July 22, 2024
Boston Landmark Uses Notably Low-Tech Lighting Displays
Cord & plug T8 strip lights and foam blackout pads adorn Prudential Tower windows on special occasions
In an era of advanced lighting control systems and LED technology, Boston's iconic Prudential Tower employs a surprisingly manual, low tech method to create its eye-catching illuminated messages. WBZ reporter Matt Shearer recently unveiled the painstaking process behind these displays, shedding light on a practice that seems to defy modern lighting trends.
The Prudential Tower's lighting displays serve as a beacon for Boston's most significant moments. Matt Shearer's report highlighted various occasions that prompt these illuminated messages. Major sports victories are a big driver with “GO SOX”, “Go C’s” or “GO PATS” lighting up the skyline as Boston’s professional sports teams win championship after championship.
The 749-foot-tall, 52-story skyscraper, colloquially known as "the Pru," relies on a team of about 20 individuals to create its messages. These workers navigate the building floor by floor, room by room, and window by window, manually installing light strips and blackout panels.
Beyond athletics, the Pru commemorates civic and national holidays, lending a festive glow to the city. The building also participates in charitable and awareness campaigns, using its facade to draw attention to important causes.
Watch the fascinating report by Matt Shearer below
Ever wonder how they put messages on the side of the Pru?@wbznewsradio pic.twitter.com/N9EVQYeSGh
— Matt Shearer (@MattWBZ) June 22, 2024
A 1-T8 Cord and Plug Lighting Solution
The building's modern occupancy sensor lighting complicates the process as the sensors automatically turn off lights after a few minutes if no movement is detected.
To circumvent this issue, the team employs cord and plug 1-T8 fluorescent strip lights — one in each window requiring illumination. These portable fixtures allow for precise placement and extended operation without triggering the automated shutoff. According to Shearer, a typical display can require over 100 of these lights. Creating the number 18 requires 52 fluorescent lights, while a "GO C's" message needs 126 lights.
Meticulous Planning and Execution
The team at the Prudential uses an Excel spreadsheet to map out the windows, treating each as a pixel in a low-resolution display. This meticulous planning ensures that the team can efficiently set up the lights in the correct pattern. The setup process takes approximately three hours, followed by another three hours for takedown, all completed before nightfall, Shearer reported.
The team faces various obstacles in creating these displays. Shearer recounted an instance where an office was locked, preventing access to a crucial window. The team ingeniously used work lights from the hallway to project the necessary illumination, he noted.
To achieve the desired contrast, workers use foam pads to darken surrounding windows, creating a blackout effect that enhances the visibility of the illuminated message.
Recent Prudential Messages
This past spring the Pru displayed “Go C’s” messaging numerous times as the Boston Celtics complied an incredible playoff record of 16-3. This strong performance led them to win the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Dallas Mavericks to claim their NBA-record 18th championship title.
This total breaks a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers, who claim 17 championships. However, some Boston fans are quick to point out that Los Angeles’ claim is fraudulent since five of those titles were won by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1940s and '50s.
