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The possibilities beyond streetlighting Image based on a drawing by Stephen Fan and Myles Zhang, used with permission.

Learn about bridge eco-systems (with links to Parts 1, 2, 3) PART 4 ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS Welcome engineers, architectural designers, and interested colleagues to the fourth edition of five "Illuminating World of Bridges." (Editions 1 through 3 are linked below) Thank you for the many email responses, including requests for ecological systems and biodiversity coverage.   Here it is!  Issue #4  describes the "stressor" effect that increasing urbanization has on organisms —specifically from "anthropogenic" light, or light created by humans through artificial and electrical sources. While many bridges cross bodies of water, a significant number also span land, roads, and other infrastructure. In this issue, we focus on signature bridges that connect land to land across water. The design, engineering, and lighting of these structures require consideration of the sensitivities of nocturnal fish, waterfowl, and amphibians, as well as birds and insects. With an eye to providing you, our readers with resources, there is a free "Global Eco Research Guide"  document attached at the end of this newsletter. The design team begins by conducting an existing-conditions study. From an ecological standpoint, nocturnal wildlife is identified by consulting knowledgeable resources—including local and federal authorities, as well as NGO's. The effects on human communities must be balanced with the effects on surrounding flora and fauna. As examined in Part 1, civic benefits of illuminated bridges reflect positive human outcomes—connectivity, safety, well-being, and social and economic vibrancy, particularly when pedestrian and cycling lanes are indicated. While ecological impacts are often viewed as inherently negative, best practices have been developed to minimize adverse environmental effects. "You can't think about environmental impacts without thinking about impacts on people." —Jim Anderson, SiteLights PLACES, HUMAN & NON HUMAN LIFE Specific locations and geographies host specific wildlife. Artificial light can affect a range of evolutionary dependencies for birds, bats, fish, and invertebrates and other living organisms. For example, illumination of waterways can create behavioral barriers and migratory delays for numerous fish species. Similarly, lighting along riverbanks and lakes may disrupt predator-prey relationships among insects. Human considerations begin with community outreach and project introductions to gather useful input. The community topic will be covered in detail in the next installment of the Illuminating World of Bridges . For bridge users—whether traveling by vehicle, on foot, or by bicycle—visual comfort, including contrast and glare, should be carefully evaluated during the design phase. Finally, light trespass and glare should be mitigated for surrounding homes and public spaces. Illuminated River is a multi-site, permanent light-art installation embellishing the historic Thames River bridges. The design process required a delicate balance of community desires, ecological considerations,   and the   artist's vision. Luminance studies of the river and it's banks were conducted both before and after the installation enabling analysis of the lighting levels on the banks and water surfaces. By establishing benchmarks based on ambient light levels and existing conditions, the project team carefully monitored the effects of their installation. Using baffles and directing light upwards into the covered areas of the bridges, the team was able to concentrate illumination on areas most impactful to humans while minimizing overall light exposure at the water's surface. How does the design team identify ecological concerns, species-specific sensitivities, or protected wildlife in the area? Guidelines may not be included in the lighting design brief and lighting designers are not species experts! However, as mentioned: Designers may have a hand in shaping marine ecosystems . *See below for resources and prompts to contact local wildlife authorities. Pre-design site assessment is critical for both the bridge structure and its surrounding river, bay, or ocean environment. Identifying the specific wildlife species, and understanding their sensitivities to light, is essential for the ecosystem-aware designer. Existing light levels should be mapped during this assessment. For lighting concepts, a detailed photometric analysis is conducted to simulate design options, including alternative optics, color temperatures, brightness, and contrast. This analysis quantifies light spill and evaluates direct visibility impacts on sensitive zones within the local ecosystem, ensuring both environmental responsibility and functional effectiveness. A special thank you to Jim Anderson, of SiteLight for his support and input. Did you miss Illuminating World of Bridges' previous three chapters? They are evergreen, so get your reading glasses on. Part 1   introduces the exciting practice of bridge illumination. Part 2  explores luminous colors and international trends.  Part 3  provides a technical focus. Notable Articles: Davies, T. W., & Smyth, T. (2018). “Why artificial light at night should be a focus for global change research in the 21st century.” Global Change Biology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.13927 Jägerbrand, A. K., & Spoelstra, K. (2023). “Effects of anthropogenic light on species and ecosystems.” Science, 380. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg3173?utm Research Insights from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL): Lighting Science and Technology Laboratory: This facility studies connected lighting systems, aiming to improve lighting quality and reduce environmental impacts. Lab-on-a-Fish (2021 R&D 100 Award winner): This innovative biotelemetry sensor monitors the health, behavior, and environment of fish, providing valuable data for studying the impacts of artificial lighting on aquatic species Resource Link Download Global Eco Research Guide

Light shapes the way we experience our cities — not just by revealing what’s around us, but by creating emotion, movement, and connection after dark. In “Illuminating the City: Leni Schwendinger’s Vision for Urban Nightscapes,”  lighting designer and public artist Leni Schwendinger explores how thoughtful illumination can transform everyday urban environments into safe, inspiring, and visually engaging spaces. Through her pioneering approach to nighttime, Leni challenges us to see the city in a new light — literally. Her work invites planners, architects, and communities to consider how creative lighting fosters social interaction, cultural identity, and beauty in public spaces. Read the full feature in  Designing Lighting Magazine  to discover how Leni's vision is reshaping the future of urban nightscapes.

