Palace Exchange Bridge, Enfield

The steelwork and lighting of the bridge are specifically designed to create an aesthetic feature from a functional component of the shopping centre. Stretching 25m across a three lane road, the bridge provides easy access for pedestrians entering the centre from an adjacent car park.

The stylish design of the bridge by Gifford is complemented at night by integrated lighting, designed by Hoare Lea Lighting. Three different lighting elements are controlled from the management suite, using a LPC1 Pharos DMX controller. The system is programmed with a number of colour-changing sequences. The control system is instructed to switch itself on as soon as darkness draws in, ensuring that the lighting produces the best effects while also remaining economically and environmentally viable.

Like the design of the bridge, its lighting has been designed to a dual concept, providing practical lighting for pedestrians crossing the bridge while also displaying the structure to its best aesthetic potential. 28 Meyer Nightline’s installed at the base of the handrails provide an even wash across the deck, which is countered by four custom made stainless steel LED collars that are integrated into the top of the four masts, projecting white light out across the underside of the bridge canopy.

Transforming the bridge into a feature from below are 98 lengths of Osram LinearLight Colourmix installed in a custom made extrusion. These lengths are programmed to change colour, creating a chameleon-like effect that sweeps across the underside of the bridge.

The entire bridge lighting system was installed on-site by Architen Landrell’s Architen Lighting, and provides a fitting counterpart to our other landmark work in the Centre.