Industrial - Bachelor

Starlight Rail

The Starlight Rail is a solar powered, motion responsive lighting system for pedestrian bridges. It provides safe, adaptive illumination while protecting wildlife through warm amber tones. Featuring constellation inspired patterns designed with local artists, it transforms bridges into interactive, artistic pathways that connect people, nature, and technology through sustainable, intelligent design.

Alexandra O'Sullivan

The Problem

Traditional bridge lighting often uses bright, constant illumination that causes light pollution and disrupts nocturnal wildlife patterns. Many animals, such as bats, insects, and migratory birds, rely on natural light cycles for navigation, feeding, and reproduction. Excessive artificial light can disorient them, alter their movement patterns, and reduce biodiversity near waterways and natural corridors.
At the same time, most existing systems are energy-intensive and visually intrusive, prioritising brightness over smart, adaptive design. They ensure human safety but ignore environmental balance and aesthetic integration, resulting in harsh, utilitarian fixtures that clash with wooden or natural bridge materials.
There is a clear need for a lighting solution that ensures pedestrian safety while preserving ecological rhythms, one that uses adaptive brightness, warm light tones, and responsive control to minimise disruption to wildlife while still guiding people confidently across bridges at night.

Name
Research Report
File Type
application
File Size
3 MB
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Solution

A rectangular light housing with perforated star patterns glows warmly inside, creating an amber, atmospheric illumination through its textured openings.

Starlight Rail

Starlight Rail is a modular, solar-powered lighting system designed to mount seamlessly along bridge railings. It combines safety, sustainability, and aesthetics by using motion sensors and wildlife-friendly amber lighting.
By day, the rail appears as a sculptural element featuring artist-designed star patterns that reflect the surrounding environment. At night, it transforms a softly glowing red in standby mode and brightening to amber as pedestrians approach, creating a dynamic “follow-me” lighting effect.
Each unit is self-contained and solar powered, reducing maintenance and eliminating the need for external wiring. The star patterned diffuser not only distributes light gently but also projects a constellation like pattern, connecting users with nature and the night sky.
The design encourages safe pedestrian movement, reduces light pollution, and minimises disruption to nocturnal wildlife, whose natural behaviours are often affected by harsh artificial lighting.
Ultimately, Starlight Rail turns ordinary bridge crossings into calming, interactive experiences, blending technology, ecology, and public art into one thoughtful design solution.

How its used

Starlight Rail is used as an integrated lighting system for pedestrian bridges and walkways. It is designed to enhance safety, guide movement, and create an engaging night-time experience while protecting the environment.

Starlight rail with red light

Night time

As pedestrians approach, motion sensors detect movement and trigger the light to gently brighten from red (standby mode) to amber (active mode). This creates a “follow-me” lighting sequence, illuminating the path ahead while dimming behind to save energy.
Starlight Rail cover

Daytime

The rail functions as a sculptural element, blending into the bridge design. The patterned outer shell often created in collaboration with local artists reflects light naturally, adding visual appeal even when inactive.
Starlight Rail with Orange light

User Interaction

Pedestrians experience a safe, softly lit pathway without glare. The warm amber tone enhances visibility while remaining wildlife-friendly, minimizing disruption to nocturnal animals.
Back of starlight

Maintenance and Power

Each rail segment is solar-powered and self-contained, requiring minimal maintenance. The modular design allows for easy installation along different bridge geometries.
Exploded view

Alexandra O'Sullivan

Alexandra aims to combine her Engineering and Industrial Design skills to develop innovative products and solutions that make a real impact. She is passionate about creating meaningful change that benefits individuals, communities, and organisations. Whether through technical design or creative problem-solving, she is committed to ensuring her solutions are effective, efficient, and ethically responsible.