LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/807417
Beautiful and vibrant during the day, the St. Joseph River becomes a dark and foreboding waterway after the sun goes down. The goal was to activate a portion of the banks of the Riverwalk in the heart of South Bend in the evening and unite the different demographics of the east and west banks with a fun, interactive destination while illuminating the St. Joseph River. Proposed in 2012 by Downtown South Bend Inc. (DTSB), a not-for-profit organization that promotes the revitalization of the downtown area in partnership with the city of South Bend, River Lights serves as not only a recreational attraction for the community and visitors, but also as a source of economic development and community advancement. The project also showcases the city's on-going green initiatives by combining renewable power from a new hydroelectric turbine installed at a nearby dam with modern lighting technology that minimizes light pollution. 36 Landscape Architect and Specifier News In honor of its 150th birthday, the city of South Bend, Indiana celebrated its rich history with a yearlong schedule of events throughout 2015 for residents to deepen their connection to the community. South Bend (pop. 101,168) is a picturesque city with the St. Joseph River majestically flowing through its downtown area. In celebration of the historic waterway, South Bend's greatest natural resource, Indiana-based lighting designer Rob Shakespeare was commissioned to develop a one-of-kind interactive lighting display for anniversary celebration. This public art installation became known simply as "South Bend River Lights."