Specialized Lighting Illuminates Environmental Education Center
This education center required lighting that could adjust vertically and rotate with precision, while also blending in with the aesthetics of the space.
Cool Stuff
Aug 18, 2025
Museums
Located in an Illinois forest preserve near the convergence of three rivers that form the Illinois River, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center’s visitor center needed a variety of interior and exterior spaces, including a 2,000-gallon fish tank, to immerse visitors in the region’s natural habitat.
Wight and Company, partnering for lighting and design with Bluestone and Associates, worked on the overall design and engineering for the project, led by architect Ania Szulc. Szulc was uniquely suited for the large-scale master planning and detailed work on such pedestrian-scaled spaces because of prior planning and design for parks and recreation projects, public and educational projects, and private commercial client applications.
A two-phase approach was selected for the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, which is part of the Forest Preserve District in Will County. IL. The initial phase involved converting an underutilized classroom into office space. Phase two involved the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural infrastructure desig, which was carried out to support the exhibit scope of work designed by Bluestone Associates.
The main exhibit is located in the confluence wing of the interpretive center, featuring a 2,000-gallon fish tank and mussels and bird exhibits. Additionally, there is an outside bird bath with a heated pad, providing water for birds year-round.
To find the best lighting option to enhance the exhibits, Wight and Company’s challenge was to find the right museum-like lighting they could that also blended with the existing architecture and aesthetics of the education center.
Overall, the project used 89 of Alcon Lighting’s multi-sized LED track light. This LED track light is stylish and durable, with an aluminum body and clear glass lens. The track head adjusts 180° vertically and rotates 358° for precise lighting control, with a color temperature switch that transitions between 3000K, 3500K and 4000K. The track light met the flexibility required for beam spread and color temperature. The track light’s simple design also blended perfectly with the aesthetics of the space.
For more information: