Imposing Mast Lights Flank the Ackermann Bridge in Augsburg
The lights along the new Ackermann Bridge in Augsburg meet extraordinary static requirements arising from the length and inclination of the masts.
Complex Structure of the Masts
The light masts tilt at a 10-degree angle from both sides over the pedestrian and cycling areas of the road. For enhanced stability, two components in different shapes are connected: the 12-meter-high hot-dip galvanized steel masts transition from a square base to a triangular top. This design provides special stability in the lower section while giving the lights a delicate appearance towards the top.
Light and Shadow Play Through the Intersection of Basic Shapes
The design concept of the entire bridge is based on angles that create an impressive interplay of light and shadow. The railing tilts inward just like the lights, supported by triangular brackets. Depending on the time of day, this angle produces varying shades. This light and shadow play is echoed and extended by the mast lights through the intersection of the two basic shapes: square and triangle. Refined edges on the mast break the light, making the mast itself a focal point.
Steel Mast Construction for Heavy Load Requirements
Bronze floor lamps line the restaurant in the former refectory. Their slender design echoes the 10-meter-high walls that culminate in a ribbed vault. At night, the floor lamps subtly hold back their light, providing a warm, indirect glow to the historic stone walls. It is only during the day that they reveal their true brilliance, serving as an elegant piece of decor.
Integrated LED Modules
The flat light head, over two meters tall, is also an eye-catcher for bridge pedestrians. It provides broad illumination for the roadway. To ensure that the bridge is lit uniformly and according to standards from the designated positions using the 12-meter-high light points, 20 LED modules were required per light head. The power supply was reduced to create optimal, glare-free light. A positive side effect is that the lower power supply extends the lifespan of the modules and preserves the components.
Light Head with Backlit Acrylic Glass
An acrylic glass panel has been integrated into the light head. Backlit with an LED strip, this effect accentuates the light with a blue glow at night. (Concept by captaingrafik) The street lighting and the light strip can be controlled separately via DALI. “The lights provide impeccable, compliant street lighting while also being very visually appealing due to this extraordinary element,” says Simon Hochreiter from Bergmeister Leuchten. The blue light strip allows the light not only to serve its function as a street lamp but also to be perceived as an aesthetic element from a distance. The lights of the Ackermann Bridge and the overall design concept of the bridge in Augsburg demonstrate how unconventional and attractive street lighting can be harmonized with aesthetics for bridges.