The lighting design shows the architectural lightness of the bridge and deduces its historical significance at the same time. Accessible light positions, durable and energy-efficient light sources and special lenses to reduce light pollution characterize this concept.
In spite of the design demands and the high visibility at night, the connected load of the entire bridge is only 1,6kW. The pillar lighting (figuratively the “Stork’s legs”) is primarily intended to be seen from afar. The pylons are lit deliberately on the in- and outside without disturbing the traffic. The LED fixtures use special optics (3°) from medical lighting, to ensure a good illumination of the 38m tall element. The illuminated side walls and the underside of the bridge create a visual gate, experienced by train travellers, and symbolize the entrance to the city of Winterthur.
The midnight blue light clearly silhouettes the bridge body against its surrounding and visually enhances the gate’s size. Extremely narrow beam optics (3°) were used, ensuring an expansive lighting over 130m. An intensely targeted grazing light on the sleeves of the rope anchorages enables the association of spreading wing tips, supporting the effect of lightness. Each rope is encased by one metal cuff with LEDs and a glare screen, placed at the top of the rope sleeves, inclined slightly to the circle centre.
To strengthen the lighting concept, the scattered light of the street luminaires was defined by masks. The safety and attractiveness of the sidewalk is increased with handrail integrated lighting. This energy-efficient and low-maintenance solution is revealed only at night, being practically invisible during daytime. Additional reflective feathers on the ground provide charm and identity to the technical bridge structure. The freely spread pattern is concentrated towards the bridge centre. The feathers were applied directly onto the ground with thick white road paint with micro glass beads.
