Lighting for the Simone de Beauvoir footbridge in Paris

The Simone de Beauvoir footbridge, inaugurated in 2006, is a singular work of architecture that links the 12ᵉ and 13ᵉ arrondissements of Paris by spanning the Seine. Designed by architect Dietmar Feichtinger, it stands out for its slender silhouette and structure with no intermediate supports, creating an impression of lightness and fluidity in the urban landscape. A veritable link between the two banks, it offers pedestrians and cyclists a pleasant circulation space, punctuated by a double curvature that gives it a unique identity.

The lighting of this structure had to meet a twofold challenge: to provide subtle illumination to accompany night-time movements, while preserving the purity of the architectural gesture. Sammode was chosen for the quality, aesthetics and robustness – even outdoors – of its luminaires, which blend discreetly into the metal structure of the footbridge. Thanks to their streamlined tubular design and uniform light distribution, they ensure that the structure is easy to read without creating glare, allowing passers-by to cross the Seine in optimum visual comfort.

Designed to last, this lighting scheme takes advantage of robust luminaires capable of withstanding outdoor conditions, intensive use and possible damage. In this way, lighting becomes a natural extension of the architecture, revealing the finesse of the structure while accompanying its daily use. More than just a functional element, light underlines the dynamics of the bridge and reinforces its role in the Parisian nightscape.

Location: Paris, France
Credits: ©Alain Caste, © Sammode / © Dietmar Feichtinger