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Participation is a two-way street (with links to Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4) Welcome to the final edition of Leni Schwendinger Light Projects' (LSLP) Bridge Lighting Series, The Illuminating World of Bridges. Aspects of physical crossings have been covered in the past 8 months -- contextual approach, physical typologies and ecosystem considerations. Here, in our final edition, LSLP suggests methodologies to collect local community and stakeholder input to create welcoming and welcomed luminous rooms. ⭐️Links to Parts 1 through 4 are provided at the end of this page. We are the professionals: designers, artists and engineers. Why enable input for communities and stakeholders? The design team is enriched with local knowledge, which is folded into light and color approach, prospective dynamic patterns, programming for special local dates Community pride and investment is developed: ✅ “I worked on that” Design is ensured to be site specific and unique radiating identity Push back and complaints are reduced or circumvented Evanston, Illinois' Luminous Crossings project  is used as a case study for this LSLP Bridge Lighting issue addressing community engagement. Intent:  An art lighting activation for multiple train line viaducts which run the length of the city Site contexts:  Commercial corridors Underpasses create visual barriers for pedestrians, often cutting through the center of neighborhoods and retail districts. The negative experience of traversing beneath them is detrimental to feelings of connection, safety, and community enjoyment, particularly after dark. The goal is to design lighting strategies to activate and beautify these underpasses, transforming eyesores into assets for the community and local businesses. An existing conditions survey launched the project. Photography, measurements, traffic patterns, under-carriage and sidewalk conditions are documented along with contextual atmospheres. This collection provides material data to ascertain design limitations, manage expectations, possibilities and challenges. The next phase of the design process is direct engagement with stakeholders representing each of subject districts. Read on to be inspired by the NightSeeing™ methodology mentioned in purple by Evanston's Economic Development Coordinator, Katie Boden. The client, stakeholders or an local outreach firm conducts outreach to encourage program attendance. The program consists of several events: in the evening LightTalk + NightWalk (here with an experiential lighting demonstration), followed by the Envisioning Workshop usually convened the next morning. 1 NIGHTTALK The NightTalk, Leni's creative lighting presentation opens eyes to fresh vantage points to be considered for the future of the site. Additionally, early feedback is debated. Then designers introduce creative precedents to prepare minds to imagine outside the status quo. 2 NIGHTWALK Lighting designers and key stakeholders travel to each viaduct to discuss conditions and aspirations. These are intimate group experiences where points of view can be easily shared. On foot, on site, any conflicting, strongly held opinions are reduced. Minds are receptive to options. 3 DEMONSTRATION Stakeholders are invited to experience public light using a collection of battery-powered, color-changing light fixtures. Participants experiment with light and color applications to various parts of the bridge structure: the walls, sidewalk, underdeck, columns, and murals. The group also experiences immersive light to simulate sidewalk down lighting. 4 ENVISIONING WORKSHOP Stakeholder and community participants are introduced to a educational segment to draw on bridge lighting typologies and methods. Outcome: the attendees develop a common vocabulary to discuss their current experiences and aspirations for the underpasses. Friends and colleagues, did you miss the previous four chapters of 'The Illuminating World of Bridges' ? 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. Part 4  investigates ecological concerns.

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 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. 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. Planning + Community < Previous Next > Photo: Leni Schwendinger Light Projects Photo: Leni Schwendinger Light Projects 82nd Street Partnership Lighting Strategy Location Quees, NY Client 82nd Street Partnership (Business Improvement District) Team NightSeeing The 82nd Street Partnership (BID), located in a Queens New York City commercial core, required strategic lighting advice and three distinct creative designs. A lighting task-force was assembled and a NightSeeing™ program was initiated to educate the public and stakeholders before workshopping an approach for the district’s nighttime environment. Leni Schwendinger and her team worked closely with the Partnership and their constituency to envision a lighting strategy to connect and unify district-wide assets, establish a unique discernible identity and reinforce the Partnership’s effective stewardship on behalf of property owners, merchants, residents, workers, and visitors. Site-specific lighting programs were developed during the community meetings and workshop to enhance the after-dark experience of residents, workers, and visitors through legibility, safety, and city enjoyment. All night technical measurements and observations were undertaken throughout the study area. Through the NightSeeing™ analysis, darkened gaps and on–the- ground observations identified opportunities for light to unlock potentials and strengthen area assets (subway transit nodes, building facades, public art, etc), with an eye on creating an enhanced district signature. Three model project designs were presented for funding. The “Living Lanterns” to activate public spaces with a Festival of Light, the “One Light at Night” is a storefront program, and the “Underpass Light” which illuminates the traffic corridor intersections, marks overground subway stops and enhances place identity. A set of core principles were established. - Quality of Life - Economic Development - Enhance Community Building - Placemaking - Public Health & Safety - Public-Private Partnership Guidelines were assembled in book form for future consideration.

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. Public Spaces + Streets < Previous Next > Photos: Michael Grimm Photography Photos: Michael Grimm Photography Times Square Plaza Reconstruction Location New York, New York Client NYC Department of Design and Construction, NYC Department of Transporation Team Snohetta, Matthews Nielsen Landscape Architects, Thornton Tomasetti, Buro Happold, Wesler Cohen The Times Square Plaza Reconstruction is a case study in how integrative, site-specific illumination mirrors and intensifies planning objectives. The international draw of Times Square is due in part to the role of light.) In Times Square light is an event in and of itself. “Found” light from signage, shop windows, and marquees compete in a pulsing cacophony of sparkle and animation. In late May 2009, a pilot to improve traffic and safety in Times Square by blocking traffic and creating a temporary plaza was completed. In 2010 invited teams competed for the permanent design of the plaza. Leni Schwendinger Light Projects joined with a design team led by architecture firm Snohetta. The team’s multi-media show presentation won over the complex set of owners – a municipal and private-public consortium. Multiple sources of lighting contribute to the nighttime environment of Times Square; commercial advertising billboards, municipal lighting, and endless streams of vehicular traffic. The plaza is bathed rhythmically and chromatically with graphics from direct-view LED and bracketed billboard luminaires. In the end, as happens with many public square projects, because of liability, budget, and other agency priorities, the lighting design was simply achieved by a consolidated streetlight layout utilizing the “New” New York City light pole. Additionally, arising from Schwendinger’s early sketch concepts, bright metal disks were embedded into the paving to reflect the colored commercial light typical of Times Square. Construction was completed in 2017.