Conceptualizing a design for daytime use is just one part of a successful space. Illumination allows Landscape Architects to create not only inviting spaces but safe ones as well, which is especially important when developing streetscapes. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, the number of fatal crashes that occur at night is three times higher than the daytime rate, but only 25% of vehicle miles traveled occur at night. With that, adding lighting in streetscapes is not only beautiful but also necessary. Here, LASN highlights a variety of lighting streetscape projects from across the country.

Unlock Opportunities with an Industry First: Decorative Modular Arm System
Since 1951, Hapco has been a trusted pioneer in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of light pole products. Continuing this legacy of innovation, they proudly introduce the patent-pending Decorative Modular Arm System, a groundbreaking addition to the decorative lighting industry. This newly released innovative, value-engineered system features interchangeable components that offer specifiers virtually unlimited design possibilities suitable for all Streetscape, Parks & Recreation, School & Campus, and Commercial projects.

The system was engineered for simple and secure field installations, including the unique modular arm system that delivers architects, design professionals, and project owners' distinct decorative solutions. Four-arm designs combine with quad and tri-center hub components to offer eight unique design configurations, ensuring a tailored fit for any project requirement. The modular arms were designed for both pendant and acorn light fixture designs and, when joined to factory-welded tenons, they are compatible with all of today's most popular fixture models. Additionally, multiple finial options can be incorporated into the modular arms and center hubs, further enhancing customization capabilities.

The decorative base offering ranges from contemporary designs that complement modern architectural styles to historical designs that evoke the charm of a bygone era. The introduction of the Decorative Modular Arm System marks a significant advancement in streetscape design, empowering Landscape Architects to create truly unique and inspiring outdoor spaces.

European Style Brought to Tiverton, Rhode Island
These days, flexibility, durability, utility, and aesthetics describe requirements not just for lighting but for the complete lighting structure. The design team exceeded these requirements with the Sakonnet River Bridge project in eastern Rhode Island.

At a LightFair International conference, an image of a custom pole manufactured by Valmont's plant in Helsinki, Finland caught the eyes of several contractors. They wanted the sleek, European design to light the Sakonnet River bridge in Eastern Rhode Island.

Their vision was that this decorative lighting be used to draw attention to community events, recognize special holidays, and serve as a point of pride for the state of Rhode Island. The custom structures had the spark the group was looking for. Through their localized, custom engineering expertise, the Sakonnet River Bridge glows with 27 of these innovative structures.

 
With the team in Finland providing support, engineers designed a pole with two steel arms split in the center by a 34-foot light tube, modified to the specifications of the bridge. Six steel clamps supported the two 35-foot steel poles and the tall glass tube. To reduce vibration risks, the light tubes rested in rubber gaskets sealed inside the clamps. The manufacturer's hot-dip galvanizing process sent the poles out of the plant with an industry-best finish, ready to withstand challenging Rhode Island weather conditions.

The design team's expertise brought the aesthetic pole design from Finland to Rhode Island with the same tested level of quality offered in all its standard products. They had an enduring commitment to conserving resources and improving life while creating vital infrastructure to meet the increasing demands of an ever-changing world.

Downtown Hanahan, South Carolina Revitalization
The solar street lighting project for the revitalization of downtown Hanahan, South Carolina is innovative and sets the product apart from others on the market. Sepco's customized, decorative streetlights met the area's architectural requirements and complied with the South Carolina Department of Transportation's lighting standards. The product features a system that operates continuously without dimming or shutting off, ensuring consistent and reliable illumination.

Additionally, the solar streetlights met local AASHTO wind load ratings and breakaway pole requirements, demonstrating their resilience and safety features. The success of the project in Hanahan, SC has led to further adoption of these lighting solutions in other areas, such as the implementation of a similar setup for a pathway at a local tennis club park. This speaks to the reliability and effectiveness of the solar street lighting system, as it continues to gain recognition and be chosen for various projects in the region.

The company's commitment to meeting both the aesthetic and technical needs of their clients, along with their focus on durability and reliability, truly sets their product apart. The positive feedback and ongoing adoption of their solar street lighting solutions in different projects highlight their unique advantages and the value they bring to urban and suburban environments.

