David Oluwale Memorial Bridge

The Light Lab fabricated and installed bespoke Spectraglass panels to the David Oluwale Memorial Bridge; a striking new structure across the River Aire in Leeds.

The project is a partnership between the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) and Leeds City Council, with our specialist team brought onboard by BAM Nuttall & Mott Macdonald, to manufacture and install the bespoke low iron, toughened Spectraglass panels, with SGP laminate structure inter-layer. The bridge is approximately 28 metres long, with each of the 16 panels measuring 1.5m ; making it one of our largest external Spectraglass projects to date. Each of the 16 Spectraglass panels feature a bespoke screen print design , to create the desired design intent of an owl flying across the bridge This is achieved by using high output SPI LEDs, controllable at 125mm increments to create the movement of the light and therefore the flight of the owl, with all lighting programming by long term collaborators Architainment.

The bridge, which officially launched on 26th January 2023, is dedicated to the memory of David Oluwale, who tragically died in the river in 1969 after being racially harassed and targeted because of his homelessness and mental health issues. This makes the bridge an incredibly important piece of architecture, which will serve as a lasting reminder and commitment to equality in the city and beyond.

We are delighted with the finished result and it has been a honour to be involved in such an important piece of architecture.

Now shortlisted in DARC Awards 2023 in the ‘Structures-High Budget’ category.

 

david oluwale bridge process

Leeds City Council press release.

ClientLeeds City Council + David Oluwale Memorial Association
EngineerBam Nuttall
StructuralMott MacDonald
FabricationThe Light Lab
InstallationThe Light Lab
ProgrammingArchitainment
ProductsSpectraglass™
Services Bespoke Lighting Manufacturer Specialist Lighting Integration Specialist lighting installation
PhotographyChapman Brown Photography | Aaron Ethan | Just Dronin/Mark Dobson
1920 8252 020 David Oluwale Bridge Finished
David Oluwale Bridge Opening | The Light Lab | Spectraglassdob1
David Oluwale Bridge Opening | The Light Lab | Spectraglass
1920 8252 030 David Oluwale Bridge Finished
David Oluwale Bridge Opening | The Light Lab | Spectraglass
small 8253 006 David Oluwale Bridge Opening
small 8253 005 David Oluwale Bridge Opening
David Oluwale Bridge Opening | The Light Lab | Spectraglass
small 8253 004 David Oluwale Bridge Opening
David Oluwale Bridge Opening | The Light Lab | Spectraglass
image00002
image00004
David Oluwale Bridge Opening | The Light Lab | Spectraglass
David Oluwale Bridge Opening | The Light Lab | Spectraglass
8252 059 David Oluwale Bridge Finished
8252 059 David Oluwale Bridge Finished
8252 059 David Oluwale Bridge Finished
8252 079 David Oluwale Bridge Finished