Opportunity: As one of the world’s leading airlines, Delta uses art across its network to drive connection between customers and its brand. When the airline sought to create a new customer experience at LaGuardia Airport, they tasked ESI to develop an iconic art, media and graphics program that celebrates the spirit of travel.

Solution: ESI approached the project by focusing on the two primary aspects of the travel experience: departures and arrivals. While at opposite ends of the travel journey, they include similar pain points: periods of waiting, either in security or at the baggage carousel, and feelings of anticipation, either to embark on a flight, or reach the ultimate destination. These parallel themes drove the design strategy for the activations at the new Delta Terminal.

Result: In the departure hall, vertical columns of high-resolution LEDs create an inviting threshold. The installation displays sweeping imagery that reminds passengers of the wonders of travel and provides a needed diversion as they weave through security. The content is powered by live flight data, expressed visually with imagery that reflects the ephemeral nature of travel. In baggage claim, four high-resolution media bands at the exits showcase views of the city familiar to locals. When a passenger moves past these thresholds, the media reacts by reconfiguring to give a view into the city—an evocative lens focuses and reveals details within the media.