Manhattan Greenway Harlem River

Parks and Plazas Lighting Design

Lighting a New Link Along the Harlem River.

Goldstick Studio is providing lighting design for the Manhattan Greenway – Harlem River project, part of a larger reconstruction of more than four miles of Harlem River waterfront. The new esplanade and park will extend the Manhattan greenway along seven blocks between East 125th and East 132nd Streets, creating a continuous waterfront connection for pedestrians and cyclists.

The lighting design supports the many ways the new public space will be used, from pedestrian promenades and bicycle paths to recreation, play, and gathering areas. Designed to meet NYC DOT lighting standards, the system balances the requirements of a major public infrastructure project with the character and experience of a waterfront park.

Winner of the 2024 Public Design Commission Awards for Excellence in Design

Connecting the Waterfront After Dark

Lighting extends throughout the greenway to support safe, comfortable movement while maintaining a cohesive visual environment across the different park areas. Pedestrian and bicycle circulation, recreational spaces, play areas, and BBQ areas each bring distinct lighting needs within a unified waterfront landscape.

Winner of 2022 AIANY Transportation + Infrastructure Design Excellence Awards (Merit Award)

Designed for Movement and Gathering

The lighting approach responds to both circulation and destination spaces, providing illumination where people move, pause, play, and gather. Fixture placement and light levels are coordinated with the landscape and pathways while meeting the performance requirements established by NYC DOT.