Project: Golden Ears bridge, Fraser River crossing connecting the communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to Langley and Surrey, British Columbia. Project completed in 2009.
Working together with Karo Design, the 6 cylindrical lanterns that adorn the bridge and enhance aesthetic appeal were engineered to withstand vibration from traffic and wind-loading. Each quadrant in the 42″-diameter by 6-meter high lantern is powered by energy efficient 12-volt amber LED photocell light pucks mounted on a raceway. The raceways are housed inside vacuum-formed polycarbonate with second-surface gold vinyl wrapped inside cast aluminum rings containing 50% recycled materials.
To improve the “parkway” perception of the structure, interpretive panels depicting the natural and cultural history of the area encourage pedestrians to take in the open vistas up and down the river from the main span. Entrance signage further compliments the architectural aspects of the bridge.
Deliverables: engineered drawings, shop drawings, prototyping, manufacturing and installation of 6 lanterns; manufacturing and installation of 4 interpretive panels designed by Karo Design; manufacturing and installation of bridge entrance signage lettering.
Architect: Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects + Urbanistes
Designer: Karo Design
Installation: Knight Signs
