The Great Belt Bridge.
With a span of 1624 meters and a towering height of 254 meters the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark is one of the biggest suspension bridges in the world.
Light Bureau demonstrates the quality of architectural lighting and designed an energy-efficient lighting system with controllable dynamic features, perfectly suited for visual communication.
Client : Sund & Bælt
Contractor : Kemp & Lauritzen
Lighting Suppliers : Martin Professional, LiteNordic
Photographer : Allan Toft
Completion year : 2022
In February 2021, we undertook the task of replacing the outdated bridge lighting with a new and enhanced solution, as part of a plan to optimize energy consumption and maintenance.
Working in close collaboration with all parties involved, we were entrusted with the development of an architectural lighting solution, which had to be designed and constructed within a remarkably short span of just 17 months. The objective was to have the new lighting system ready in time for the Tour de France Grand Départ in Copenhagen, Denmark, scheduled for July 2022.
The lighting system consists of 396 luminaires, each individually controllable and directed towards specific areas on the bridge. This facilitates a transformation of the structure into a digital canvas during nighttime.
Our solution is a contemporary lighting system with controllable dynamic features, perfectly suited for visual communication.
Test and validation
The illuminated surface of the two towering pylons and anchor blocks covers an area exceeding 40,000 square meters. Due to the bridge’s unique characteristics, conducting light tests on-site was not a possibility. Consequently, a meticulously crafted 3D model was devised to thoroughly assess all specifications and validate the design.
Due to the bridge’s location, the large amount of luminaires, and heavy traffic onsite we wished to optimise the adjustments of the lighting and reduce costs for road closures. Thus, our engineers developed an innovative adjustment system with laser sights and remotely controlled night vision cameras to remotely pinpoint the exact aiming points, while the constructors adjusted the luminaires on the bridge.
This system ensured quality, guaranteed a symmetric lighting design on the bridge, and aided communication with construction workers onsite.
Custom glare shields were designed to minimize light pollution towards the road, the sky, and the sea.
Dynamic and energy-efficient lighting solution
This state-of-the-art lighting system enables our client to make visually impactful contributions during cultural events and convey important messages. By default, the lighting scenario is set to a serene white hue, while for special occasions, the pylons can be illuminated with static or dynamic colours, gradients, or even representational patterns such as coloured flags. Furthermore, to conserve energy and reduce light pollution, the light intensity is dimmed down to 25% during the night.
On June 2nd, 2022, precisely one month before the deadline, the new lighting system was inaugurated. Yellow colours illuminated the pylons symbolizing the yellow winner’s jersey to celebrate the Tour de France crossing of this magnificent bridge.