Governor's Island, New York City

At the heart of New York Harbor, Governor's Island has evolved into one of the city's most distinctive public destinations. Once home to generations of military, maritime and civic activity, the 172-acre island now welcomes more than one million visitors annually, offering a unique blend of recreation, culture and open space. As visitors move through the park after dark, lighting plays a critical role in creating a safe, comfortable and memorable experience while preserving the character of the island's natural environment. Until redevelopment began in 2007, the island had sat mostly unlit since 1996. When the Trust for Governors Island approached Brian Orter Lighting Design (BOLD) to create a lighting program for the island, they wanted a solution that was comfortable, but not over lit according to recommendations from the New York City chapter of the Audubon Society, respecting the ecosystem that was thriving in the park. Working closely with stakeholders, including the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the design team prioritized dark sky-friendly strategies to protect wildlife habitats, reduce unnecessary light spill, and respect the history of the island.

Respecting Nature with Dark-Sky Friendly Lighting Solutions

WE-EF Lighting’s DarkSky approved luminaires were part of the design from the beginning. A key focus for BOLD was to move away from the industrial aesthetic of the metal poles installed early in the redevelopment and create a design that spoke to the history of the island. The ASP530 was selected for its combination of high-performance optics and timeless architectural form. The ASP530s are dispersed through the park, both on the inner pathways and along the perimeter. At the ferry landing, where guests first arrive on the island, WE-EF's PFL240 luminaires create a welcoming sense of arrival while maintaining exceptional glare control and lighting precision. The exposed waterfront location presented unique challenges, requiring lighting solutions capable of performing reliably in changing weather conditions and a demanding outdoor environment. The luminaires are all manufactured with WE-EF’s 5CE superior corrosion protection and are mounted on utility poles selected for their ability to stand up to the weathering on the island. To determine spacing for the poles, the team strapped luminaires onto cherry pickers and drove them at varying distances, aiming to limit the light but not create too many dark patches. They found 150-foot spacing to be ideal, and with the wood utility poles, the lighting blends in seamlessly among the mature London Plane trees.

Using a cherry picker, the lighting design team used a sample ASP530 to test different spacing between the pole-top luminaires. It was a creative way to see how to achieve the design concept before ordering the luminaires. 

Tailored Solutions Through Close Collaboration

The success of the project was built on a collaborative partnership between WE-EF and the design team. From early planning through installation, WE-EF worked closely with BOLD to ensure the lighting vision could be realized without compromise. This collaboration included the development of custom mounting plates that allowed luminaires to be installed on the irregular surfaces of utility poles. When site conditions created unexpected challenges during construction, WE-EF provided hands-on support during installation to ensure every luminaire performed as intended. As Gary Wong, Creative Director at BOLD, noted: "WE-EF was extremely easy to work with. The team was very responsive and took the time to go on site and ensure the project could be completed as intended." Now as day transitions to evening, visitors experience a lighting environment that feels naturally embedded within the island landscape. The Governor's Island project illustrates WE-EF's commitment to delivering lighting solutions that combine visual comfort, environmental responsibility and long-term performance—creating spaces that remain welcoming, functional and memorable long after sunset.

Owner: Trust of Governor's Island Lighting Designer: Brian Orter Lighting Design  Photographer: Nicholas Doyle Photography