The City of Sarasota, Florida Creates Safe Lighting for Sea Turtles and People
The City of Sarasota in Florida is known for its vision to be a world-class community and a treasured destination with enduring natural beauty, charm, and diversity, creating a focus on preservation and sustainability. In a landmark project, it sought to offset the carbon footprint by providing solar lighting along Benjamin Franklin Dr. The solar-powered LED lighting will give safety and security all night while maintaining a natural, non-invasive illumination for sea turtle nesting habitats.

The extensive project had four challenges the City of Sarasota wanted to correct. The city had a problem with roadway lighting in the beach resort destination encompassing St. Armand's Circle to Ted Sperling Nature Park, the location of the 1.6-mile drive is in a sea turtle nesting zone. These sea turtles are vulnerable to disorientation from artificial light adjacent to their nesting areas: the area's DOT and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) lighting standards. Design and installation must consider high winds, storm surges, and a high-water table.

DOT, FWC, and the City of Sarasota's engineering team carefully analyzed the Benjamin Franklin Drive Lighting Project to find the best commercial-grade, solar lighting solution. The teams assessed the sensitive sea turtle nesting beach, lined with high-end condominiums and hotels. Much of the roadway is inside the Coastal Construction Control Line (FL). The area maintains a high-water table, densely packed with underground utilities.

After several months of evaluation, all teams agreed to bring SELS Solar to design and engineer the lighting for this unique project. The design team evaluated lighting spectrums for the roadway and cut-off options to minimize light trespassing into the nesting area, thus promoting marine turtle conservation and safety for beachgoers. The City of Sarasota gained approval for lamp lights (560 nm) in the sea turtle nesting areas. The lighting team presented a lighting layout acceptable to FWC and DOT lighting standards. FWC requires amber color and non-intrusive lighting at a low height. DOT requires bright, clear lighting with high uniformity. The design team used solar-powered lighting that can withstand weather elements.

In the Spring of 2022, the team installed 270 solar-powered LED lights, providing high uniformity, safety, and security all night long and preserving the nesting area of sea turtles. The lighting is durable and eco-friendly. The attractive light design is long-lasting and can withstand various weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds, cloudy days, etc.

The City of Sarasota's lighting project marks the beginning of an era of utility-scale solar LED lighting as an option for cities and municipalities. It is the first large-scale solar lighting project that is FWC and DOT-approved.

Streetscape Lighting and Pedestrian Experience
Pedestrian streetscapes are designed to prioritize pedestrian safety, comfort, and convenience and enhance the neighborhood's aesthetics with green space and other amenities. Brandon Industries, a national lighting and signage manufacturer from McKinney, Texas, provided recommendations on how to design streetscape lighting to maximize the pedestrian experience.

They suggest that wide sidewalks that are well-maintained and adequately illuminated with lamp posts or bollards are key characteristics of a pedestrian-friendly streetscape design.

Creating a Pedestrian-Friendly Lighting Streetscape
By adding well-lit streetscapes, municipalities can reduce the risk of accidents, improve visibility for pedestrians and drivers, and deter criminal activity. Outdoor lighting should provide uniform illumination across sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian plazas, and other areas frequented by pedestrians. This uniformity reduces glare or dark spots, decreasing visual acuity at night. Lighting levels should be appropriate for the specific location and activity. Higher light levels are likely required in commercial areas or near intersections, while lower levels may suffice in residential neighborhoods or parks to create a more subdued ambiance. Energy-efficient LED lighting is commonly used for pedestrian streetscape lighting due to its efficiency, long lifespan, and ability to produce bright, high-quality light or color temperature-specific illumination where ambiance and style are required.

Streetscape lighting fixtures should also complement the overall design and aesthetic of the neighborhood or city center. Different styles of fixtures, such as decorative streetlights, bollard lights, or integrated lighting within architectural elements, can enhance the area's visual appeal while providing functional illumination. Smart lighting control systems can optimize energy usage by adjusting lighting levels based on ambient light conditions, pedestrian traffic patterns, or time of day. Also, dimming or turning off lights during periods of low activity can further conserve energy and reduce light pollution.