Much of our work here at Lightswitch depends on an element of community. While virtual events have flourished since the start of the pandemic, we admit that it's been difficult operating without the in-person experiences that mean so much to us. In spite of this, we're very proud of all we achieved in 2021. While safety still necessitates the modification of many facets of live entertainment, we can’t deny that it felt wonderful to design for these great clients. Read on to learn more about these exciting projects from the industries that were hit hardest by the pandemic shutdowns. 

Ci Siamo | photo by Read McKendree

RESTAURANTS:  A New Dinner Destination

We recently finished work on Danny Meyer’s newest appetizing venture, Ci Siamo. This upscale Italian restaurant is located in a unique Hudson Yards development in Manhattan. The site was formerly used as a train staging area for Penn Station but is now home to shops, eateries, and apartments. The restaurant is now open, and we are thrilled to see guests already eating up this one-of-a-kind dining experience. 

Machu Picchu and The Golden Empires of Peru | Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs

photos courtesy Cityneon / World Heritage Exhibitions

MUSEUMS:  Reopening Doors to the Past

We Lightswitch is currently working on two notable museum exhibits, both organized by Cityneon / World Heritage Exhibitions. The first, in Boca Raton, Florida, focuses on ancient artifacts from Machu Picchu. The second, which is more statue-oriented, concentrates on the Pharaoh Ramses and is located in Houston, Texas. We’re glad to have contributed to these educational experiences, where museum-goers can make strides toward the future by learning about the past.  

CONCERTS:  Little Lights Go a Long Way

Counting Crows’ most recent tour is an excellent example of the way in which live entertainment can adjust to social distancing requirements. Lightswitch collaborated with the band to develop an unprecedentedly adaptable “one truck tour” that could adjust to fit large and small venues alike. Our design allowed the band to play to their fans safely, proving that there is hope for music lovers to continue gathering together in the future.

"Enchanted:  Forest of Light" at Descanso Gardens | "Illumination:  Tree Lights" at The Morton Arboretum

GARDEN EXPERIENCES:

Lighting the Path Forward

We believe that garden light shows represent a promising avenue for the comeback of immersive live entertainment. Two of our recurring projects — Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights and Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light — opened fully last year after a toned-down 2020 season. We are also very excited to have contributed to the debut of Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice event, a bold business venture that was born during the pandemic and capitalizes on the current demand for safe outdoor activities. 

"Shimmering Solstice" at Old Westbury Gardens

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

In the end, it all comes down to community. The live entertainment industry has been quiet for some time now, and we're all still learning how to safely engage with the experiences that we love. But no matter what the future holds, our team is happy to be working on these amazing projects, many of which offer opportunities to redefine the look of live entertainment.