Lighting Designer Creates Dynamic LED Art Installation with Traxon Technologies

LDS Osram Traxon Art 400

July 31, 2019

Traxon Technologies, an Osram business, is brightening the skyline in San Francisco as the exclusive lighting provider for an art installation at San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) long-term parking garage.

The art installation by Johanna Grawunder, titled Coding, uses a range of Traxon lighting technologies to create a subtle light show that is visible throughout the day and night, and uses the building’s existing steel beams and mirrored windows to suggest dots and dashes, ultimately spelling “San Francisco” in Morse code.

“We are in the age of coding,” Grawunder said. “San Francisco is a city of layers that can be discovered slowly in neighborhoods and microclimates, or breathtakingly all at once, such as from the Golden Gate Bridge. Each layer has its own complexities and ‘codes’ to be cracked. Coding is an immersive environment installation defined through layers of codes — decorative elements that each express a specific quality and experience of the elevator tower at the long-term parking garage. These code-layers are dynamic day and night through the use of materials that respond to reflection, luminosity and programmed color-changing light.”

The artistic lighting installation at SFO, commissioned by the San Francisco Arts Commission, uses dynamic lighting solutions from Osram’s Traxon Technologies, including Dot XL-9 RGB and Washer Quattro RGBW as well as dynamic lighting controls by Osram’s e:cue. In the elevator cabins and shafts, Traxon’s Washer Quattro RGBW and Dot XL-9 RGB create an immersive experience through coordinated light shows which change throughout the day and night. Additionally, customized light boxes internally lit with Traxon Dot XL-9 RGB create a soft-glow of color-changing lighting that adds to the dynamic installation. A centrally located control system operating e:cue SYMPHOLIGHT lighting control software coordinates the lighting between the light boxes and elevator shafts and cars to execute Grawunder’s artistic vision.

“San Francisco International Airport has established a reputation as not just a place where one catches a plane, but as a destination for some of the country’s most ambitious public art installations,” said Tom DeCaigny, Director of Cultural Affairs, San Francisco Arts Commission. “With each new capital project, the San Francisco Arts Commission has the opportunity to innovate and stretch the imagination of what public art at an airport can be. We are incredibly grateful to the airport for partnering with us as we continue to push artistic boundaries.”

Grawunder’s Coding art installation will be on permanent display at SFO’s new long-term parking facility as one of the many art installations at the airport.

Go HERE for more information

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • ERALUX Joins Forces With Electra Sales

    Eralux is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Electra Sales, a renowned sales and distribution powerhouse. This collaboration is set to enhance product accessibility and deliver exceptional value to customers in more regions than ever before. The partnership unites Eralux’s commitment to innovation and affordability with Electra Sales’ extensive industry expertise and proven market… Read More…

  • Salex Expands to Ottawa: Lighting Up the Nation’s Capital

    As the New Year begins, Salex is thrilled to announce an exciting milestone: Salex is now operating in Ottawa. This expansion marks the next chapter in Salex’s journey of delivering innovative lighting solutions and exceptional service to the design and architectural communities. Salex is honoured to bring their expertise to the vibrant and growing Ottawa market. Read More…


Design

  • Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    August 6, 2024 Built in 1980, the building that houses Sainte-Thérèse high school, in Quebec Canada, was looking a little worse for the wear. Renovation work began with two major projects: introducing a multidisciplinary sports centre, as well as redesigning the parking lots.  The employee and visitor parking lots were completely reconfigured during phase 1… Read More…

  • Resilience Illuminated: Reviving Westminster Pier Park After Devastating Fire

    Resilience Illuminated: Reviving Westminster Pier Park After Devastating Fire

    In September 2020, the picturesque city of New Westminster near Vancouver in British Columbia suffered a devastating setback when an intentionally set fire destroyed much of the city’s waterfront park, including its urban beach, sand volleyball courts, and iconic art installation known as Wow Westminster. The fire, which burned for ten days before firefighters could… Read More…


New Products

  • Acuity Brands: New nLight Networked Embedded Lighting Controls for Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC)

    Acuity Brands: New nLight Networked Embedded Lighting Controls for Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC)

    January 23, 2025 It’s Quick, Easy, and Smart to Choose nLight Get 3 Products in 1 Luminaires with networked embedded controls by nLight are designed, manufactured, tested, and shipped with occupancy, daylight sensors and control devices factory-installed. This simplifies design layouts and eliminates field installation of control devices, while addressing code requirements.​ Achieve up to… Read More…

  • Cooper Lighting Solutions: Fairfax

    Cooper Lighting Solutions: Fairfax

    January 21, 2025 Fairfax Overview The Fairfax luminaire is an ideal decorative streetlight for downtown areas, residential streets and parks. A timeless dayform complements and enhances surround architecture, while a state-of-the-art molded refractor delivers superior pedestrian and streetlighting. Effortless Charm, Timeless Style The Fairfax luminaire features a timeless design that seamlessly integrates with and enhances… Read More…