The “B” and “C” concourses are connected to the main terminal building and the “A” Concourse by a pedestrian walkway under the tarmac. This walkway, known as the Light Tunnel, features an elaborate multi-colored light show behind sculpted glass panels extending the entire length of the walkway, as well several moving walkways. The light patterns are synchronized with an original musical score, which runs for nearly a half hour before repeating. This installation, one of the first large scale uses of color changing LED lighting in the United States, was produced by Mills James Productions with glasswork by Foxfire Glass Works of Pontiac, Michigan. The display has won multiple lighting design awards including the prestigious Guth Award of Merit.
{source: Wikipedia entry for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport}
I’ve never been in the Detroit airport (DTW) before, and I remember my NWA/Delta-employed (almost retired) dad spending time there in 2002 when they were adding the McNamara Terminal. He works in the IT department with all the computer geeks (the apple doesn’t fall far, does it?), so he was here helping them basically plug everything in and make sure it worked (hashtag understatement).
Anyway, I remember him talking about trams and windows and how big it was, and I always had this idea in my head of DTW being this massive, silver-y, sunlit complex of transients and wanderers alike. Sure enough, that’s totally accurate. What he didn’t tell me about was the light installation that connects the B and C concourses to the rest of the airport. I approached the giant tunnel-looking thing with the moving walkways and saw flashing blue and green and purple lights, then started hearing music reminiscent of a New Age Twilight Zone.
Mouth agape, pace slowing, I started looking around and saw the most amazing LED light installation set to music. I thought about taking a picture, but then decided that video would be better. I wish I’d caught a little more, but here – check it out. Oh, and ignore the commentary; my new friend Nancy (HI NANCY!) asked how I planned to capture it in a photo and I told her I was taking a video since I wanted to get ALL of the colors.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been in DTW one time, and I remember this tunnel so well! It was definitely the best part of that whole trip. I wish I had thought of taking a video, since my picture didn’t turn out at all. Thanks for the reminder of an amazing piece of art!
This airport is pretty, in an otherwise not so pretty city. The light tunnel is fun, but it is difficult to get from one concourse to another in a timely manner…..almost as bad as the Atlanta airport…..but, that’s just me. My favorite is the Memphis airport, as it is small and easy to navigate.
It was a lot of fun to be there as the airport came together; not just in an I.T. perspective, but I’s were crossed and T’s dotted. Bathrooms were readied with paper towels and toilet paper; the Tram was being tested constantly; some of the businesses were doing test runs, and we got to taste their fare. We had to make sure EVERY piece of computer equipment not only was tagged with addresses but worked with assigned printers, scanners, etc; arrival & departure monitors were in synch; outside Ramp, Gate, Baggage displays not just in the airport but also in the adjoining hotel were up and running; we tested bagroom laser scanners to make sure bags were sent to the correct pier for the departure flights. All the cameras that monitor all movement on the ramp had to be tested. There is an OPS room (with no windows) where agents can sit and see everything going on outside via cameras. Not to mention the checkin kiosks in the parking garage, and the maintenance hangars with all their computer systems.
EVERYONE working at the airport had to be finger printed (first time for me) whether you were staying in DTW or was just there on a temp. The “B” concourse wasn’t even completed when the main terminal opened, and the “C” was just a concept.
I was told that the “A” concourse is a mile from end-to-end..
The CEO & EVP’s were there as the first flights arrived.
The water fountain is pretty cool also.
It was a fun two weeks!
@tootsiemom: I haven’t ever actually seen that whole city, and it’s not quite on my list yet but I’m curious about it The airport was nice and really, really simple to navigate once I figured out that the tram ONLY ran through Concourse A
I like Memphis also – that is easy. Atlanta’s HUGE.