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    • Clifton Suspension Bridge

    Clifton Suspension Bridge
  • Bristol, England
  • Community and Public

    • Designplan Lighting is proud to have delivered bespoke lighting solutions for the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. This project required innovation, and engineering excellence, qualities reflected in the bespoke version of our Zelos luminaire, developed specifically for this historically significant structure.

    This case study is dedicated to the late Andy Williams, who was instrumental in the early success of this project. Andy began working on the Clifton Suspension Bridge lighting scheme in the early stages, collaborating with the consultant team and shaping the specification. His commitment continued until he left Designplan, when the project was passed to a colleague for completion. His contributions laid the foundation for what became a landmark achievement in bespoke lighting design.

    Clifton Suspension Bridge
    External Lighting Clifton Suspension Bridge Zelos Bespoke Lighting
    Clifton Suspension Bridge
    External Lighting Clifton Suspension Bridge Zelos Bespoke Lighting

    Project Overview

    The Clifton Suspension Bridge is not just a vital transport route, it’s one of the UK’s most recognised heritage structures. Enhancing it with architectural lighting meant preserving its integrity while improving safety and visibility. The client’s vision called for bespoke lighting solutions that would meet strict performance criteria, remain visually unobtrusive during the day, and provide reliable illumination at night.

    Designplan was selected to provide a bespoke approach that met all these requirements while withstanding the challenging conditions of an exposed, bridge environment.

    Lighting Objectives

    The brief demanded a lighting scheme that delivered between 4–6 lux vertical illumination for safe passage across the bridge, without introducing glare or drawing visual attention to the luminaires themselves. During daylight hours, the fittings needed to disappear into the bridge, maintaining its clean, iconic profile.

    In addition to aesthetic demands, durability and performance were crucial. The luminaires had to operate reliably in an outdoor environment with minimal maintenance, aligning with long-term sustainability and safety goals.

    Bespoke Lighting Solution

    To meet the unique demands of the project, Designplan supplied a bespoke version of our Zelos luminaire, tailored to the Clifton Suspension Bridge’s specific lighting requirements.

    To protect the integrity of the Grade I listed structure, the luminaires could not be drilled or mounted using conventional fixings. Instead, each bespoke Zelos unit was engineered to be securely clamped to the existing bridge members, ensuring zero impact on the heritage fabric. This requirement formed a key part of the bespoke design process, demanding precision engineering to achieve a robust, weather‑resistant installation that met modern lighting standards while fully respecting the historic structure.

    These fittings provided consistent vertical lighting levels across the walkway, achieving the desired 4–6 lux performance. Even at 10% dimmed output, the luminaire maintains 1 lux, delivering outstanding optical efficiency. The luminaires were designed to visually ‘melt away’ into the bridge structure during the day, ensuring minimal impact on the bridge’s heritage appearance.

    Client Feedback and Project Outcome

    The final night time sign off was a major success, with glowing praise from those involved:

    “Performance-wise they are spot on… and visually they ‘melt away’ during the day — a massive success.”

    The Clifton Suspension Bridge installation demonstrates how bespoke lighting solutions can strike the perfect balance between heritage preservation and modern functionality. The lighting scheme is a subtle yet vital enhancement, improving safety while respecting the original structure.

    Why Choose Designplan for Bespoke Lighting Solutions?

    At Designplan, we specialise in creating bespoke lighting solutions for complex environments, including heritage, transport, and secure infrastructure. We understand that no two projects are alike, which is why we work closely with our clients to develop lighting systems that meet exact requirements for performance, durability, and visual design.

    To learn more about our bespoke capabilities, get in touch or explore our online portfolio.

    You can also connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram for ongoing updates.

    Is there anything we can help you with?

    We would be happy to answer any of your questions. Alternatively we can set up a meeting with you, enabling us to understand all of your needs.

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