National Water Park is a 73,000 sq ft outdoor space in Arlington Virginia’s downtown and the realization of the owner’s vision for National Landing, transforming it into a vibrant neighborhood destination that harmonizes urban living with natural outdoor spaces. Through strategic lighting design, we revitalized this decades-old park, enhancing its beauty and functionality while maintaining its signature waterfall feature.

The lighting design provides various environments for outdoor dining, play and rest. This was handled using accent downlights and cylinders mounted in poles that accentuate dining surfaces, warm wood tones, and greenery while providing enough lighting for path illumination. All kiosks feature clerestory linear uplights which also create a gentle soffit glow. Tree uplighting surrounding the local stage provides soft ambiance for performances. Submersible point sources upplight the iconic waterwall. This technique enhances the water's rippling effect, creating a dynamic interplay of light and movement. Low-glare path lighting is achieved with under-bench linear sources, enhancing visibility while highlighting the benches' sculptural form.

At the bar, shelving units integrate linear display lighting which was carefully curated to avoid direct views to fixtures while enhancing objects. Undercounter lighting and recessed downlights accentuate wood, walls, and art, creating a relaxing atmosphere that reflects back into the water.

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