Downtown Pittsburgh is located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. The lighting strategy is part of a broader initiative by the Pittsburgh Riverlife Task Force to establish a continuous system of trails to connect a series of currently disparate riverfront areas and create exciting destinations along the shoreline.

A lighting strategy was developed to unify the different areas of riverfront with a common lighting theme. Detailed proposals were developed for the lighting of pedestrian trails, bridges, river landings and parks. The strategy also contained proposals for possible major projects such as a laser light show celebrating the gateway to the Ohio River and a new Science Center Square on the north shore.