Norie Sato
Miami International Airport
South Terminal, International Baggage Claim

Ghost Palms combines the organic structure of palm trees with the clean lines of the terminals’ architecture, producing a subtle dichotomy between the natural and man made. Sited at five locations along the 300 foot-long glass interior wall of the International Baggage Claim, Ghost Palms uses softly colored iridescent glass to create a space full of oversized "stained glass" windows that reveal magnified fronds and branches of various types of palm trees. Sato has also designed a terrazzo floor for the baggage claim area, which mirrors the reflection of the glass windows and creates the illusion of shadows cast on the floor by the palm images.

Norie Sato is a renowned Seattle-based artist with experience in planning diverse projects, from small community-based plans to plans for larger public spaces. Her work includes public art plans for transit in Portland, Phoenix, and Seattle; urban corridors in Seattle and Boise; and airports in Denver, Miami, and Seattle. Sato says of her work, “I try to make spaces that are humane, respectful, and I hope meaningful…maybe even inspiring.”