Gatwick Airport – Digital Wayfinding
NES were commissioned to design, engineer and manufacture a truly bespoke curved digital wayfinding and advertising feature as part of the South Terminal refurbishment works at Gatwick Airport. Conceived as both a navigational tool and an architectural landmark, the installation was designed to improve passenger movement while creating a calm, visually engaging orientation zone within a high-traffic, fast-moving terminal environment.
The installation combines high-performance digital display technology with refined architectural materials, creating a focal point that enhances spatial legibility, reduces passenger anxiety and elevates the overall terminal experience.
Design & Form
The structure was developed through a full 3D design and engineering process, supported by detailed structural calculations to achieve both aesthetic ambition and operational performance.
Curved Geometry
Sculptural Profile
Engineering & Technical Performance
Engineered for continuous operation in a high-footfall airport, the installation incorporates detailed structural solutions to maintain rigidity, vibration resistance and load performance. Key engineering considerations included:
Structural Load Calculations
Impact Load Calculations
Service Access and Maintainability
Thermal Management and Passive Ventilation Strategies
Electrical Safety Compliance and Hardware Protection
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
Metalwork Fabrication
Precision-engineered aluminium frameworks provide strength, weight efficiency and long-term durability.
Satin-finish 316 stainless steel kickplates protect lower surfaces from impact and wear.
Powder Coating
Components are finished with a premium powder coat for a robust, low-maintenance architectural surface.
English Oak
The rear elevation incorporates artificial foliage and a dedicated seating area, crafted from full-stave English Oak, slatted Oak elements feature pencil-rounded edges and a fire-retardant finish, adding warmth, texture and craftsmanship.
Artificial Foliage
Artificial foliage panels, made from FireSilx® polymer are fire-retardant, UV-stable and colorfast.
Digital Out-of-Home Technology (DOOH)
Fine-Pitch LED is Powering the Next Generation of Indoor DOOH, as environments evolve, brands and operators are demanding display technology that delivers both premium visual impact and engineered reliability.
Fine-pitch LED has become the industry’s go-to solution, combining high-resolution performance with design flexibility that traditional LCD and larger-pitch LED systems can’t match.
NES-Flex-Pro P1.56 exemplifies this new standard, with ultra-fine 1.56mm pixel pitch and 409,600 pixels per m² density produce broadcast-level clarity, ensuring sharp text, lifelike imagery and smooth motion that elevate advertising and informational content in high-footfall spaces, wide 160° viewing angles and calibrated 400–700 nits brightness maintain visual consistency across open public environments where sightlines vary.
Concave or Convex Curve
International Certifications
Our LED screens are not just about picture quality, they are built for the real-world demands of DOOH operations, the NES-Flex-Pro tile’s super-slim 7.6mm profile and magnetic mounting system make it exceptionally installer-friendly, reducing time on site and enabling seamless integration into architectural features, with the ability to achieve creative concave and convex displays that deliver standout brand presence.
Long-term operational efficiency is equally important with fanless cooling and a 50,000-hour LED lifetime, our flexible tile supports sustainable, cost-effective 24/7 network performance utilising full front-service access to ensure minimal disruption during maintenance which is critical in retail, transport and hospitality environments where downtime impacts both revenue and customer experience.
Slim & Magnetic
Varying Pixel Pitches to Suit Project Resolution Requirements
In a DOOH landscape where content quality, installation flexibility and operational reliability all drive commercial value, the NES-Flex-Pro demonstrates how fine-pitch LED technology is reshaping expectations.
Packaging & Delivery Logistics
Given the installation’s complex geometry and sensitive components, NES developed a tailored logistics strategy:
- On-Time Delivery - Delivery aligned with terminal refurbishment schedules, minimizing storage and on-site handling.
- On-Site Assembly - Modular design allowed rapid installation and integration with electrical and structural systems, reducing disruption to airport operations.
Project Outcome
The completed curved digital wayfinding feature stands as a refined architectural statement within Gatwick South Terminal.
Combining advanced LED technology with natural materiality to deliver a functional, welcoming and visually distinctive landmark that improves navigation, enhances passenger comfort and elevates the overall travel experience.
