Illuminating an icon
San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge Lighting Project
San Diego, CA, USA
Project details
Client
Port of San Diego and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Architect
Form Associates Limited / Speirs + Major
Duration
Due for completion in 2021
Services provided by Buro Happold
Building Services Engineering (MEP), Lighting design, Structural engineering, Sustainability
Sweeping across the waters of San Diego Bay, the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge acts as both an important nautical gateway to the region and a well-loved local landmark. In 2010, Buro Happold partnered with artist Peter Fink and lighting designers Speirs + Major to enter an international competition to design illuminations for the bridge. Our winning concept will see this graceful structure brought to life beneath an ever-changing light show.
Challenge
Translating the vision of the design team into reality proved a real challenge for our engineers. Not only did we need to deliver lighting solutions across the bridge’s 2.5 mile long deck and 30 supporting pillars, but our design also had to meet California Title 24 energy requirements, and minimize light spill so as not to affect the local ecology.
Solution
Our energy neutral strategy will illuminate the bridge with programmable lighting, which will be powered by solar panels installed on buildings across the Port of San Diego. By using a color changing LED system, we will be able to create an infinite number of lighting scenarios that will reflect the rhythm of movement across and beneath the bridge.
We also designed fixture brackets for the 1,400+ lights in the display that will ensure the bulbs can be safely installed over water during construction, and that the installation in its entirety will have minimal impact on the bridge structure itself.
Value
This highly anticipated project will realize a timeless artwork that celebrates an iconic landmark. In addition to enhancing the physical structure of the bridge and enlivening the public realm, the light display will also serve as a lasting emblem of the strong ties that link the communities of San Diego and the City of Coronado across the water.