Airports are full of subtle tricks designed to influence passenger behavior. But one airport may have one of the most creative examples yet.
There are plenty of sneaky things airports do:
- They manipulate the airport environment so you’ll buy more
- An airport in Texas even figured out a way to stop complaints about long waits
So, is it really a surprise that an airport figured out a way to improve security simply by installing an art installation?
Since 2008, the pedestrian bridge connecting Indianapolis International Airport (IND) ‘s main terminal to its parking garage has hosted an art installation called Connections.
When someone enters the pedestrian bridge at either side, a path of overhead LED lights begins to follow that person’s steps. Once another person enters from the opposite end, the lights form a pattern that spans the distance between the two. It’s meant to serve as a visual cue of their “connection” by virtue of inhabiting the same space at the same time.
The encounter, which is enhanced by blips, dings and other digital sounds, as well as interspersed with occasional bursts of music, was designed by Cameron McNeil and Damon Seeley.
The audio and visuals can also be changed, such as during the Indianapolis 500.
Fun fact! Connections helps with security
As it turns out, Connections isn’t just “art for art’s sake.” It also helps enhance security.
Because Connections is a fun experience, people tend to pay attention to it – that means looking up at the lights on the ceiling. As it turns out, there are cameras that are strategically placed up and down the pedestrian bridge, and if someone is looking up at the light show, the cameras may also get a clearer capture of their face.
Of course, if someone isn’t doing anything wrong, the footage doesn’t mean anything. But if security is trying to follow the path of a suspected person, a clear view of their face as they watch Connections might be a helpful lead.
Of course, most travelers walking through Connections are probably just enjoying the lights, sounds, and brief distraction from the usual airport chaos.
But it’s still fascinating to realize that something designed as interactive public art can also quietly serve a practical purpose behind the scenes.
And honestly, once you know the cameras are there? You may never walk through that tunnel quite the same way again. 😏
Turns out even airport art installations are multitasking these days.
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