He Ara Kotahi Bridge

May 2019 saw the opening of He Ara Kotahi, Palmerston North’s new pedestrian and cycle bridge that links Linton, Massey University and the city. fifth : season design has created a lighting scheme that embeds the lights within the structure of the bridge, bringing illumination without dominating lighting fixtures. The fins are now a glowing feature at night, highlighting their integral part of the bridge's karaka tree-inspired design. The lighting of the fins is complemented with illuminated handrails, and under-lighting designed to create the illusion of the bridge floating above the Manawatu River. An environmentally friendly ‘star path’ that lights up at night using thousands of luminous spheres runs along the river path from the bridge. The zero-energy technique uses tiny chips that absorb sunlight during the day and glow in the dark. The Plaza showcases large LED trees combined with carefully landscaped garden lighting to create a welcoming area that provides seating and meeting places where crowds regularly draw to enjoy the atmosphere. The area compliments the bridge perfectly and is a credit the the creative talents of Venky Kannan, fifth : season’s principal lighting designer. The history of the site, where a huge battle occurred in the 1820s, has been respected in all aspects of the lighting design. When lit, the plaza and the bridge take on a new dimension which is attracting many people to enjoy the plaza, the bridge and the walkway.