Art & Design

Bill FitzGibbons’ Alabama #lightrails

LightRails: A Neglected Railroad Underpass Illuminated by Artist Bill FitzGibbons light installation bridges Alabama

This Art Deco railroad underpass is located in Birmingham, Alabama. It was built in 1931 and it connects the heart of downtown with a new urban space called Railroad Park. For many years the dark tunnel was not being used and the walls had deteriorated. The tunel had turned into a dangerous ghetto area, till Bill FitzGibbons was comissioned by the city to restore the passage. The well-known sculptor and public artist, had the idea of an impressive lighting solution that would allow pedestrians to use the rail pass. He called his installation LightRails.  A network of thousands of computerized LEDs in various colours and patterns have literally given a new light to the uderpass.

LightRails: A Neglected Railroad Underpass Illuminated by Artist Bill FitzGibbons light installation bridges Alabama

LightRails: A Neglected Railroad Underpass Illuminated by Artist Bill FitzGibbons light installation bridges Alabama

LightRails: A Neglected Railroad Underpass Illuminated by Artist Bill FitzGibbons light installation bridges Alabama

LightRails: A Neglected Railroad Underpass Illuminated by Artist Bill FitzGibbons light installation bridges Alabama