Arkins Promenade
Project Type
Dark Sky, Urban Design
Location
Denver, CO
Year
2022
Team
Wenk Associates
Celebrating Culture, History, and Environmental Sensitivity.
Arkins Park, located in Denver's historic River North district, serves as a vibrant connection to the South Platte River, blending industrial heritage with community recreation. The lighting design for the initial 1,500-foot phase of the planned 4,650-foot-long park emphasizes a balance between functionality and artistic expression, fostering a safe and inviting environment for families and visitors while honoring the area’s industrial past.
Clanton & Associates designed lighting that focuses on key pedestrian locations with low-intensity, warm-colored illumination to enhance the sculptural aspects of the promenade while maintaining a subdued presence. Dark Sky compliance and minimal spill light preserve the surrounding environment, particularly along the river's sensitive areas. Challenges such as the protection of a historic sanitary sewer line and meeting fire lane access requirements informed the placement and design of fixtures along the multimodal path.
Dynamic, color-changing lighting subtly aids wayfinding and highlights focal points, while accent lighting enhances structural elements, creating a human-scale ambiance. Addressable, power-line carrier controls were used to minimize environmental impacts and material costs, integrating seamlessly with the reused industrial materials that define the promenade. Along the multimodal path, high-efficiency, low-glare area lights provide uniform illumination to ensure safety while complementing the minimalist, rectilinear aesthetic of the park. This thoughtful design transforms Arkins Park into a space where history, culture, and community converge in harmony.
