Project Description
A 125m footbridge maximizes lightness and transparency to integrate gently into the historic context. The bridge profile is expressed as a “clean white ribbon” within the setting, while a delicate, veil-like aluminum railing floats beyond the deck edge. An understated lighting scheme was required to highlight both the railing and the “white ribbon” architectural concept.
Below-deck accent lighting illuminates the deck edge and the V-frames, with pleasing reflections in the water by night. Concealed LED fixtures for the handrails were designed to be invisible on approach, reinforcing the ‘ribbon of light’ design concept. While on the bridge, the handrail lighting creates a rhythmic pattern of light on the bridge surface that is engaging but not distracting.
All lighting is downward facing and 100% concealed and shielded to avoid spill light. Significant restrictions were navigated with respect to how lighting could be integrated with minimal impact to the structure, maintainable with remote drivers, daylight sensors and timeclocks. In addition to photocell control, dimming was integrated into the system to ensure that the lighting levels could be tuned after completion, ensuring good balance.
The lighting design reached far beyond the standard bridge illumination (ie: pedestrian scale pole-top fixtures), to deliver cleverly concealed lighting that frames and complements the sleek, low silhouette of the bridge. The achieved balance is exceptional, providing a safe, comfortable, delightful crossing.