Your Free Illuminating World of Bridges Book. Learn about bridge eco-systems & light.

WELCOME to the wrap up of Leni Schwendinger Light Projects' (LSLP) Bridge Lighting Series, The Illuminating World of Bridges. Significant aspects of crossings have been covered in the past 8 months -- contextual approach, physical typologies and ecosystem considerations.

Part 1 introduces the exciting practice of bridge illumination. Part 2 explores luminous colors and international trends. Part 3 provides a technical focus. Part 4 investigates ecological concerns. Part 5 is all about community engagement. 

Did you miss the previous newsletter chapters?

You are in luck! All the stories are compiled as an Ebook gift, available in the download below. A groovy 8”x8” format…get your reading 👓 on.

In London, Leni collaborated with NightLab late in March 2026. She participated in the intensive five-day executive course on night-time urbanism and strategies. A flagship program of The Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU) at University College London their remit leverages the city as a living laboratory for socially responsive design research.

The NightLab students were comprised of professionals, researchers and practitioners working in urban policy, planning and governance with an interest in the 24-hour city. The course explored contemporary approaches to night-time governance: the challenges and opportunities of managing cities after dark.

Working with Andreina Seijas (Barcelona) with insights by planning partner, Alistair Turnham (London), Leni devised a strategic NightSeeing walking route. The intent was an experiential ramble through Soho to see and feel the dull, the ordinary and the spectacular. Transitioning from quiet public space → commercial corridor → nightlife district. Students photographed and mapped their sensory responses onto a new handheld experience application by Andreina.

Dr Alessio Kolioulis, Associate Professor in Urban Economic Development, The Bartlett

Development Planning Unit, UCL and Dr. Andreina Seijas, Program Co-Lead, Founder and Principal, Night-Tank; Lecturer, Sciences Po (in Paris) originated and led the program.

Hosted by the City of Oulu, the LUCI Summit brought together city representatives, lighting designers, industry leaders, researchers and artists for an intense program of conference sessions and night-time experiences. The official opening welcomed participants to “snowy Oulu”. Walking along the Art of Darkness Light Art Trail combined professional exchange with first-hand experience of Nordic nightscapes.

The 2026 edition of the Summit allowed participants to compare policies, discuss standards, and share concrete project experiences: from strategic masterplans and climate-aligned lighting upgrades to experimental artworks and participatory processes in public space.

“Luminous colour in public space, who decides? – A Transatlantic Dialogue” included speakers including Dr Ute Besenecker (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Dr Inkyu Choi (Seoul Metropolitan Government), Olli Rantala (City of Oulu), Joseph Mulligan III (City of Providence) and Mark Domino (Spireworks). The interactive panel explored how cities and partners choose, program and validate luminous color in public spaces.

The Transatlantic Dialogue contrasted multiple color approaches in cities such as Oulu and Providence with Seoul’s distinctive, annual model of defining a single city color, derived from palettes inspired by local landscapes, sunsets and rivers. Speakers discussed citizen reactions – often positive. A live poll reflected that 70% feel that there is "too little” luminous color in our cities. 90% felt that criteria for luminous color should be developed and that color choices should be primarily guided by professional expertise from architects and urban planners.

One of the most interesting exchanges during the Q&A was an audience member’s query whether “more colour” also mean more light (as in too much light)? Dr Besenecker replied with insight that "more colour" did not mean "more light". Counterintuitively, too much brightness often desaturates color.🎨

The Art of Darkness EU-funded research project is gaining steam.

Leni would like to build on Darkness with the Art of Luminous Colour next.

On the Boards

Aloha Stadium, in Honolulu, features Hawaiian cultural concepts accentuated by light

Buffalo’s Terminal B, a lattice framing structure venue will be animated with illumination

State University of New York’s Albany McCall Hall a landmark with dynamic façade lighting