Light for all
We are both humbled and proud of our work in underserved urban communities. We collaborate with urban designers, governmental organizations, nonprofits, and community partners on projects that propose lighting interventions to improve visual environments and address social challenges. While these projects may be varied in scale, their impact on urban communities is significant.
Although lighting alone cannot solve all socio-economic issues, our lighting solutions have restored dignity, attracted patrons to neighborhood businesses, enhanced safety, and instilled a sense of pride—ultimately contributing to strengthening the fabric of local communities.
Mural
Filipino Cultural District, San Francisco
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To enhance the visibility and cultural significance of a historic hotel repurposed for low-income housing, a large mural was commissioned to honor the area's rich Filipino heritage. Positioned across from the Jessie St. alleyway and visible from the theater district, the mural serves as both an artistic landmark and a symbolic gateway into the Filipino cultural district. To ensure its impact after dark, a carefully designed lighting scheme was implemented, using durable fixtures that evenly illuminate the 50-foot wall while minimizing glare. The lighting approach seamlessly integrates with the artwork, enhancing its presence without overpowering its details. This project successfully transformed an overlooked facade into a vibrant focal point, reinforcing cultural pride and strengthening the neighborhood’s identity.
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Urban Designer: Mark Bonsignore
Safe Passageway- Way Finding
Tenderloin, San Francisco
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This proposed design installs colored light bars on existing street poles throughout the Tenderloin neighborhood to designate "safe passageway" streets. These illuminated pathways would connect public transportation, housing, medical services, and schools, creating a clear wayfinding system within the neighborhood. Using light as a tool for orientation, and fostering a sense of safety, the project aims to encourage greater mobility and community connection for residents and visitors alike.
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Urban Designer: Mark Bonsignore
Photo Credits: Scott Strazzante / San Francisco Chronicle / Polaris,
Jessie Alleyway Upgrades
Jessie St/ 6th St, San Francisco
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This project focused on revitalizing a neglected neighborhood near the intersection of 6th and Market Streets by enhancing building facades and public spaces through strategic lighting. A façade lighting scheme was developed to highlight architectural details, particularly the ornate cornices, creating a sense of grandeur and attracting foot traffic from nearby theaters. To further celebrate the community’s cultural heritage, local artists were commissioned to create murals, which were illuminated to transform a once-unsafe alleyway into a space of beauty and dignity. The initiative also complemented nearby string lights inspired by the district’s Filipino history, reinforcing a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Through thoughtful lighting design and community collaboration, this project successfully restored vibrancy to the area, fostering renewed pride and engagement among residents and businesses.
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Urban Designer: Mark Bonsignore
Sidewalk Illumination and Upgrades
Tenderloin District, San Francisco
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This project aimed to transform a neglected street corner in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, previously known for illicit activities, into a safer and more inviting space. Instead of traditional floodlighting, the design approach focused on creating a visually engaging and illuminated backdrop by replacing an overgrown chain-link fence with a striking Corten steel installation. Carefully placed linear and accent lighting now highlights the fence and surrounding foliage, enhancing the visual appeal of the streetscape while improving safety. This subtle yet effective lighting intervention has contributed to a renewed sense of security, attracting more customers to local businesses and improving accessibility for nearby senior residents. By leveraging thoughtful lighting design, the project successfully revitalized a once-overlooked urban space, making it a welcoming part of the community.
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Urban Designer: Mark Bonsignore
Light Art Installation
North Beach, San Francisco
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This project was a light art installation temporarily located in San Francisco's historic Italian neighborhood, created in collaboration with the neighborhood merchants association. Its goal is to boost nighttime activity and revive the area's historic and cultural significance within the broader multicultural fabric of San Francisco. The installation awaits a new location in the neighborhood for installation.
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Urban Designer: Mark Bonsignore