Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Opendark
Lead Designers Elizabeth Dominguez
Other Designer's names David Maldonado
Architecture Company PRADO ARQUITECTOS
Client EFE
Photo Credits KI NIET
Other Credits iGuzzini
Completion Date 2022
Project Location Concepcion, Chile
Entry DescriptionThe proposed for the bridge project is to use light
as a catalyst, aiming to merge the natural heritage of the
area (flora, fauna, and sky) and enhance the urban spatial
hierarchy of the new bridge structure.
This is achieved through a criterion that establishes an
innovative lighting scheme focused on "Respectful Use of
Light". The design of the bridge becomes a distinctive
emblem, providing a renewed identity to the area. This
concept is developed with a comprehensive vision, considering
both harmony with the environment and the well-being of the
residents and visitors of the area, as well as promoting
environmental awareness as part of the territorial identity.
At the implementation level, a strategy of contained light
and indirect projection is established through the diffuser
of the specified lighting equipment and the housing piece,
avoiding light pollution and the impact of light on
associated biological aspects due to the bridge's location in
a natural environment. This approach appeals to the focus on
caring for flora and fauna, including the reproduction and
migration of species that inhabit and coexist in the river
and its immediate surroundings.
The lighting design blends with the landscape and comes to
life as dusk falls. The proposal also includes a controllable
lighting system that responds to a pulse of transition and
dimming of light intensity.
Sustainability ApproachIn the habitat around the bridge, we discovered the endangered Darwin frog, emphasizing the need for conservation. The bridge's "latent" lighting scenes show a commitment to protecting the river ecosystem and reducing light pollution. By limiting lighting to 3-4 hours daily and using a timer and daylight sensor, the project minimizes environmental impact and ensures energy efficiency. The lights automatically turn off at midnight or when natural light is sufficient, helping to protect local biodiversity and reduce unnecessary electricity use.
This approach balances aesthetics with environmental responsibility, allowing the bridge's lighting to enhance its architectural beauty without disturbing the surrounding ecosystem. It's a prime example of how technology and design can harmoniously coexist with nature, showcasing a thoughtful integration of modern engineering with the preservation.
