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Media technology & interactive experiences at Frankfurt Airport Visitor Centre

Experience the fascination of airports – interactive AV technology with real-time data, projections and room control
AR Augmented Reality Experience Information Interaction Brand Experience VR Virtual Reality

Lively, interactive, informative

A fascinating look behind the scenes at Frankfurt Airport. An interactive experience for everyone and a media installation that makes it all possible. The installation was designed by our client ART+COM AG. Our job was to install and bring the entire media technology into operation while programming the media players and control system.

A virtual amusement park for the whole family

After several years of planning, Frankfurt Airport opened its new 1,200 m² visitor center in 2021. What goes on behind the scenes at this international air hub? How do the check-in and baggage systems work? What happens on the tarmac and what does a marshal do? We show the answers to these questions on giant displays using VR and AR.

A technology wonderland with the highest safety standards

Despite all the technical sophistication, fire protection was particularly important in this case. A challenge that’s right up our alley! We installed all electrical and heat-generating devices in such a way as to prevent certain operating temperatures from being exceeded. All technical components were tested before installation and then at defined intervals in accordance with DGUV V3.

Displays with a self-extinguishing device system

There were particularly strict requirements for the 55” seamless displays from LG. We installed a control and monitoring device on the back for triggering the self-extinguishing system. A smoke detector, an e-bulb (fire extinguishing fuse) near the mainboard and an AMFE (automatic miniature fire extinguisher with temperature control) were integrated into the display. The mains voltage for the display switches off automatically in the event of a malfunction.

Extremely easy to service

The technology at the center remains mostly hidden from visitors so that displays can be replaced quickly if servicing is required. They are mounted on pop-out holders, meaning that maintenance can be carried out during normal operating hours if necessary. In addition, the entire contents are monitored remotely and can be updated from anywhere, at any time.

The Globe shows global flight operations – live and in color

 

“The Globe” is the heart of the visitor center. This is where global air traffic is shown on a 23 m² screen consisting of twenty-eight 55” seamless displays. Anything that can affect the flight route, such as rapidly changing weather conditions, can be experienced in real time. The Globe rotates on an interactive console and the zoom function brings visitors even closer to the action. The image quality of the LG displays is razor-sharp and especially realistic thanks to the precise and natural color reproduction of more than one billion colors.

Seeing the big picture through Smart Windows

Guests have a clear view of the runway from the Visitor Center. And our Smart Windows also make it possible to see what is happening after landing and before take-off. The 98” LG displays with Citron touch frames show the live status of the aircraft at the gate, how many “passengers” are on board, where the aircraft is flying to or where it is coming from. The innovative AR technology and live camera feed make viewers feel as if they have been transported directly to the tarmac.

Explore the airport using AR and VR

We supplied a large number of iPads with charging stations for the 55 m² airport model. Visitors can scan the model using the iPad camera to get more information. The virtual reality tour through the airport’s 81 km long baggage conveyor system using VR goggles is also great fun for everyone. Visitors can experience the rattling and rumbling of the conveyer belts and rollers on motorized 2-seaters.

Waving in the aircraft as a marshal

The “Marshallers Wall” consists of nine 55” seamless display screens from LG and have an interactive application for waving airplanes into their parking position. The visitors take on the role of the marshal and wave in the aircraft. They are given two red glow sticks that are tracked by a depth camera above the display wall so that the aircraft can follow the hand signals.

Seeing the airport through children’s eyes

We also thought about the little ones. Younger kids can playfully explore the airport in three lanes made for children, learn how arrivals/departures and taxiway procedures work and what the light signals mean for the pilots.

Learn more about the history of aviation

Anyone interested in the history of aviation will get their money’s worth at two “Peppers Ghost” stations. Another three stations relate stories and experiences from everyday life at the airport via an audio track, which include lots of background information about the various professions at the airport and the equipment and materials used.

Technische Ausstattung
  • 3 LG 98“ 4K displays with IR touch overlay
  • 1 LG 86“ 4K display
  • 45 LG 55“ seamless displays with media fire protect system
  • 8 LG 49“ displays
  • 11 touch displays ranging from 10”-27”
  • 30 Apple iPad Pro 11”
  • 15 LED numeric displays
  • 1 radar touch system
  •  23 BrightSign players
  • 15 mini PCs
  • 16 media servers
  • 63 Crestron NVX AV-over-IP converters
  • 16 speakers
  • 40 Structure-borne sound converter
  • 4 subwoofers
  • 23 multi-channel amplifiers
  • 1 YAMAHA TF1 digital audio mixing console
  • 1 Biamp audio DSP
  • 1 Crestron media control system

Client: ART+COM AG | Location: Frankfurt | Planning: ART+COM AG | Photography: Asja Caspari

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