Skyway Animation
The goal for the animation of the Burlington Bay Skyway bridge not only articulates a vision for the future of the area but will help guide public investment in order to kickstart development. Re-imagining the existing structures for the Burlington Bay Skyway as a new combination of beacon, icon, gateway, attraction and “high point” of that stretch of road.
The project team designed a state-of-the-art, low-maintenance LED lighting system to Imagine the Skyway as the next generation “lighthouse” that will:
Celebrate the historical lighthouse.
Provide a distinctive landmark and experience prominent in the landscape from the long perspectives along the QEW as well as from the lake and harbour.
Include the ability to animate the lights to track real-time data about traffic/weather/water.
Challenge
Imagine the Skyway as the next generation “lighthouse” that will:
✓ Celebrate the historical lighthouse.
✓ Provide a distinctive landmark and experience prominent in the landscape from the long perspectives along the QEW as well as from the lake and harbour.
✓ Include the ability to animate the lights with custom programming in support of community events, special occasions, and partnerships.
✓ Include the ability to animate the lights to track real-time data about traffic/weather/water.
✓ Integrate with lighting requirements under and around the structure to support pedestrian safety and experience, possibly also to promote growth and health of plantings in the vertical gardens, while avoiding wavelengths and patterns of lighting that would disrupt wildlife.
✓ Integrate well with digital signage and other lighting programs for the public spaces under and around the Skyway.
Why is this project important and valuable?
Night lighting would transform the bridge into a regional gateway/landmark feature visible from great distances around the region.
Using LEDs would provide an energy efficient means to illuminate the bridge’s primary arch.
Under the road deck, the bridge pillars provide an opportunity for vertical gardens or as a canvas for public art.
Finally, the land underneath the bridge could be designed to complement, or even integrate, the redevelopment of the adjacent zones, such as the Eco Park or parking for the boat launch/ramp, closer to the canal.
How can various community interests benefit from this project?
- Include the ability to animate the lights with custom programming in support of community events, special occasions, and partnerships.
- Integrate well with digital signage and other lighting programs for the public spaces under and around the Skyway.
- Integrate with lighting requirements under and around the structure to support pedestrian safety and experience, possibly also to promote growth and health of plantings in the vertical gardens, while avoiding wavelengths and patterns of lighting that would disrupt wildlife.