The UK's Sudell Cross and Northgate area is a major transport route and an important pedestrian gateway, linking Corporation Park, the College and Strawberry Bank areas to Blackburn town center. It was identified as a priority area for improvement and is part of a £1.1 million revamp organized by Blackburn Borough Council.

'The Braid,' a modern light feature soaring 32 feet into the air, forms the centerpiece of the Sudell Cross and was unveiled in April of 2007. The feature was designed by renowned UK artist Simon Watkinson and built by the specialist bespoke metal fabrication and stainless steel architecture company, M-TEC of Darwen, part of the WEC Group Ltd.

This bold feature is now lit throughout the day and night in a changing array of colors. The sculpture is a magnificent sight and is set to put the Sudell Cross area firmly on the map, attracting visitors and perhaps more importantly visit the local shops, cafes and restaurants.

3M Martin Architectural Light Pipe

The lights used were 3M Martin Architectural Light Pipe with Color Kinetics Colorburst 6 LED source fittings. The lighting was supplied from Stage Electrics in Bristol. Ed Gamble, Business Development Manager at Stage Electrics, explains the choice of the Light Pipe, "RHOS Compliance was important and this seems to be the only product that is available at the present moment. Also, the even light distribution due to the internal light distribution filter, the correct size ratio for the structure and correct size for the chosen source fittings, and lastly, but probably most importantly, the availability and price of the fixtures."

The 3M Martin Architectural Light Pipe are modular lighting elements capable of transporting and controlling the distribution of light. By using the unique micro-structured 3M Optical Lighting Film, even distribution of light from end to end is possible for lengths up to 20 metres. The Light Pipes are available in various light distribution apertures and in various diameters.

The Structure

Simon Watkinson explains the idea behind the structure, "Visually I wanted to make something that appeared to emanate from the floorscape without the need for a mediating plinth. The LED lights in the granite suggest further strands that have been cut, as if the whole structure is in fact a fat fiber optic cable harness emerging from the hard landscaping. The top plates are like the cards used in Jacquard looms for ‘programming' the design."

The Lighting

Simon goes on to detail the use of lighting, "With regard to the lighting, the use of light pipes allows the creation of large scale elements of light. The color changing LED fittings create a vivid rotational movement through the top section, enhancing the sense of turning that the stainless steel pipes establish." He goes on to comment on the Martin Light Pipe, "The Light Pipe has performed very well, with great visual impact at night."

Lastly, Simon explains that an important aspect is the drama of the structure, the accumulation of rods supporting the more robust top section, set against the various city backdrops and sky. It is obviously a contemporary piece but refers back to an old Victorian lantern that used to occupy the site. "As part of the newly landscaped site I think the two marry very well," he concludes.