The Entry Building features vertical columns of light, an open layout, and pedestrian connections with the urban surroundings.
Photos: NBBJ and Dark Light Design
By David Shiller
The Seattle Ferry Terminal at Colman Dock, a crucial hub in Washington’s ferry system, serves approximately 10 million travelers each year. New-construction buildings have transformed this vital transportation gateway, with lighting playing a pivotal role in enhancing both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The lighting design seamlessly integrates with the architecture, reinforcing the terminal’s dual identity as a civic landmark and a high-throughput transportation facility. This blend of form and function creates a welcoming and efficient environment for commuters and tourists alike.
The lighting design is carefully woven into the architectural fabric of the terminal, supporting its purpose by marking transitions between land and sea, vehicle and pedestrian zones, and day and night. The project encompasses approximately 212,000 sq ft of interior and exterior pedestrian circulation space. Key metrics include 0.64 watts per sq ft and illuminance levels of 30 footcandles for ticketing and waiting areas as well as 1 fc minimum and 3:1 (average: minimum) for exterior circulation areas. These light levels created some challenges around balancing relatively high light levels and uniformity in the pedestrian zones with the goal of creating an inviting environment.
Key design elements include embedding lighting within façades and guiding pedestrian flow with linear elements and illuminated wayfinding panels. Bright yellow illuminated panels at stairs, elevators, and building entries provide a consistent navigational cue across the terminal, enhancing orientation and creating visual continuity. These panels, made with Heilux flexible film for yellow panel backlighting, are strategically placed at key transition points to become an integral part of the architectural language, offering intuitive, color-coded wayfinding at critical navigation points. This approach ensures that even first-time visitors can easily navigate the complex terminal layout.
Linear light strips, meticulously integrated into the façade’s folding panels, accentuate architectural dimension and geometry. This subtle technique adds depth and visual interest to the building’s exterior, while also providing ambient lighting for pedestrian areas. In addition to the panels, Luminii accent lights adorn the façade. Illuminated handrails guide pedestrians toward the Terminal Building on an elevated pedestrian bridge over the vehicle holding area, enhancing safety and convenience.
The design team worked diligently to create a high-quality visual environment while meeting stringent technical requirements for light levels mandated by Homeland Security, according to Jill Cody, principal at Dark Light Design. To achieve this, multiple layers of lighting were used throughout the project, allowing the team to meet precise illumination and uniformity standards without compromising visual comfort or aesthetic goals.
“On the elevated pedestrian plaza, a variety of light sources at different scales—ranging from discreet architectural elements to larger-scale pole lights—work together to deliver the necessary lighting levels while maintaining a sense of warmth and welcome,” Cody explained. “This layered approach supports both safety and placemaking, ensuring that even in highly regulated zones, the terminal remains a comfortable, intuitive, and human-centered space.” McGraw-Edison luminaires illuminate the auto holding area, and Bega pedestrian pole mounts provide lighting in the plaza.
The layered lighting strategy not only enhances safety and security but also contributes to the overall ambiance of the terminal. By carefully selecting and positioning light fixtures, the design team created a space that feels both secure and inviting. This is particularly important in a transportation hub, where travelers may be feeling stressed or disoriented.
One solution to easing stress is ensuring a connection to nature. The Terminal Building’s wood ceiling extends to the outdoors, facilitating pedestrian navigation through natural design cues. This design element creates a seamless transition between the interior and exterior, making the terminal feel more open and welcoming. The Lighting Quotient and Insight luminaires were utilized for effective uplighting of the wood ceiling, and Litecontrol luminaires deliver cove uplighting. Low-level lighting integrated into the handrails, manufactured by Klik USA, defines the plaza edge and maintains clear views to the water and mountains beyond.
Illuminated handrails on an elevated walking bridge direct pedestrians toward the Terminal Building.
While the safety and security of millions of annual users drove a large part of the lighting strategy, preventing light trespass into the adjacent marine habitat was also essential and required careful luminaire selection and shielding. Other deliverables included employing a high-performing lighting system to meet the expectations of Washington State Ferries (WSF), as well as the discreet integration of lighting into the architecture to support intuitive wayfinding and preserve views to the waterfront, all while operating within the constraints of a public sector budget.
The design team successfully addressed these challenges by applying a combination of innovative solutions. For example, the design uses fewer than 20 fixture types, chosen for versatility and durability in a demanding maritime environment. Control zoning by fixture type allowed for the granular tuning of light output, which improves energy performance while ensuring different user needs are met—whether it’s uniform light levels for exterior circulation or higher illumination at boarding areas. This simplified system not only eases long-term maintenance but also supports adaptability as operational needs evolve. The key was to provide a fixture palette that was easily maintainable by WSF.
Sustainability was also a key consideration throughout the design process. The project achieved energy code compliance 16% below the Seattle Energy Code baseline and earned LEED Silver certification. Special attention was paid to prevent light trespass into adjacent marine habitats, minimizing the impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
“Mounting and fixture integration were especially challenging given the exposed waterfront environment and the complex, multiple pedestrian circulation routes throughout the facility,” Cody explained. “We needed to provide visual clarity to support navigation. Fixtures had to be coordinated closely with architectural elements such as façade panels, canopies, and guardrails. Corrosion resistance, vandal resistance, and weatherproofing were critical. Additionally, two of the three ferry slips were required to be operational at all times during the construction period, which required close coordination around construction phasing.”
The success of the Seattle Ferry Terminal lighting design was the result of collaboration by a team of professionals including WSF; architects at NBBJ; Dark Light Design; structural engineers at KPFF Consulting Engineers; electrical engineers from Wood Harbinger; and the contractor, Hoffman Pacific.
“For our client, WSF, lighting at Colman Dock is a triple win: enhanced safety and comfort for users, reduced maintenance complexity, and significant energy savings,” added Cody. “The environment feels calm, navigable, and distinctly civic; making it a gateway that reflects the identity of Seattle and the legacy of its ferry system. The lighting not only meets technical metrics but also contributes meaningfully to placemaking, sustainability, and long-term operational resilience.”
the Designers | Jill Cody, Member IES, is a principal at Dark Light Design.
Shannon Kowski was previously a senior lighting designer at Dark Light Design.
Amber Thimmesch was previously a lighting designer at Dark Light Design.
the author | David Shiller is a leading business development and marketing consultant, as well as an executive recruiter for the lighting industry. He is also the editor of LightNOW, an online lighting industry trade publication. He is a 20-plus-year veteran of the lighting industry, and co-chair of the American Lighting Association Engineering Committee.
