Pharos Architectural Controls has provided advanced lighting control for the recent upgrade of Singapore’s celebrated Helix Bridge. Executed by Koizumi Lighting via public tender, the project modernised the control infrastructure to sustain the bridge’s magical evening presence over Marina Bay.
Helix Bridge, 280-metre curved landmark that connects the bustling Marina Centre to the vibrant Bayfront district near Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum, stands strong as a pinnacle of creative engineering. Its elegant double-helix, stainless steel frame draws inspiration from the DNA molecule, with supporting shaded walkways featuring both glass and mesh canopies, plus expansive viewing platforms perfect for cityscape panoramas and bayfront spectacles. Come evening, multicoloured illuminations envelop the spiralling form in a structure that’s earned acclaim as the world’s first double-helix pedestrian span, a World Architecture Festival triumph with BCA honours.
The redesign keeps this waterfront feature looking vibrant, with a focus on smooth operation, flexibility, and visual impact. Koizumi Lighting integrated a 10-universe Pharos Designer LPC X controller and nine Pharos Designer EDN 20 gateways to orchestrate the RGB luminaires along the bridge’s curves and symbolic elements. With capacity for expansive channel counts, the Designer LPC X drives fluid animations, timed playback and versatile protocols. The 20-port EDNs provide cost-effective Ethernet-distributed DMX to enable dependable signal distribution across the expanse that thrive in harsh external conditions while promoting efficiency, making them a suitable choice for this project. This combination ensures consistent performance across the full length of the bridge, supporting complex lighting sequences while maintaining reliability in a challenging outdoor environment. This approach gives operators both creative freedom and operational confidence, ensuring the lighting can respond to the diverse demands of the Marina setting.
“Helix Bridge is an iconic part of Singapore’s identity, so it was essential that the upgraded lighting not only preserved its visual impact but enhanced its flexibility for the future,” said Karen Tan, Deputy General Manager at Koizumi Lighting. “With Pharos, we’ve delivered a control solution that allows for smooth, dynamic effects and reliable day-to-day operation, while giving stakeholders the ability to easily adapt the lighting for different occasions and citywide moments.”
Tony Symms, Regional Manager for Asia Pacific at Pharos, said: “The Helix Bridge is a testament to visionary design, and our 10-universe LPC empowers Koizumi Lighting to keep its lighting as forward-thinking as the structure itself. This upgrade ensures the DNA helix glows with precision and flair for years to come, enhancing Singapore’s Marina Bay experience for all.”
With Pharos at its core, the Helix Bridge has reaffirmed its position as a pedestrian icon, blending science, art and technology cohesively within Marina Bay for residents and tourists alike.
Project Credits
Client: Land Transport Authority (LTA), Singapore
Lighting Design & Installation: Koizumi Lighting
Lighting Control: Pharos Architectural Controls
Architects: Cox Architecture, Arup, Architects 61
