Planar renews PDX airport digital signage

The display technology of Planar has become a key element in the renovation of the PDX. Two CarbonLight CLI Series displays have been installed at the security controls, that offer a broad digital canvas for generative art; while eight 25-inch DirectLight Pro Series screens have been placed on the counters×0,9 metre.

Since the inauguration of the main terminal in 1958, the Portland International Airport (PDX) has undergone numerous updates and expansions, but none comparable to the latest project carried out to modernize the facilities that doubles the capacity and improves the travel experience of millions of passengers thanks to Planar's visualization technology.

This one features a redesigned main terminal, Inspired by the natural beauty of the region. ZGF Architects designed the new terminal with biophilic elements, evoking the feeling of walking through a Pacific Northwest forest. The ample space has more than 5.000 plants, Including 72 trees, and an impressive solid wood ceiling of 3,6 Hectares, Made entirely of Douglas fir, from forests in Oregon and Washington.

Planar's display technology plays a key role in this terminal. Travelers begin their experience at Portland International Airport's renovated main terminal with a streamlined check-in experience, with Planar LED screens installed at airline check-in counters.

Eight Planar Led Video Screens DirectLight Pro Series, each with a layout of 25 meters wide by 0,9 meters high (42×3), Improve the check-in experience by providing travel information.

"Optimizing customer journeys was central to every design decision for the new PDX, and these dynamic screens located behind the ticket counters gave us another opportunity to optimize that experience.", Says Michael Croston, Senior Implementation Manager, Port of Portland Aviation Program.

When exiting the check-in area, travelers are met with two Planar Led video screens of 36,5 meters long by 7,6 meters high, located above the North and South security checkpoints. The screens CarbonLight CLI Series, with a pixel pitch of 5,2 mm, They integrate with the terminal design and include door openings to access the overhead space.

In front of these screens, wooden slats have been installed that complement the style of the corrugated wooden ceiling. The Video Walls offer a vast digital canvas for generative art that brings Oregon's landscapes to life.

The work of art, 'Extraordinary Windows', was developed by Half Sisters Studios in collaboration with the design agency Dotdotdash, both based in Portland, and combines images of Oregon-inspired scenes, data-driven, with creative content from digital storytellers.

Using Unreal Engine, The cinematographic piece of 24 hours dynamically adjusts to reflect the time of day, weather changes and the number of travelers passing through the airport.

“We wanted to offer a unique perspective on our region and celebrate its diversity, both in terms of nature and prospects”, Adds Martha Almy, founding partner of Half Sisters Studios.

On how travelers experience 'Extraordinary Windows', the creative director of Dotdotdash, Fernanda Navilli, Wait for me to give you a moment of pause, where they can stop the turbulence of the journey and feel truly present for a few moments. "If I wanted to expect a lasting impact, it would be for people to feel how big and diverse nature is here.".

Planar CarbonLight CLI and DirectLight Pro

With patented carbon fiber frames and a modular design, CarbonLight CLI series video wall LED screens are lightweight, Slim and Strong. Their refined mechanical construction gives them the versatility to adapt to a wide range of applications, including independent installations, Pendants, wall and ceiling. Front mounting and maintenance reduces overall video wall space and space required behind the wall, which makes it easier to locate them in more spaces than other LED solutions.

For its part, the DirectLight Pro series LED video walls, with a fine pixel pitch, They offer high-quality images to suit any indoor fixed installation application. Reduce total cost of ownership and require fewer cabinets, cables and internal components such as receivers and power supplies.

This solution includes the Planar WallDirector video controller, that manages the video wall at native resolution, captures multiple 4K inputs and includes web management software to simplify setup, operation and monitoring.