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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

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 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.

A Manifesto and Manual for Future City Heat Adaptation Nighttime design by Leni Schwendinger 🔍#CityKnowHows 🌃The cooling night: a manifesto and manual for future city heat adaptation 🥵 Dystopian frameworks portend the future. With climatic upheavals increasing, dystopia is now. Because of escalating urban heat and heat-related illness and death, this essay speculates a future that switches daily activities into the coolness of night: Noctopia. Cities & Health, Night for Day

Bogotá’s 25-km elevated Metro promises to transform how the city moves, but it also leaves behind something less visible: more than 500,000 m² of underpass space. Will these areas become lifeless, unsafe voids—or can they be reimagined as vibrant civic spaces? In Illuminating Bogotá’s Metro , Sydney Coldren argues that lighting, when designed with equity, culture, and community in mind, can make the difference between alienating shadows and welcoming public places. Read more here....

PART 3 Welcome to the third episode of The Illuminating World of Bridges featuring the designer’s approach to technical and technological considerations. The first chapter was an introduction to bridge illumination and why it is gaining in popularity. The second focused on the use of luminous colors and international trends. Part 1   Part 2 For this article, Leni Schwendinger Light Projects addresses technical challenges. Our recommendations grow from a decades-long body of work with crossings, viaducts, and elevated structures. When designing bridge lighting systems, robustness is key. Bridges are exposed to extreme environmental conditions, exposing components to weather, water, chemicals, vibrations, vandalism, and at times, monumental scale issues. Bridge lighting must overcome all of these hurdles, while also allowing for efficient installation, ease of maintenance, functional illumination, and aesthetic beauty. And to get it right, technical design requires persistent collaboration with the bridge architect, electrical and structural engineers.

Make it a Cozy Connection The undecorated underpass frames shared vehicular and pedestrian space. Connect or disconnect? The unmaintained underpass is often the most direct walking route to essential places: work, groceries, services, cultural venues. Connecting after dark can be scary and miserable. Government agencies, non-profits and other funders can heal the disconnect when it is re-envisioned as a stitch of light. Last week, during the international LUCI Cities & Light Summit in London, presenters cited local citizen desires for “cozy”. Thus, Light Projects (LSLP) proposes transforming the often dismal underpass into a quintessential urban room. Read about the Prospect-Refuge Theory: Gordon Cullen, The Concise Townscape  (1961) Archontia Manolakelli, A Discussion of Jay Appleton's Theory  (1975)