Rainbow Park

Creating parks in downtown cores is a high stakes game: public land is scarce, and the completed space serves a much larger population than it would elsewhere. Vancouver’s sθәqәlxenәm ts’exwts’áxwi7, or Rainbow Park, is no exception – it was the first park built downtown in 10 years and now serves over 30,000 people who live and work within a ten-minute walk. Accessibility and safety were also key challenges as it’s open to the public both day and night. Lighting needed to contribute to CPTED and the luminaires themselves required protection from vandalism.

Our design sought to address these concerns while also enhancing the landscape architect’s vision. For the elevated pedestrian bridge, we used RGBW up-lighting under its entire span with 3000K inground luminaires illuminating the deck surface, entries and exits. This comprehensive approach, combined with 2700K catenary luminaires that hang from the 50-foot tall sky frames above and the hardscape low-level 3000K lighting at the base of the site, means users enjoy multi-level coverage that augments park structures and assists with wayfinding. Another aesthetic enhancement is the whimsical wall lighting that lines the rainwater collection system.

To address the challenge of 24-hour public access, lighting controls are programmed to turn on from dusk to 10 p.m. and from 6 a.m. to dawn. All RGBW luminaires operate at 50% output at 3000K with an override for programmed scenes and can be turned to a cool white after park events to assist with crowd dispersal.

The final design achieves the balance of accessibility, security, and aesthetic appeal necessary for such a prominent location. Custom inground luminaires with tamper-proof screens along the bridge deck span protect against potential vandalism while the vertical illumination of the catenary lighting enhances facial recognition and CPTED. The project also meets local energy codes and is Dark Sky Compliant.