Overview
As part of an initiative to enhance the streetscape in Mount Pleasant, the local Business Improvement Association (BIA) envisioned a permanent illuminated installation to replace traditional cloth banners. The aim was to create a dynamic and culturally meaningful visual identity, something distinctive to the neighborhood that would enrich the public space and strengthen the BIA’s visibility.
PRODUCTS USED
BL Lighting was selected to lead the full creative and technical process, drawing on our experience delivering innovative, custom lighting solutions. In close partnership with the BIA, our team developed a vision grounded in local symbolism. The installation needed to go beyond aesthetics; it had to clearly reflect the identity of the association and the community it serves.
The central concept was inspired by the clock featured in the Mount Pleasant BIA’s logo. A circular form with a marked time became the primary visual motif, echoing the organization’s identity while transforming it into a bold, architectural landmark. This element now anchors the space, offering both a sense of place and a connection to local culture.
The process involved extensive early-stage design explorations, structural assessments, and full-scale mockups. We collaborated with engineers, fabricators, and city partners to ensure that each component met municipal standards for public infrastructure while maintaining the high level of customization and precision that defines BL Lighting’s approach.
To withstand challenging outdoor conditions, the panels were engineered with strategic perforations to reduce wind load, and every material and finish detail was carefully reviewed on-site to ensure long-term durability.
LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
To realize the design, BL Lighting delivered a custom-tailored lighting system that combines visual impact with reliability and ease of maintenance.
At the core of the installation is BL Neonview Dome Pixel ID, a digitally addressable RGBW LED luminaire with an integrated DMX decoder. This all-in-one configuration supports pixel chasing effects without requiring external components, a key benefit for space-constrained applications.
The RGBW setup (3000K) delivers both saturated colors and warm white light, producing 86 lumens per foot (282 lm/m) at 4.57 W/ft (15 W/m). Encapsulated in silicone and fitted with IP68-rated molded connections, the luminaire is engineered to withstand even the harshest outdoor environments, with a temperature rating from -40°F to +131°F (-40°C to +55°C).
Each lighting segment was pre-cut, labeled, and prepared by our team to streamline installation. Drivers used include J5 D 96W, DMX-compatible and DALI-2 dimmable, housed in IP65 enclosures with universal 100–277VAC input, offering smooth, flicker-free performance in outdoor conditions.
A key innovation was the custom wireless DMX control system developed by BL Lighting. As wired infrastructure was not an option, we designed a network using a central DMX transceiver to broadcast control signals to individual receivers on each pole. This ensured full synchronization across all panels, allowing color changes to be triggered either on-site or remotely, providing both flexibility and reliability in urban conditions.
IMPACT & ATMOSPHERE
This project reimagines a once-ordinary corridor into a visually iconic destination. By integrating sculptural metalwork with expressive lighting, it creates a memorable streetscape that evolves throughout the day and adapts to seasonal and civic moments.
According to Neil Wyles, Executive Director of the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area, “This installation has revitalized the streetscape in the heart of Mount Pleasant. It not only adds interest and visibility to the neighborhood but truly captures the spirit of our community through one of our strongest icons. Integrating our branding into a permanent public feature has created a lasting symbol of identity and connection, which we can duplicate and build upon each year.”
More than a decorative element, the installation functions as a cultural beacon—a visual expression of identity, pride, and community. Symbolic features such as the clock motif deepen its connection to place, while the thoughtful lighting strategy brings warmth, rhythm, and energy to the urban environment.
