The 211 Tower in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood recently underwent a significant transformation, primarily driven by a strategic façade lighting installation. The building, originally constructed in the Brutalist style in the late 1960s, was facing an “image problem” that the new owners sought to rectify. This challenge was met with the innovative application of SGM’s advanced lighting fixtures.
Lighting Strategy and Implementation
To breathe new life into the building’s exterior, SGM Light i-2 RGBW LED Wash Lights were deployed. These fixtures were carefully chosen for their ability to manipulate and enhance the building’s unique white brick façade. The lighting design took full advantage of this “canvas,” enabling a dynamic interplay of colors that not only revitalized the structure but also connected it more deeply with the surrounding neighborhood.
“We adjusted the lighting program to take advantage of the unique white brick ‘canvas’ that we had to work with. The white canvas allows us to really manipulate the color of the building at night and fully engage it with the neighborhood,” explained Anthony Dolan from Alphabet City Management. This approach allowed for a dynamic interplay of colors that not only revitalized the structure but also connected it more deeply with the surrounding neighborhood.
Technical Execution
SGM installed 26 i-2 POI fixtures across the façade, creating a vibrant and visually engaging display. This lighting program was meticulously adjusted to work with the building’s white brick, allowing for a variety of color schemes to be projected onto the façade. This flexibility in design was key to transforming the tower into a neighborhood icon, as it allowed for continuous adaptation to different themes and events.
Impact on the Community
The transformation of the 211 Tower through façade lighting has significantly improved its presence in the East Liberty neighborhood. By using the building’s surface as a canvas, the lighting design not only enhanced the building’s aesthetic appeal but also fostered a stronger connection with the community. The illuminated façade now serves as a beacon, symbolizing the revitalization of the area.
Conclusion
The successful renovation of the 211 Tower underscores the power of strategic façade lighting in architectural design. With SGM’s advanced lighting solutions, a once-dated building was given new life, becoming a focal point in the community. This project demonstrates how thoughtful lighting can transform not just a building, but the perception and engagement of the surrounding neighborhood.
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