Los Libertadores Bridge

Declared an icon by the mayor of Lima, Los Libertadores Bridge serves as an important structure, connecting the people of outlying communities to downtown Lima, Peru. The mayor of Lima commissioned a number of pedestrian bridges to help improve transportation for the citizens of Lima and surrounding areas. For Los Libertadores, the mayor envisioned something colorful and unique. Inspired by the sails of a sailboat, Paz developed a solution to fit perfectly on the thin frame of the bridge. Utilizing Traxon’s Media Tube, Paz was able to line the simple shape of the bridge with fixtures that could be daisy-chained up to 50 meters. The thin fixtures were placed in front of the bridge cable, while the controls were placed in back, all held in place with a custom clip. The result is ultra bright light, with the source hidden; producing the effect as though the bridge is drawn in light. The bridge provides a direct route for the people of the surrounding communities to easily access transportation to downtown Lima, where there has previously been no efficient route. Located in an underdeveloped region, the illuminated bridge, which signifies “liberty,” has had a considerable impact on society by bringing a sense of improvement and advancement to the citizens of Lima. The mayor was given an iPad to control the lighting, which brings color to an otherwise drab landscape. The bridge adds beauty to the area by reflecting the water of the Rimac River below with lighting, as well as providing illumination and security. Through creative lighting design, this installation demonstrates that even with a limited budget, huge impacts can be made.