The idea behind the project is for the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to reflect the energy and pulse of the city in real time through the use of over 2,800 intelligent LED lights attached to the steel truss structure. Philips supplied the interactive lighting for the “digital skin” of the bridge with 2,400 iColor Accent Powercore fixtures. Each evening, as the sun begins to set on Quebec’s metropolis, the lights “awaken” and bring the bridge to life with vibrant colors and animations. Throughout the night the lights on the exterior of the bridge respond to Montreal’s energy by creating patterns using colors, intensity, and motion based on the frequency ‘Montreal’ is shared on social media. In effect, these patterns mirror the heartbeat of the city and make it the first People Connected Bridge.
After the creative vision was decided upon, WSPAECOM began work in the fall of 2015 to conduct biological, physical, and human impact assessments to ensure that the lighting system would fit harmoniously within the existing natural and urban environments. The lighting system was installed by Pomerleau the following fall and was completed in the spring of 2017.