This newly revitalized RiverFront park reconnects downtown Omaha to the Missouri River with a network of thoughtfully illuminated spaces. The lighting preserves the park’s daytime character after dark with lighting treatments tailored to each area’s use and activity level. With sensitivity to the site’s urban context and history, the lighting design transforms a site that was previously run-down, uninviting, and had a reputation for nighttime crime, into a modern, safe, and welcoming space for a diverse community.
Throughout the park, programmable lights illuminate grand architectural features, creating visual anchors and focal points. The lights at the performance pavilion and historic stone arch are inspired by the ever-changing Nebraska sky. The iconic Farnam Pier extends over a working railroad to provide sweeping views of the Missouri River. Dynamic RGBW lighting mounted above and below the pier is inspired by the colors of specific flowers and plants used in the park’s landscape design. This artistry is experienced by visitors while walking on the pier as the lights gradually fade along the length of the structure toward the river.
To improve safety and occupant comfort without making the space feel overly surveilled, the lighting team concentrated on preserving visitors’ night vision by limiting glare, balancing light distribution, and controlling light level contrast. The designers worked with manufacturers to re-engineer standard area lights with custom integral honeycomb louvers to maintain wide light distribution while blocking light from pedestrians’ eyes. Pole-mounted adjustable accents use deeply regressed lenses and extended angled shields to reduce glare and sky glow. Throughout the park adjustable fixtures are aimed so the tops of the beams are no higher than 45 degrees to keep light angles low.
The RiverFront exemplifies how thoughtful lighting can address practical concerns like security and environmental impact while creating a space that invites connection, celebration, and appreciation of open space.
