(Above) An illustration released by the mayor’s office in January that shows what a riverfront lighting contest might produce. With Marina City at right, this image imagines the view looking west from about Wabash Avenue. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

June 4, 2014 – Hoping to “transform the world’s opinion of Chicago,” the city has posted an official “request for concept design proposal” for an international design competition to light up Chicago, starting with the river.

It will be “a unique and revolutionary lighting framework,” according to the RFP.

Professionals with expertise in lighting design, landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, communication and graphic design, art and art preservation, engineering, manufacturing, and other relevant disciplines are encouraged to compete.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the competition on January 22.

(Above) Looking back from a new Riverwalk across from Merchandise Mart.

Selected later this summer, the winning team will design and install lighting on Chicago’s river, bridges, buildings, L, and Lower Wacker Drive – what the RFP calls “the most important and visible public places in Chicago.”

The purpose of the project will be to increase Chicago’s visibility in the global tourism market.

“Chicago has a rich history of innovation, events, architecture, museums, people, neighborhoods, and festivals which are not always reflected in people’s perception of Chicago.”

Submitting an initial proposal will not earn you anything but four finalists will each be paid $25,000 to submit final design proposals, which will be presented to the public.

A meeting will be held at City Hall to discuss the RFP on June 13. Responses are due no later than 4 p.m. on July 7. The first list of design team finalists will be announced on July 28.

• More info: Request for Concept Design Proposals for a City-Wide Lighting Framework Plan
• Previous story: International contest will light up Chicago riverfront