Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Gateshead Quays, Tyne & Wear, England
Installation Description
As the world first and only tilting bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge links Gateshead to Newcastle across the River Tyne. Its main function is to serve as a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, but its unique look and masterful engineering attracts tourists from around the globe.
As the world first and only tilting bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge links Gateshead to Newcastle across the River Tyne. Its main function is to serve as a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, but its unique look and masterful engineering attracts tourists from around the globe.
Design Objective
To lower maintenance costs, Gateshead Council called for the replacement of its current inefficient traditional floodlights. In addition, they wanted the new sources to create stunning color-changing effects without the hassle of replacing colored gels or filters by hand.
To lower maintenance costs, Gateshead Council called for the replacement of its current inefficient traditional floodlights. In addition, they wanted the new sources to create stunning color-changing effects without the hassle of replacing colored gels or filters by hand.
How Did They Do It?
The bridge, designed by Wilkinson & Eyre Architects, consists of two curved arches. These elegant structures mimic the movements of an eyelid, tilting to make way for maritime traffic. To fully illuminate the 164 x 413 ft (50 x 126 m) bridge without causing unnecessary light pollution, the project managers, Stage Electrics created a complex design that makes use of eight ColorReach Powercore fixtures. With output of over 5,000 lumens and light projection of over 500 ft (152 m), these large-scale architectural LED floodlights saturate the arches with colorful light, while dramatically highlighting its design.
The bridge, designed by Wilkinson & Eyre Architects, consists of two curved arches. These elegant structures mimic the movements of an eyelid, tilting to make way for maritime traffic. To fully illuminate the 164 x 413 ft (50 x 126 m) bridge without causing unnecessary light pollution, the project managers, Stage Electrics created a complex design that makes use of eight ColorReach Powercore fixtures. With output of over 5,000 lumens and light projection of over 500 ft (152 m), these large-scale architectural LED floodlights saturate the arches with colorful light, while dramatically highlighting its design.
The Result?
The new LED floodlights will not only increase the bridge visual appearance for residents and tourists alike, but also provides a significant energy savings for the city.
The new LED floodlights will not only increase the bridge visual appearance for residents and tourists alike, but also provides a significant energy savings for the city.
