The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-06
THE EXPOSITION AT NIGHT
H. RustiD Tells of Plans for Electrical
Illumination at the Worlds Fair.

Illumination at the Worlds Fair.
(By Henry Rustin Chief Electrical and
Mechanical EngiEcer.)
AS a finished picture. the exposition
at night and by day will present totally
different views, each demanding ap
prevail. The day view viii offer a pic
ture Of architectural splendOr showing
detail, color, arrangement and scheme
all in true values of light and shade,
while the night picture will present Itself
with lights and shades forged into artl-
fetal value. These two views, however,
will in no sense be in competition. a.
each will offer a total picture complets
in itself for enjoyment to the eye.
The plan and scope adopted for the
Louisiana Purchase exposition by the
directors promises, in these words, that
its lighting display shall be feature:
The progressiveness of the exposition
Will be most especially manifest in thu
manner and extent of it's use of arti-
fetal light, both for purposes of illunlt>
nation and as means of decoration.
Electric lighting in the latest most
striking and most effective form as well
as all other new and efficient modes o.
illuminating will be so literally en-
ployed that the exposition grounds ana
buildings will blaze with light at nigit
and their beauties successfully rival the
attractions of daylight"
The result which can be accomplished
by artistic arrangement of lights are
numerous, and additional possibilities
are created by combining lighting with
fountain displays. The vista as seen
from tie north end of the main court.
VIII be closed by the cascades in from
OF Festival hall; here all efforts will
unite for greeting maximum spec
tacular effect in architectural gardening.
fountain display and light
At night the scene on the main court
VIII be an effect which, for lack of
better term, may be called nocturnal
architecture; in that the placing of
myriads of points of lights in outlining
the structures, in face-lighting entire
surfaces, or in accentuating prominent
architectural features, will produce an
appearance in the structures that is on
tirely different from the daylight scene
IhlS effect, achieved in milder manner
at the entrance to the Grand Court, win
lead with ever increasing intensity up
to the main effect at the Cascades. The
general style of architecture adopted by
the exposition presents unusual OppOr-
tunities for display lighting. The color
of the buildings is, in the main, white
and the full value of each lighting unit
is reflected.
Much attention is being given the
question of supports for lighting about
the grounds to prevent their being OBJ
truSlVe. It is difficult matter to pro-
vide the necessary amount of lighting
for walks and avenues without accumu-
lating forest of lamp posts. Arrange
ments have been perfected, however, i'll
which 1t is only necessary TO place a
NV pOSAS az lOiA6 lIlCiN dlS. anu. at lu6
same time. keep the unit of illumina ton
of small candle power
The scheme adopted leaves the vista
almost free from anv Instructions to
the sight. certain amount of illumi-
nation will be placed on posts about the
waterways in order to take care of the
traffic of small boats These lights,
however, viii be kent very low.
While decorative illumination will be
general throughout the grounds, certain
portions VIII be featured to a greater
extent than has been possible at 1revi-
Gus exoositions. The portions which
will receive particular attention will be
the avenue leading towards the govern
ment building and the government
building itself This structure rises to
considerable prominence in that it is
situated on a high hill. The chief dis
play, however. VIII be made in front OF
tory known as the Cascades. This will
be stretch of artistic architectural and
landscape composition something over a
thousand feet in width and over 500 feet
in depth and at three different .,oints
immense cascades of water will tumble
down, making a total plunge of 100 feet
As arranged, this Cascade at night
Will be saturated with light of varying
colors, and the entire surroundings of
architecture and foliage will be bathed
in the same shades OF color as the water
effects. This viii not be accomplished
by means of stage lights or searchlight
effects, but win be produced on the
structures themselves as if they had
each become light giving.
The exposition has provided itself with
facilities for the supplying OF an i'm
mense amount OF electrical energy. This
will be distributed in the usual manner
to the several points of consumption:
the major portion of this energy has
been apportioned to the producing of a
picture in light.
An ample portion of electrical energy
has been appOrtiOned for the use of the
exhibitor, the concessionaire and for the
foreign and state buildings section; the
total of the electrical service so appor-
toned is considerable, and in variety
includes service for every known com
mercial electrical work. such as charg-
ing current for batteries. current for
series alternating. and direct current arc
lamps. current for all varieties of direct