In December 2018, “Air/Traffic/Control”, was installed in each of the 6 elevator lobbies at the Nashville International Airport’s new Ground Transportation Center and Terminal Parking Garage in Nashville, TN. The BNA project was inspired by the complexity and mechanisms of the traveler’s journey.

Taking inspiration from flight patterns/data, cartography, movement and sound wave forms, Depeña created an original artwork using light and glass to transform the typical column into a dynamic, responsive and interactive experience for the airport traveler. The project utilizes the flow of commuters, and the movement within the elevator lobbies to activate the art. The physical form of the column appears to transform the color and energy of the motion as the viewer walks and interacts with the piece, creating an ever-evolving public art installation. The lighting activity is also tied to the flight information available throughout the airport’s active timeline. Each floor retains a unique color identity to assist in wayfinding. There are several added layers of media that compose the entire installation including sound and augmented reality. The audio was composed by local musicians “Tape Deck Mountain” that collaborated directly with the artist throughout the process. Each floor’s sonic composition is mixed live and at random and is different on each floor.

The color of each floor serves as a wayfinding mechanism for the airport’s visitors.