A technology switch-up for a centennial celebration
Throughout 2025, Niagara Falls celebrated its 100th year of being illuminated each evening, a change that allowed for varying perspectives of the already majestic visual. For the final celebratory event, which took place mid-September, Pharos Architectural Controls (which has been responsible for the control of waterfalls’ illumination since 2020) augmented the existing Pharos systems to produce a synchronized light-and-sound show—marking a first for the Falls. The display began with the sound of the National Anthems of the Falls’ bordering nations, the U.S. and Canada, along with both countries’ corresponding colors, then explored the history of the Niagara Falls Illumination Board, and finished with a 20-minute music medley accompanied by corresponding LED lighting and laser projections.
“Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail,” by Adventurelive and LETSGO and presented by Buena Vista Theatrical, returned for a second year to the New York Botanical Garden. The playful outdoor walk featured over 8,000 sq ft of light installations surrounding 3-D sculptures of the film’s iconic characters accompanied by video projections and sound components.
Photo: Avery Brunkus
When Associate Professor of Lighting Design and Interdisciplinary Practice at Parsons School of Design Glen Shrum prepped a presentation on the developers of architectural lighting design, he noticed a pattern: all the available information focused on originators in North America and Europe. To better understand a more-inclusive version of lighting design history from around the world, Shrum founded the Pioneers of Architectural Lighting Design (PALD) research initiative. The goal of the archive is to expand the list of individuals that contributed to the global growth of the field, allowing current members of the community to understand the discipline within local contexts.
PALD was officially launched in the spring of 2025 at a public event held at Parsons with presenters from the IESNYC History Committee and PALD research teams from 13 countries. With an eye on the future, PALD is actively seeking collaborators and researchers to aid in the current phase of the project: consolidating and editing the research completed to date. Find PALD on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or contact pioneerALD@gmail.com for more information.
Noble Venture Partners has acquired LumEfficient Lighting, a Nashville, TN,-based manufacturer specializing in hazardous-location LED fixtures.
Safety innovator Swivelpole has expanded to Europe with a Rotterdam, Netherlands, warehouse, allowing the brand to meet UK and European customer demand.
Source: Research and Markets
