As I write this we are overseeing the final installation and aiming of the architec- tural lighting to the recently opened 842m Sheikh Zayed Bridge over the Maqta river between the mainland and Abu Dhabi island. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this flowing structure evoking the undulating sand dunes of the desert, it is reputed to be the most intricate bridge project ever conceived and built. Arup Lighting designed the structure’s dynamic and colour-changing lighting to gently follow the flowing arches of the bridge and timed them to reflect the effect of the wind and I’m happy to learn they will be returning next week to coordinate everything. The photos show how the bridge is beginning to take shape with the effect lighting just starting to be installed and tested. We have much still to do with re- aiming and tuning the special street lighting down and I hope by the time this goes to press the bridge will be completed and look spectacular (see a future issue of mondo*arc for a full review).
The bridge is just across from the Grand Mosque and there is an opportunity for anyone in April to come and look at these buildings as well as many of the other at- tractions in the region with Light on Site; a joint venture between the PLDA and OSRAM. The last event was in 2008 in Copenhagen and this time we have a two day event on the 9th and 10th in Abu Dhabi where you can hear presentations from, amongst many others, Brian Stacy of Arup Lighting on the 5* Yas Hotel, Jonathan Speirs and Keith Bradshaw on the Grand Mosque and also put up with half an hour from me on the lighting strategy and visions for Abu Dhabi. Attendees will get to stay at the Yas Hotel itself and the event finishes on the 10th with an evening guided tour around the Grand Mosque by Jonathan and Keith. If you have not already received an email on the event you can download a brochure and see registration information on the following site:
www.osram.com/light-on-site-2011 (password: LoS2011) or email light-on-
site@osram.com.
Another event in the region I’m speaking at is Architectural Lighting Saudi Arabia 2011 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from the 13th to 16th March. Details of this event can be found at:
www.architecturallightingsaudi.com.
I hope to get to meet many of you at these events if you are able to attend. In my immediate future I’m security cleared and attending the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi next week possibly being asked to present the strategy work at some point on some day, but as yet not confirmed… but I will be prepared just in case. Martin Valentine MSLL PLDA
Lighting Expert, Executive Director office Municipality of Abu Dhabi City
martin.valentine@
adm.abudhabi.ae
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