Naistenlahti 3 facade lighting

BST-Arkkitehdit Oy and VALOA design Oy have been responsible for designing the light architecture of the new Naistenlahti 3 biothermal plant. AFRY Finland Oy was responsible for the electrical design, and Vera Oy of Tampere was responsible for the electrical contracting. The lighting programming has been done in collaboration between VALOA design Oy and Sun effects Oy. The client and developer is Tampereen Energia Oy.

 

Light architecture

 

Located next to new modern residential areas, lakeside landscape, spa, and Särkänniemi amusement park, the power plant is a landmark whose dynamic lighting is part of people’s everyday life and Tampereen Energia’s visual marketing. Due to the area’s extensive light traffic network, the new tram route located at the viewpoint, and the traffic masses diverted to the Paasikivi – Kekkonen route in the region, the power plant offers visual pleasure to tens of thousands of people a day.

 

During the day, the three-dimensional surface makes the building impressive by means of natural light and shadows. In the dark, the integration of materials, shapes, structures, and light form a three-dimensional independent architectural layer. The three main masses, the effect wall, the conveyor, and the retaining wall of the beach, form a unified, graphically defined lighting entity, which takes the attention away from the technical devices remaining in the dark.

 

Futuristic facade lighting exudes positivity, courage and generates vibrant energy in the city view that wraps around the shores of Lake Näsijärvi. Lighting creates the image of a modern pioneer in its owner, Tampereen Energia, where “energy brings light to darkness”.

 

Lighting technology

 

However, dynamics is not an absolute value, and its purpose is not to present the achievements of lighting technology. Technology is just a tool to formulate and shape the human experience in the urban environment of the dark time.

 

Behind the two-thousand-square-meter wall, integrated background lighting consisting of 200 controllable RGBW LED lamps, variable light washing implemented with RGBW floodlights on the surface, RGBW lighting of the conveyor, and the movement of the light lines form a versatile programmable lighting ensemble. Changing looks are controlled with DMX technology.

 

The adjustable general lighting that enables efficient different functions is precisely defined; the shore’s retaining wall and the light wash of the side buildings contribute to a controlled whole. General lighting is controlled with DALI technology.

 

Ecological perspective

 

The goals of sustainable development and ecology are emphasized as almost all of the lamps in the old power plant building renewed in 2017 have been reused in the current lighting solution. The extensive lighting is energy-efficient and programmed so that it is only on when it is dark and when people are mostly on the move.

 

Thanks to the directional angles of the light, technical integration, and glare protection, there is no interference light or light pollution scattered in the sky.

 

The permanent but ever-changing powerhouse is a sight, a reason to get going, an object to look at, from which you can get energy and cheer for the long dark season.

 

The changing expressions

 

There are five light expressions: According to Tampereen Energia’s brand colors, a red and white everyday look, a blue and white Independence Day look, a Christmas magenta and orange warm look, a New Year’s fireworks festive look, and a blue and orange Tampere Day look.

 

The ever-changing play of the movement, shades, and reflections of the lights create a permanent work of light art, an object of viewing in the dark, both from far and near. Abstract shades of light, movement, and cycle create images of the irregular movement of nature: the water shimmering in the sunlight, the fire of the campfire, and the swirls of the wind.

 

From a distance, the power plant is like a lonely, beautiful jewel in a showcase of darkness, and when viewed up close, it is a graphic work of art with its variations.