East New York Pedestrian Lighting Project

East New York, Brooklyn, New York

New York City Department of Transportation, client

New Lots Avenue in East New York—a low-income, high-risk urban neighborhood—glows as residents make their way from the train station to important local destinations. Once dark and forbidding, this non-commercial street now features decorative pedestrian lanterns and a cheerfully-lit community/daycare facility and library. The children’s mural and a prized, land marked church receive special attention, adding ambience and reflected illumination.

Along highly trafficked routes, the perception of safety is increased by illuminating sidewalk areas. However, pedestrians are discouraged from using streets that are isolated or more likely dangerous by leaving them in shadow.

A community in the process of rebuilding itself, East New York was chosen for a pilot project with the New York City Department of Transportation: Could the addition of low-cost pedestrian lighting increase freedom of movement and quality of life? An experimental, analytical approach led to innovative and inexpensive solutions that could achieve qualitative effects. Based on a thorough study of neighborhood activities, precise, economical interventions were designed to highlight and support important but neglected destinations and connections.

Post-installation study results:

Library attendance and book circulation increase Pedestrians report greater feelings of comfort on the street Project guidelines for pedestrian lighting are published and distributed citywide

“A Social Activity Approach to Design.” Professional Lighting Design, Jan/Feb 2003. (Download PDF)