“Rays” at River’s Edge Park

Project Name: “Rays” • River’s Edge Park • Council Bluffs, Iowa

Client: Corson Art/Iowa West Foundation
Opened: May 2013

Description: Visual Terrain worked closely with visual artist Dan Corson, interactive specialist Beaudry Interactive, and system integrator Bandit Lites, to create this interactive light environment. Additionally, sound designer Yessian joined the team to provide music for the grand opening event. Brad Haynes provided the programming.

The project occupies the 5-acre Great Lawn within the 85-acre River’s Edge Park, a welcoming, open, green space overlooking the Missouri River, at the foot of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge that links Council Bluffs, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska.

At night, the park is transformed into a visual playground of color-changing lights that chase, lead, and enchant visitors.

Hidden sensors and cameras are programmed to control the system based on what guests are actually doing, allowing children of all ages to experience “living light” that reacts to them, provokes them, illuminates and tickles them.

Scope of Work: Visual Terrain was responsible for supporting Corson Art in developing the design drawings and documentation, researching and determining the Martin Lighting fixtures and control equipment to be used, assembling the interactive lighting team to realize Dan Corson’s vision and concept, coordinating between all the teams responsible for the project as well as the landscape architect, Sasaki and working with the Iowa West Foundation and  the city of Council Bluffs to realize the project as designed.

Awards: 2016 IESNA Illuminations Award, Award of Merit.

All photos & video by Dan Corson.