Double Horizon

Location:
San Diego, CA
Scope:
Public space
Program:
Interactive art installation
Dimension:
560 linear feet
Credit List:
Höweler + Yoon Architecture, Eric Höweler, J. Meejin Yoon, David Hamm, Alex Marshall, Max Jarosz
Photography:
Squared Design Lab
Year:
2014

Double Horizon is an interactive lighting installation at the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry. Located near San Diego, the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry is the busiest border crossing in the United States, currently processing an average of 50,000 northbound vehicles and 25,000 pedestrians per day. Double Horizon is a 520’ long linear lighting installation along the leading edge of the primary inspection canopy. 

Double Horizon indexes the frequency of traffic flow through the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry, through an illuminated broadcast of real-time traffic data. The canopy edge is lit with a linear array of programmable LEDs that respond to the movement of vehicles. As vehicles pass over sensors embedded in the terminal lanes their crossing triggers a lighting effect along the edge of the canopy. Traffic flow is animated across the terminal through individual bursts of blue light that fade across the canopy's length. Each burst is triggered by individual cars passing through the terminal lanes. Viewed from a distance, the canopy edge produces a second, animated, horizon line that mimics the horizon beyond. 

The permanent lighting installation is part of an ongoing expansion of the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry, which includes a primary and secondary inspection canopy and new headquarters for the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.