Raippaluoto Bridge, Finland

All projectsRaippaluoto Bridge, Finland

Crossing into Light

Finland

Located just outside Vaasa, Finland, Raippaluoto Bridge is a cable-stayed structure linking the island of Raippaluoto to the mainland within the municipality of Mustasaari. Designed by WSP and erected to replace the former ferry service, the bridge opened to traffic in August 1997. It remains the longest bridge in Finland, spanning an impressive 1,045 metres and rising to 82.5 metres at its highest point. Set along Finland’s exposed coastline, the structure endures relentless cold winds, extreme humidity and the corrosive effects of a saline marine environment—conditions that render both installation and programming exceptionally demanding.

Year

2026

Location

Rabat, Morocco

Lighting design

WSP Finland, Design Studio, Annukka Larsen, Antti Saari and Teemu Skogberg

Distributor

Ideafix ltd

Pictures

Camilla-Andersson and Rurik Ahlberg courtesy of Visual Productions BV / Kimmo Makkonen

The brief for the new lighting scheme was to animate this landmark infrastructure through a modern, programmable colour changing system.

In total, 76 DMX-controlled RGBW luminaires enhance the bridge from multiple vantage points, managed by a controller positioned at mid-span and supported by eight RDM splitters. 68 fixtures—comprising 48 Capital 300 and 20 Capital 200 units in RGB+W 4000K configuration—employ a range of spot, narrow, medium, wide and elliptical wide optics to wash the lower sections of the structure. A further 8 ONYX US luminaires enhance the twin towers from both sides. All fixtures were specified in Polar Edition to ensure reliable performance under Finland’s severe climatic conditions.

Under normal operation, the illumination remains understated, transitioning gradually from warm white to cool white between August and May. Seasonal and commemorative moments are marked by bespoke static and dynamic scenes for occasions such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, while blue-and-white compositions celebrate Finnish Independence Day each 6 December. Annual scheduling automations, a palette of base colours for everyday evenings, and tailored hues for special events have all been incorporated into the programmed scenes.

Needless to say, the final result is not only emotionally compelling but also functionally flawless, transforming this landmark into a bright, vibrant presence that captivates and inspires everyone who crosses it or views it from afar.
👉Fun fact: The Raippaluoto Bridge was shortlisted in the 2024 [d]arc Awards "Structures – High Budget” category.

Products installed:

12 x CAPITAL 300 RGB+W 4000K SPOT optics, Polar Edition

8 x CAPITAL 300 RGB+W 4000K NARROW optics, Polar Edition

4 x CAPITAL 300 RGB+W 4000K MEDIUM optics, Polar Edition

20 x CAPITAL 300 RGB+W 4000K ELLIPTICAL optics, Polar Edition

4 x CAPITAL 300 RGB+W 4000K ELLIPTICAL wide optics, Polar Edition

4 x CAPITAL 200 RGB+W 4000K NARROW optics, Polar Edition

12 x CAPITAL 200 RGB+W 4000K ELLIPTICAL optics, Polar Edition

4 x CAPITAL 200 RGB+W 4000K ELLIPTICAL WIDE optics, Polar Edition

8 x ONYX XQ RGB+W 4000K ULTRA SPOT optics, Polar Edition

Credits:

Lighting Design: WSP Finland, Design Studio, Annukka Larsen, Antti Saari and Teemu Skogberg