Reinforces Mayor’s vision of Louisville as an independent, culturally
vibrant and innovative American city
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- (Business Wire)
At a recent special ceremony on The Big Four Bridge, Louisville, Ky.
Mayor Greg Fischer flipped the switch to reveal a new connected LED
lighting system from Philips, the global leader in lighting. The new
dynamic color-changing lighting system, a shining example of
public-private partnership, transforms the popular daytime destination
into a lively nighttime art piece and backdrop for waterfront events.
The project delivers on Mayor Fischer’s six-year plan to create a clean,
green, inclusive environment through the use of innovative,
energy-efficient LED technology. The addition of the lighting further
cements the bridge as an iconic symbol of Louisville and a reflection of
the vibrant community that surrounds it.
Photo Courtesy Philips Lighting
The historic Big Four Bridge was originally built in 1895 by railway
companies to transport goods across the Ohio River, and was in use until
1969, when the bridge was essentially decommissioned. Through
public-private partnership, the bridge was re-opened in 2013 as a
pedestrian and bicycle path, reconnecting Louisville with Jefferson,
Ind., and revitalizing the waterfront area. Since its re-opening, the
mile long bridge has seen an estimated 1 million visitors, making it a
destination point for locals and travelers alike.
Building on the success of the project, Louisville’s Waterfront
Development Corporation spearheaded an initiative to extend the bridge’s
appeal into the evening hours with color-changing light. The system can
display over 16 million colors and an endless array of patterns,
creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for waterfront activities, and
can enhance local elements such as concerts and fireworks, while also
reflecting other special occasions.
“This was a strategic opportunity to leverage LED technology to further
enhance the city’s most popular attraction and continue the momentum of
moving Louisville forward as an innovative and independent city,” said
Mayor Fischer. “The new lighting will make the bridge safer at night,
enhance waterfront events and contribute to the artistic flair and pride
of this community.”
More than 1,500 Philips Color Kinetics fixtures, mounted on both the
interior and exterior of the bridge, and the software-based control
system were installed and commissioned by Vincent Lighting Systems, the
Kentucky-based systems integrator. Now pedestrians in the surrounding
parks have a dynamic lightshow to watch from dusk to 12:30 a.m. The new
lighting system is likely to further boost tourism, benefitting the
local economy. Louisville joins other innovative cities such as San
Francisco, Philadelphia, Boston, Corpus Christi and Little Rock, in
revitalizing their bridges as modern icons with Philips lighting.
“Illuminating iconic structures creates a meaningful impact in a
community, a source of pride for residents that brings people together,
attracts visitors and is a reflection of the city,” said Amy Huntington,
President of Philips Lighting Americas. “The Big Four Pedestrian Bridge
is a shining example of the positive impact that public-private
partnerships can have in our communities. We are committed to working
with city officials and local organizations to help make neighborhoods
more livable.”
About Royal Philips:
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and
well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through
meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and
Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2014 sales of
EUR 21.4 billion and employs approximately 105,000 employees with sales
and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in
cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting
solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and
grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
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Contacts:
Philip Lighting Communications
Silvie Casanova, 978-659-7497
silvie.casanova@philips.com
Source: Royal Philips
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