Building for the Future Episode 26 | Electrical

Electrical Systems Make Us Glow!

Nothing can compare to our bonfires on the rivers of Providence. But our electrical systems make the WaterFire Arts Center a stunning place to be!

The 2015 FireBall fundraiser at the WaterFire Arts Center. Photograph by Drew Christhilf.

Supplementing our natural light, mandatory during the night, our lighting fixtures were chosen to be appropriate to the age and industrial history of our building. They come in two types, one type which hangs from the ceiling and projects downward and another type that bounces light off the ceiling before being directed down.

Those reflective lamps are the slender black units to the left.

More Than Just Lights!

In addition to lighting, the building is host to a wide range of electrical systems in some pretty surprising places.

Motorized locks and arms on inaccessible windows
The card readers and door locking systems
Water fountains
A/V equipment
AC and Heating
Fire sprinkler Valves
Digital signage
Event lighting ship-to-shore systems

The Man in Charge

We are happy to have had the opportunity to speak to Scott Collard, owner and operator of Collard Enterprises. We spoke with him during a tour of the building. He explained the systems he and his team put in place in the WaterFire Arts Center. If you are interested in Collard Enterprises Services, please visit www.efsri.com or call 401-821-8601.

Building for the future is supported by TRAC Builders, LLC. To learn more about their contracting services, visit tracbuilders.com

About the author

Tim Blankenship

Director of Special Projects at WaterFire | + posts by author

Tim Blankenship, newly appointed Director of Special Projects, is a 22-year veteran of WaterFire and a steadfast advocate for the organization’s mission to unite the community through shared artistic experiences. Having worked across multiple departments, including a decade in production and recent years with the creative services team, Tim brings unmatched institutional knowledge to his new role. He will focus on strengthening internal systems and supporting the creation of new visitor experiences at both the downtown installation and the WaterFire Arts Center.