From the moment you arrive at an airport, travel is facilitated by coding. Digital coding is deployed for some important aspects such as security gates, baggage destinations, and for seating.

But, at San Francisco Airport’s long term parking garage, Coding, a little-known 2019 immersive installation by designer/architect Johanna Grawunder literally elevates coding technology to the level of art.

Grawunder, invited by the San Francisco Arts Commission, has created a pattern of mirrored dots and dashes for the street-facing elevator tower. It spells out “San Francisco” in Morse Code (an obsolete 19th century telegraphic messaging system). Additionally, yellow bars indicate cardinal directions; and Coding offers a kinetic experience within the elevators too. Computer-controlled color-changing RBG LED Traxon light fixtures randomly alter the lighting to generate a sense of calm.

Photo by Cesar Rubio