Over the last few years, Pittsburgh has seen a growing trend in custom RGB light installations that are changing the way we experience our city’s public spaces, events, and businesses. From the enchanting glow of animated trees at UPMC Magee and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland to immersive lighting systems that adapt to events at Spirit in Lawrenceville, custom lighting has transformed these spaces into interactive experiences that connect with people in new ways.

Why Custom Light Installations Matter

These installations go beyond simply illuminating a space. Custom lighting offers a way to add personality and vibrancy to any environment, creating memorable experiences and connecting with communities. Each installation brings its own unique character, and because they’re customizable, they can be designed to suit the spirit of each space.

Glowland, 2022. Dippy the Dinosaur was decked out with neon pink sunglasses and a heart shaped pendant.

Creating Unique Experiences in Public Spaces

Glowland Pittsburgh Colorful LED Light up sign with LED neon lighting. custom Design. Pittsburgh, PA. ProjectileObjects LLC.
Custom LED neon sign made for Glowland 2023. For reference each letter is 4′ tall. In the background you can see the “Tent of Lights” custom installation in Schenley Plaza.


Custom lighting offers something special to Pittsburgh’s public spaces by turning the ordinary into something truly extraordinary. Projects like “Glowland” and “Dippy the Dinosaur” are more than seasonal attractions – they bring joy to the community, encourage people to explore new parts of the city, and provide moments of unexpected delight. There’s something magical about seeing familiar places transformed by light, especially during events or seasonal gatherings.

The Living Lights outside UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital 2021-2023. In Nov 2024, they were moved to Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland.

Supporting Local Businesses and Venues

Spirits custom RGB LED ceiling. Thousands of addressable LED line the ceiling able to run animated patterns and change custom colors in real time.


For local businesses and venues, custom lighting can be a subtle yet powerful way to enhance the ambiance and draw in guests. Take Spirit’s RGB LED ceiling, for example: this flexible setup can transform the space for anything from a cozy wedding to a lively concert. These kinds of adaptable, addressable lighting systems allow venues to tailor the atmosphere to fit each event’s needs, creating a welcoming environment that feels personalized.

The ceiling at Spirit PGH has two sets of LED strip lighting. One theatrical RGBW LED, and the other a warm white LED strip for weddings and other events.

A Sustainable, Long-Term Solution
Today’s LED technology is designed to be more sustainable and energy-efficient, which makes it ideal for both businesses and public spaces. Not only does LED lighting last longer, but it also reduces power consumption, which is an added bonus for anyone looking to cut down on energy costs. And with programmable options, each installation can be set to run exactly as needed, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.

Dippy the Dinosaur 2023 with an animated collar and hair with a heart brooch.

A Canvas for Community Art
Public art has long been a way for communities to express themselves, and custom lighting is becoming an exciting new medium for this. Unlike traditional art, lighting installations change over time, offering a canvas that evolves with the seasons, events, or even a simple change in mood. Projects like the custom light setup at Enter the Imaginarium’s escape room show how customizable lighting can create immersive, memorable experiences that invite people to engage directly with the art around them.

Ascend Point Breeze lighting and projection mapping for climbing event.

Bringing Custom Lighting to Pittsburgh

Our goal at ProjectileObjects has always been to find new ways to use lighting that fit the needs of our community. Each project starts with a simple question: How can light change the way people experience this space? Whether it’s lighting up an entire tree canopy to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere at places like UPMC Magee or Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, or adding interactive elements to an event space, each project is a blend of design, technology, and a lot of creativity. The feedback and excitement from the community are what drive us to keep pushing for new ways to use light in Pittsburgh and beyond.

A collaboration with artist Makenzie O’Connor. Programmable warm white LEDs and paper lanterns. (more on the process here: Makenzie’s Instagram)

It’s amazing to see how something as simple as lighting can bring a community together and add something special to local businesses, public spaces, and even seasonal events. Whether you’re an event organizer, a business owner, or someone interested in the future of public art, custom lighting installations can add a unique and sustainable way to connect with people.

Dippy the Dinosaur pink neon sunglasses by projectile objects from 2022 to 2024.
Addressable LED installation for event at Spirit Pittsburgh, PA, using custom made addressable RGB+UV LED channels.


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