Illuminated River

Illuminated River – The World’s Longest Public Art Commission

London, UK

A public artwork, unique in its vision and scale, unites nine of London’s iconic bridges with dynamic, connected lighting.

Main image: Final Design Concept © Leo Villareal Studio

What we are doing now, in partnership with Signify, to transform the bridges and riverfront, is groundbreaking. We are using dynamic, energy-efficient LED lighting for the first time on nine London Bridges with Signify’s Interact Landmark connected lighting system to create public art on the largest scale ever seen.”

- Sarah Gaventa, Director, The Illuminated River Foundation

Southwark Bridge © Leo Villareal Studio

Customer challenge

The aim was to create a holistic strategy to light up central London’s bridges, giving a multi-level visual experience viewed by pedestrians on the bridges, from London’s riverbanks, from the air, from tall buildings and by boat.

Cannon Street Railway Bridge © Leo Villareal Studio

Solution

The project was conceived by internationally acclaimed artist Leo Villareal and British architectural practice Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands. It was technically realised by lighting design and consultancy company, Atelier Ten and delivered by the Illuminated River Foundation. The artwork has been sensitively developed, paying attention to heritage, wildlife and the built environment. It is a transformation that celebrates the role that the Thames bridges play in the enduring global identity of London and encourages people to enjoy the river and riverside at night.

Color Kinetics LED luminaires have been used to light up the bridges with dynamic, artistic lighting effects. In addition, the connected bridge lighting is remotely monitored and managed via Interact Landmark. The software will detect and manage faults and perform remote diagnostics and maintenance, improving asset management and thereby reducing costs.

Top Facts:

The Illuminated River project is the world’s longest public art commission at 2.3 miles in length.
Westminster and Lambeth bridges are designed with colours of green and red respectively, reflecting their political importance and proximity to the upper and lower Houses of Parliament.
London Bridge: there’s been a bridge on or near this site since medieval times.
Millennium Bridge is London’s first new pedestrian bridge for over a century and was envisioned as a “blade of light” across the Thames.

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