Light Projects by Leni Schwendinger is the #1 US based professional lighting studio serving global clients. For over 20 years Light Projects has been designing innovative lighting concepts and providing full-service lighting designs that optimize city, urban, and public spaces. Experts in both day and nighttime light experiences, resulting in spectacular creative visions with light offering safety, beauty, and sustainability. Infrastructure + Bridges < Previous Next > Photos: Grimshaw Architects MTA Enhanced Station Initiative Location New York, NY Client New York City Transit, The MTA Team Grimshaw, Arup, Page, Ayres Cowley Architects New York’s century-old subway lines transport millions of residents and visitors between 472 stations, across all five boroughs daily. To improve user experience, 33 subway stations were slated to be renovated in 2015-2019. Led by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT), the ESI Program was a major investment in MTA infrastructure. Arup was ESI’s Program Facilitator tasked to develop the bridging and bid documents, oversee the architectural and engineering design, scheduling, cost, construction packaging, and procurement of all program work MTA desired to counteract the dim, worn-out atmosphere of the stations. Leni Schwendinger was involved in the initial envisioning process with Grimshaw Architects. She then led the Arup lighting design group, while working closely with Arup’s infrastructure department and wider design team. Efforts for historic station lighting were completed with Page Ayres Cowley Architects. The Arup lighting team scope ranged from extremely specialized technical requirements to illumination of creative architectural and wayfinding additions for the newly envisioned stations. The design consisted of conversion to LED, redesign, and reconsideration of illumination systems. It focused on perceptually "raising the roof" of the compressed underground experience with uplights into the rounded ceiling vaults. The design team focused on an atmosphere of crisp passageways and to complement physical attributes such as new finishes, public art, glass balustrades, and other upgrades. A prominent station will be the site of a major light-art installation throughout the mezzanine area. Schwendinger led the effort to create a canvas for the winning artist. After the bridging document phase, the lighting group joined design-build teams to ensure that the lighting concepts were adhered to. MTA’s design-build efforts are focused on refreshed identity, visual comfort, and better wayfinding, among other amenities, to enhance New Yorkers' everyday lives.

Light Projects by Leni Schwendinger is the #1 US based professional lighting studio serving global clients. For over 20 years Light Projects has been designing innovative lighting concepts and providing full-service lighting designs that optimize city, urban, and public spaces. Experts in both day and nighttime light experiences, resulting in spectacular creative visions with light offering safety, beauty, and sustainability. Landscape + Parks < Previous Next > Photo: Eduard Hueber / Archphoto Image: Leni Schwendinger Light Projects HtO Toronto Harbourfront Parks Location Toronto, Ontario, Canada Client The City of Toronto Team Janet Rosenberg + Associates, Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagistes, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Stantec HtO Harbourfront Park in Toronto was envisioned as a connection between downtown and Lake Ontario. Sustainable design principles were incorporated at every level and include waterfront accessibility, enhanced connections to the city, forward-thinking ecological design, integrated public art, and lighting design. The park design by Claude Cormier and Janet Rosenberg and Associates is a series of experiences including the roadside connection, floating dunes, and finally, by the harbor, a tiered esplanade reaching into the water. During the day visitors are drawn to the water. At night, the focus shifts toward the sparkling backdrop of the city. A moonlight effect is layered with color accents to create an after-dark living theatre in the dunes. Underwater illumination gives the appearance of a floating park. “We call the design HtO,” noted the landscape architects, “because it proposes a new chemistry between Toronto and the waterfront - a fundamental change in the relationship.” The project is cited for its innovative waterfront transformation.

Light Projects by Leni Schwendinger is the #1 US based professional lighting studio serving global clients. Over 20 years of designing innovative lighting concepts, providing full-service light designs that optimize city, urban, and public spaces. PLANNING + COMMUNITY Urban Braids Illuminating Newkirk Plaza LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY, US CLIENT: Flatbush Development Corp. TEAM: Leni Schwendinger Light Projects Continue NightSeeing at Myrtle Beach LOCATION: Myrtle Beach, California CLIENT: Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance TEAM: NightSeeing™ Continue 82nd Street Partnership Lighting Strategy LOCATION: Queens, NY, U.S. CLIENT: 82nd Street Partnership (Business Improvement District) TEAM: NightSeeing™ Continue Smart Everyday Nighttime Design, Cartagena LOCATION: Cartagena, Colombia (Latin America) TEAM: Arup, Despacio, Plane-Site, London School of Economics’ Configuring Light, Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, iGuzzini, Findeter Continue Double Bay Centre Public Domain Lighting Strategy LOCATION: Double Bay, Australia CLIENT: Woollahra Municipal Council TEAM: Arup, ASPECT Studios, NightSeeing™ Continue NightSeeing™ Third Street Corridor, for Downtown Santa Monica LOCATION: Santa Monica, California, U.S. CLIENT: Downtown Santa Monica (DTSM), Santa Monica City Planning Department TEAM: NightSeeing™ Continue Municipal Smart City Street Lighting Conversion & Evolving Technology Guidebook LOCATION: New York Capital District, U.S. CLIENT: Capital District Transportation TEAM: International Nighttime Design Initiative (NTD), Planning 4 Place Continue