VALOA’s Story
The Journey of Theatrical Art into the City’s Streetscape
Quality Lighting since 1997
Established in 1997, VALOA is one of Finland’s first companies focused on light architecture, highlighting the significance of light as a creator of atmosphere.
VALOA, which originated from the lighting of Tampere city center, progressed to Finland’s first lighting master plan in Jyväskylä, several large projects in Helsinki and elsewhere in Finland, and eventually worldwide, even as far as China.
Today, lighting architecture is commonplace both globally and in Finland, and a seriously considered part of construction projects. Welcome competition drives the industry forward, and in that competition, we aim to remain number one, always offering our clients the best possible comprehensive outcome.
VALOA, from Theaters to Streetscapes
Back in the last millennium, Roope, an alumnus of the Theatre Academy and a lecturer in lighting expression at a university of applied sciences, looked at nighttime Tampere and saw only a pile of dark stage sets. On stage, experiences and illusions can be created, but all of that is hidden behind a ticket within the theater walls. What if a theater lighting professional turned the city into a stage and passers-by into actors? Inspired by lighting architecture, Roope reshaped the lighting expression curriculum towards lighting architecture, unwittingly training a large portion of Finland’s future lighting design professionals at the same time, before finally leaving teaching to pursue his true passion.
After completing the plans for the Tammerkoski area, Roope persistently engaged with the city staff until permission to present the designs was granted. Despite a skeptical reception, the presentation made an immediate impact, leading to commissions for the lighting of the City Hall and Tammerkoski, followed by Kuninkaankatu, Keskustori, and the general lighting plan for the entire city center. Tampere’s Keskustori (Central Square) remains one of the largest lighting design projects in the Nordic countries.
Nearly three decades later, the vision that led to the company’s founding remains unchanged. Under Roope’s leadership, VALOA and its designers, who have grown into professionals, continue to create theatrical art in the streetscape for the delight of every passer-by.
Our Vision
Modern Human-Centric Lighting Philosophy
We think lighting needs to be rethought. Lighting design is no longer based on the choice of lamp types or on calculating light output. It is not the quantity of light and lamps that should be measured, but the human experience.
We create more comfortable and beautiful everyday experiences for people through light. We highlight what people want to experience, feel, and remember.
Light is the Architect of the Dark Hours
In addition to bright and sunny days, there is always darkness. Darkness is a challenge we are not afraid to face, but we take responsibility for our clients’ dark time look.
With Valoa, we highlight stories of darkness and emphasise the identity and atmosphere of the sites.
Expert Collaboration
Our process has evolved with extensive experience, and we outline the steps from idea to implementation.
With us, you know from the outset where the journey leads. The best possible, individualized outcome is created through the collaboration of our lighting designers, architects, electrical designers, and contractors.
