to the Welcome Wall Banner, a 230’ wide by 8’ high canvas that blends into the buildings’ architecture to create a warm and calming environment. For this display, Nanolumens used their Engage Series to create a canvas with over 26.5 million pixels.
After screening, passengers then arrive at the Security Information Displays. Two displays convey important security-related information to passengers before their flights. These types of displays can include various forms of information aimed at enhancing passenger awareness and safety.
Upon passing through security, the voyage continues as travelers descend into the Retail Hall, greeted by the captivating Forest of Firsts, a collection of eight towering dvLED pillars, each ranging from 15 to 27 feet in height.
The “Forest of Firsts” features the state’s firsts in multiple categories of human accomplishment in science, literature, energy, film and more accompanied by music and moving graphics.
As passengers embark upon their destination at Newark, they are then met by 5 Gate Information Displays. These are multi-sided gate pylons that are 4’ wide by 23’ high. These ultra-slim displays offer sharp details on over 2.3 million pixels on each side. Communication and entertainment all rolled into a sleek and innovative way to convey the excitement of their destination as well as pertinent flight details.
Nanolumens collaborated on 4 displays in the Hold Room that are practical but also impart travelers with trivia and other fun bits about New Jersey. This part of the project included 4 displays that are 12’ wide by 7’ high. Nanolumens’ Engage displays offer wide viewing angles that allow passengers to remark on the entertaining content while waiting for their flights.
During a tour of EWR’s Terminal A, Chief Operating Officer of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey James “Jim” Heitman said, “Some of the unique features that we tried to incorporate into this terminal is to really embrace the fact that we are in New Jersey. We're very proud of that.”
Heitman continued, “We want to make that evident throughout your journey. So, you'll see a lot of digital technology with a lot of fun facts about New Jersey.” Heitman said the new terminal is different from the old terminal in many ways, but most notably is the technology.
Green said he is thrilled this project was chosen as a recipient of the 2024 Airport Business Projects of Year award.
“This award goes a long way towards showing the impact of direct-view LED (dvLED) as the dominant display solution and default consideration for any video wall use in an airport or transportation facility. The use of dvLED as a building material, much like “digital drywall”, and utilizing content like the paint, serves these spaces well with its ability to provide a surprise element to a passenger’s experience. The ability to provide high viewability, unlimited custom canvas sizes help a transportation facility standout with a unique placemaking experience.”
