PBX Engineering is very excited to have received our first ever award from The Illuminating Engineering Society in recognition of meritorious contribution to lighting design.
The Award of Merit was presented to PBX Engineering for our work on the Burrard Bridge Heritage & Modern Lighting Project. The project will also appear in the August issue of the LD+A, the magazine of the IES, and online.
Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, BC.
The Burrard Bridge, opened in 1932, is a historic City of Vancouver landmark with many architectural features, one of Vancouver’s outstanding heritage Art Deco structures. The City wanted the historic lighting reinstated and decorative lighting installed to highlight the architectural features of the bridge. Modern lighting techniques were used to enhance the beauty of the bridge and to enjoy the structure at night, while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the historical bridge design.
Solutions were provided to restore the historic lights, upgrade the pedestrian and roadway lighting and present celebratory lighting concepts for various events and holidays. The original lighting was conceptualized at a time when the requirements of today’s standards were not even conceived, nor were the light sources. As such, alternative forms of illumination were necessary to supplement the restoration objectives.
The project presented a number of unique challenges including: replicating the original 74 parapet mounted light standards and 14 wall sconces. Close-to-exact replicas were produced using original drawings, photos and a single authentic 1932 luminaire preserved by the City. LED light engine was installed in the replicas to tune the colour to closely resemble the original 1930’s light source. To create an even glow within the globes, the manufacturer designed custom optics using reflectors. All the heritage lights are connected to a controller to provide colour changing light shows.
Heritage 1930’s Art Deco piers lit with colour changing DMX controlled LED floods. The suspended galleries inside are illuminated using warm-white LED’s to simulate habitation.
Another challenge was to modernize the historic Brazier tower lights located at each end of the bridge. To simulate flame, colour changing LED lights were installed inside the stained glass housing.
The roadway and walkway lighting was achieved by placing LED lighting on modern slender poles located outbound of the deck accommodating installations of the City’s celebratory banners.
The final design is a harmonious balance of meeting heritage restoration objectives and modern day illumination standards.
Lighting & Electrical Design: PBX Engineering Ltd.
Owner: City of Vancouver
Architect: Iredale Architecture
Manufacturer: Valid Manufacturing Ltd.
Contractor: Ross Morrison Electrical Ltd.
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