This streetscape scope included a service road and
vacant land alongside the Clark Memorial Bridge. The historic
cantilevered truss bridge crosses the Ohio River. The objective
was to transform an off-ramp into a vibrant plaza. Located adjacent to the new Yum Arena, the plaza also serves
the VIP entrance to the arena.
Light Projects
designed the illumination for seating areas, sidewalks and plaza. The iron bridge underside is enhanced
with a floating effect of cast light outlining and illuminating the I-beam
surfaces and textures. The duo-tone, red-and-gold lighting color scheme is
balanced with the cream color of the paint-coated “canvas”— celebrating Kentucky bourbon’s amber liquid
and colors of sunset.
On bridge’s face,
a line of bright beacons is programmed in rhythmic sequences counting down the
hours, from sunset to midnight on weekdays, and sunset to 2:00 AM on Friday and
Saturday. On the hour, these sequences bring the old iron structure to life, as
if the bridge itself is breathing.
Technologically, this
design is notable for the use of standard fluorescent lights — most often found in offices and industrial locations,
combined with color filters and an advanced programming system to create an
ambience of warmth and animation.