Jacques Cartier bridge lights

Skyline signature mirrors energy of Montreal

Public spaces

2017 - Montreal

An urban data-responsive light installation engineered to reflect the digital pulse of the city.

SXSW Interactive Innovations Awards | Smart Cities, 2018

IES Illumination Awards | Excellence Award, 2018

AZ Awards | Lighting installation, 2018

In 2017, Moment Factory and six local partners fulfilled a long-held dream of lighting up the Jacques Cartier Bridge–an architectural jewel and iconic Montreal landmark. Directed by Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated, collaborators shared one common goal: to give Montreal a new visual postcard and a showcase for the city’s creative and technological vanguard. The collaboration would result in the world’s most-connected bridge, a smart city illumination activated by real-time social media activity and big urban data.

Click for details about the concept: Living Connections

A project directed by Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated. A concept by Moment Factory. In collaboration with : Ambiances Design Productions, ATOMIC3, Éclairage Public / Ombrages, Lucion Média, Réalisations and UDO Design.

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At nightfall, the bridge comes to life, expressing the team’s Living Connections concept in two ways. First: the bridge’s interior volume reflects the city’s changing seasons with an ambient colour for each of the 365 days, while the bridge’s exterior is animated by light particles driven by real-time social media that tags Montreal. These particles are influenced by data pulled from the day’s weather, traffic, news and mood.

The bridge, now as impressive at night as during the day, is a unifying symbol of the city. The project broadcasts Montreal’s creative expertise to a world seeking solutions that elegantly unite smart-city infrastructure with artistry and design.