Night lights (LED) in Philadelphia

[D Rusak]

I just read this news clip:

Night Lights' Set To Shine On South Broad Street
Reporting
Pat Ciarrocchi
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― The lights on Broadway in New York are getting some colorful competition in Philadelphia.

On Wednesday night, the Center City District will stage a public block party, as it flips the switch on a light show never before seen on South Broad Street.

In 2005, Philadelphia's City Hall never looked more colorful.

Artlumiere, a French production firm, transformed the landmark with a computerized light palette that mesmerized residents and tourists alike.

The world class architecture on South Broad Street often disappears in the hustle and bustle of day light, but at night, with lights, it can come alive.

On Wednesday night, the first of twelve buildings on the Avenue of the Arts will be permanently illuminated by LED light fixtures that are programmed with colorful designs.

The first is the University of the Arts Terra Hall at Broad and Walnut Streets.

"The LED lighting has literally been mounted and there are these four foot long lighting units each with a separate light fixture, each one can be programmed to be a different color," Center City District President Paul Levy explained.

The night lights on South Broad Street is a two million dollar project of the Center City District.

For the launch, four other buildings will be illuminated with projected designs through the holidays.

"The most exciting part is going to be coordinated with music," Levy said.

_http://cbs3.com/local/Night.Lights.South.2.490396.html

My first thought was, oh neat, it looks so pretty, I remember when City Hall looked like a giant tripped-out gingerbread house in '05, should be cool. Then something disturbed me. I went back and read the article

On Wednesday night, the first of twelve buildings on the Avenue of the Arts will be permanently illuminated by LED light fixtures that are programmed with colorful designs.

Yikes! And I wonder what OTHER sort of programming is going to be accompanying these "colorful designs", that will be a permanent fixture in one of the most visited parts of town.

 

[D Rusak]

Took a look in person just now. They look benign enough, only appearing on two of twelve buildings so far. They still will serve as a general hypnotic opener, I guess, even if there is no other subliminal message that accompanies this.

Of course, who needs subliminal messaging when you've got stop 'n' frisk looming on the horizon? Coming to a city near you....

 

[rylek]

This is a bit off topic.

In connection to more and more strobing lights confronting us daily as well as the growing proliferation of flat screens, I am still fascinated by all the places where these pop up. Like at the check out in supermarkets and in public areas where one wouldn't expect them at all.

One's left only wondering about what sort of programing we are getting. I don't look at a passing ambulance or a fire truck quite the same way anymore.

I hope the citizens of Philadelphia enjoy the light show.