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Urbanscape Lighting Feature Lighting

Kiyosu Bridge IlluminationsChuo Ward, Koto Ward, Tokyo

Illuminating the bridges of the Sumida River, adorning the waterfront scenery with an enchanting palette

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  • LED
  •  
  • Seasonal arrangement for the elegant bridge, which is designated as an important cultural property of Japan: Holidays during spring and fall.

  • Seasonal arrangement: weekends during spring and fall.

  • Seasonal arrangement: weekends during the winter.

  • Illuminations in support of medical workers.

  • Daytime view of the Kiyosu Bridge.

about

Lighting design
Motoko Ishii Lighting Design Inc.

Installation date

March, 2020(start of illumination : August, 2020)

Envisioning a cityscape to inspire many, the City of Tokyo is working on projects to add polish to the nightscape and further accentuate the charms of the city. With a view to stimulating activity, enhancing the atmosphere around its riverside areas, and also heightening its appeal as a tourist attraction, the lighting installations of the bridges spanning the Sumida River which are managed and maintained by the City of Tokyo, have benefited from new installations in some locations and major renovations in others. Featuring new installations on 6 bridges, renovation and upgrade works on 4 bridges, and 2 bridges with previously completed installations, the overall scheme embellishes the nightscape of the Sumida River through illuminations across a total of 12 bridges. With the river-facing sides of the arches on each bridge being equipped with bespoke, color-changing railing luminaires, now the 10 bridges where the most recent works have taken place not only offer improved standard illuminations, but also the capacity to present a coordinated and synchronized lighting display.

Replaced during the reconstruction process which followed the Great Kanto Earthquake*, Kiyosu Bridge is modelled on the famous Deutzer Brucke suspension bridge in Cologne, Germany, which spans the Rhine River. The only self-anchoring chain suspension bridge in the country, it is a designated "Important Cultural Property of Japan". With the upper part of the suspension cables illuminated in white and the lower part in warm white, the subtle differences in tone serve to both emphasize and accentuate the height of the columns. Additionally the curved gates between the columns are given an air of grace and splendor thanks to an effective manipulation of shade together with the soft light in which it is enveloped.

*Great Kanto Earthquake: September 1923

Specification

  • Bespoke luminaires for illumination of suspension cables - 146

  • Bespoke floodlights for illumination of suspension columns (upper part; side) - 4

  • Bespoke floodlights for illumination of suspension columns (lower part; front) - 8

  • Bespoke luminaires for illumination of bridge gates - 8

  • Bespoke luminaires for illumination of bridge gates (lower part) - 12

  • Bespoke floodlights for illumination of bridge pier - 16

  • Bespoke luminaires for indirect lighting of railings - 244

  • Bespoke entertainment lighting control system - 1 system

  • Project summary

    Illuminating the Bridges of Sumida River