Illuminated River is a large-scale public art commission which lights up nine bridges in Central London, from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge. It uses LED lighting and remote access lighting control to produce sequenced patterns of moving light across the bridge structures. At 3.2miles (5.1 km) in length, it is one of the world’s largest ever public art commissions.
Illumination on the first four bridges was unveiled in 2019 and five more were completed in April 2021. Completing on time and on budget despite constant challenges, including Covid-19 restrictions and overnight installations. Illuminated River is transforming the Thames at night, offering a cultural experience that is open air, free to view and accessible to all.
Core Five Added Value
- Advised on cost implications in respect of design criteria; efficiencies; servicing and structural strategies; and specification levels.
- Long-standing relationships with key market players in the lighting industry to allow for the Long to Short listing of suppliers being successful in delivering the best and most competitive product for the Illuminated River Foundation.
- Procurement strategy was split between installer and lighting supplier. This ensured lower costs and also allowed the same lighting technology and controls systems across all bridges but opened flexibility on the installation contract(s).
- A whole life cost estimate was carried out, including life cycle replacement, maintenance, energy costs and facilities management costs, whilst co-ordinating with the various bridge owners and other stakeholders.
“A thoroughly good job done by Core Five – many thanks for all your professionalism, attention to detail and persistence in fighting our corner and guiding us through the contractual complexities and cost challenges of this project.” – Illuminated River Foundation
