The Erasmus Bridge, designed by architect Ben van Berkel, from UNStudio, is the tallest bridge in the Netherlands (height 139 m) and the most important landmark in Rotterdam’s skyline since its inauguration in 1996.
With the Erasmus Bridge approaching its 21st anniversary, the City of Rotterdam and the architects from UNStudio, who designed the original lighting scheme of the bridge, wanted to revamp the lighting scheme with the latest LED technology and dynamic possibilities to perform striking visual effects in mind.
Working in close collaboration with the architects, ACTLD’s team carried out a full quantitative and qualitative analysis. Both CCT/colour & luminance/illuminance measurements were taken before and after the replacement of the old lighting equipment with new LED fittings (provided by Sill and installed by Dynniq). After analyzing the data collected, ACTLD established the recommendations on the lighting principles.
Considering the project as a re-lighting of a light scheme over 20-years old, the whole approach was a challenge by itself, as neither the original concept nor positioning of the fixtures could be modified. The intention was to re-think the original lighting scheme and translating it into a full LED solution, while keeping in mind 3 main elements: Preservation of the original lighting concept and the appearance of the bridge, Night Sky friendly and reduced energy consumption and maintenance.
ACTLD worked out a full dynamic RGBW solution that not only respected the original appearance, especially for the whites, but recreated a new installation with added value: an open and flexible dynamic installation, with a great variety of scenarios, better colour rendering, better performance and increased output, even with less energy consumption (reduced to 17% from the original scheme). ACTLD provided an assessment of the energy efficiency of the new lighting scheme, as well as the appearance, the range and the quality of the achievable colours.
Based on the initial lighting concept by UNStudio and following the conclusions of its assessment of the new LED equipment and control system, ACTLD conceived multiple lighting sequences to be featured during major events to highlight the visual identity of the Erasmus Bridge and emphasize its role in the heart of the city.
