Energy efficient and dynamic lighting at The Oresund Bridge (Øresundsbron)

The project began in December 2019 and on a tight timetable Light Bureau was tasked with providing a complete lighting solution, including technical advisory, lighting design, project planning, custom designed constructions, technical infrastructure, establishment and programming.

The standard lighting scenario is white, with a nice even lighting on the pylons. However, the new lighting system is a dynamic solution allowing the Øresund Bridge Consortium to work with coloured lighting in several layers and can be used to express the brand and identity of the bridge in the future.

These light layers offer an excellent opportunity to reinforce the bridge’s spatial qualities and will provide an extraordinary atmosphere on special occasions designed to grab the attention of commuters and anyone with a view to the bridge. The dynamic and coloured lighting scenarios are designed to revitalize the expression of the bridge at night-time on special occasions. For instance, visually communicating social statements for marketing and cultural events, with the intent of enhancing the user experience and create a more engaging experience, meaning positive word of mouth.

An example of the possibilities provided by the new lighting system is the colourful event scenario on the pylons, which Light Bureau designed to mark the 20-year anniversary of the bridge.

Dynamic event lighting in celebration of the 20-year anniversary

After numerous night visits to this picturesque site and watching the sun set and rise on the horizon, Light Bureau’s designers proposed to create a site-specific lighting concept, that portrayed these magnificent colours and recreate this sense impression. Thus, the event lighting scenarios are inspired by the bridge's unique location and dynamically mimics the fantastic colour transformations on the sky and the beautiful blue sea during blue and golden hours. Additionally, the event scenario includes a visual interpretation of the national flags of Sweden and Denmark, as a tribute to their close relation and how this beautiful bridge links the two Scandinavian neighbours. The event lighting was switched on in the evening during the celebratory event on July 1st, 2020, and for five days anyone visiting the area or crossing the bridge got to experience a unique lighting design on the pylons every evening.

“Our solution is not just about energy savings, power and function. We have also put a lot of energy into the aesthetic expression of the lighting design on the pylons. We have worked across country borders, during particular circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, and through a strong collaboration we succeeded in creating a custom-designed solution in record time. I am proud of both the whole team and of the results we have achieved,” says the project's chief designer Frederik Waneck Borello, Senior Light Designer at Light Bureau.

The new lighting will save energy and reduce light pollution

The entire system is custom-made to fit the construction, withstand the harsh wind and weather conditions at the Øresund Bridge, and minimize glare and shadows from the suspended wire-cables. The lighting is created with 192 LED RGBW luminaires, which can be individually controlled by DMX. The use of narrow-beam optics and precise dimming of the luminaires minimises waste light and thus reduce light pollution and save energy. The new lighting system will reduce consumption and create a considerable energy saving of up to 80% compared to the old lighting system.

”We have worked on a strict time plan to deliver the lighting in time for the anniversary. I am happy that we succeeded, and that the lighting delivers exactly what we wished for. The light tests show an impressive and flexible lighting, which is considerably more energy-efficient at the same time as it gives the bridge a proper aesthetic expression,” says Bengt Hergart, Director at the Øresund Bridge Consortium.

About Øresundsbron

Øresundsbron, known worldwide for its leading role in the Scandinavian hit television series ‘The Bridge’, is part of the road and rail link between Sweden and Denmark. It accounts for half the length of the link, approx. 8 km, including the four 203,5 m high pylons supporting the bridge span. The fixed link has made it easy to live on one side of Øresund and work on the other, and as a result, commuting by car and train has increased dramatically, with approx. 32,100 daily commuters by car, since the bridge opened to the public in July 2000.

This project was realised in close cooperation between Light Bureau, the subcontractors and the Øresund Bridge Consortium.

Client: Øresundsbro Konsortiet (Øresund Bridge Consortium)

Subcontractor: Veolia

Supply of luminaires: LiteNordic and Martin Professional

Custom-made mounting frames: Moho Works

Cases and shielding: Sindal Stålindustri