McDowell+Benedetti’s award-winning Castleford Bridge curves 131 metres across the river Aire and over the roiling waters of a weir. Sutton Vane Associates lit the 4m-wide bridge by building LEDs into its Brazilian teak hand rails. This gives the structure an inviting, gentle glow that contrasts dramatically with the violence and speed of the water rushing below, which is, in turn, emphasised by simple, stark metal halide. Where light is often used to create reflections, here it is melded into the river itself.

The lighting design was first tested at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, allowing Castleford locals a chance to understand the principles underpinning a key element in the town’s regeneration. This was filmed by Channel 4.

There had been some concerns that the bridge might appear dangerous or unwelcoming to pedestrians at night but these were assuaged by the apparent simplicity and impact of the lighting design.

‘The essentially simple scheme is stunning in its effect.’ FX Magazine

Shortlisted 2009 FX  Awards