Philips Lighting has given the Hendrix Bridge in Zagreb, Croatia, a lighting makeover that sees a light show triggered by approaching trains.
The 300 metre-long Zeleni Most (Green Bridge) spans the River Sava in the Croatian capital. Most people in the country know the bridge as the ‘Hendrix Bridge,’ ever since graffiti with the surname of the legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix first appeared on the bridge in 1995.
Philips Lighting worked with Croatian lighting designer Dean Skira on the project. At night the bridge is covered with white light showing off its arch, spans and design. However, as a train approaches, it is detected by a sensor and the white light fades to black causing the bridge to seemingly disappear. Then, as the first coach behind the locomotive crosses the bridge, coloured lights come on in sync with the speed of the train crossing the bridge.
The project uses 740 Philips Colour Kinetics Vaya white linear luminaries; 56 Philips Colour Kinetics eW Graze MX Powercore white fixtures and 26 colour Philips Colour Kinetics Vaya Flood MP G2 RGB fixtures. The lights are controlled by a Philips Colour Kinetcs iPlayer 3 controller and Philips Dynalite lighting control system. A Geolux sensor, which detects approaching trains, is connected to the control system.
“The goal was to upgrade the visual identity of the City of Zagreb. It is part of our plan to enhance city life around the Sava river,” explained Ivan Babić, head of the infrastructural services department for the city. “The innovative LED lighting highlights the grandeur, colour and the beauty of the bridge. It’s become a tourist attraction with people often stopping to take pictures in front of it.”
Lighting designer, Dean Skira, added: “Most bridges are utilitarian in appearance; few of them possess the architectural or structural ingredients required to be able to use light as a medium to enhance the beauty of the engineering. What we created with Philips Lighting was something very special.”
Picture: Danijel Bartolic and Damil Kalogjera
