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Concept of Light – The Creative Equation of the Savilahti Area
The Concept of Light is an overarching idea of light everywhere in Savilahti. Light can be seen in the names, art, design and lighting in the area as well as in how natural light is optimized. It ties the area together and highlights its distinctive features and identity.
TEXT MINNA AKIOLA PHOTOS WILLE MARKKANEN, JAAKKO NIEMELÄ, PARVIAINEN ARKKITEHDIT, SANNA PIETIKÄINEN AND PASI RAUHALA
Pulssi (“Pulse”) is one of the biggest artworks in Savilahti. The light art piece will be constructed in front of the sports and event center.
The Concept of Light in Savilahti is not only a branding tool for the area, but also a lighting, design, culture and art programme. The unique natural light in Savilahti has inspired designers to utilize light in the development of the area and help create life in Savilahti 24/7 and 365 days of the year. As the light changes throughout the day and the seasons, it lends a rhythm to the life of the people living, studying and working in the area.
“Light in Savilahti does not only mean artificial light brought into the area, but making art and special lighting features available to everyone moving around the area. They will become a part of everyday life for the people in the neighbourhood,” says
Coordinator Heini Orell at Frei Zimmer Oy, the company implementing the Concept of Light art programme. Darkness is also a part of the concept – some areas will be intentionally
left dark. According to Orell, the light theme also means that light will not take over everything, but you will for example still be able to see the stars in the sky clearly.
LIGHT BRINGS LEADING EXPERTS AND EVENTS TO SAVILAHTI
Light is also closely linked to the cutting-edge expertise of the educational institutions and businesses in the area. One of the disciplines where cutting-edge research is conducted at the University of Eastern Finland is
photonics, the study of light and the related technologies. In addition, Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Oulu collaborate on a project called OSAaValo, aiming to develop lighting knowledge and culture in North Ostrobothnia and North Savo.
“Light in Savilahti is also about feeling emotions and taking action: the light of life, brilliant ideas and bright moments. The wide range of events
Events are a key part of the« Concept of Light. Fire artist Salima Peippo performed at the Joy and Light event.
« The new bridge railing in Savilahti changes colour. Most days the bridge is illuminated in white, but on special days it shines in selected colors.
« In 2022, Savilahti will have a magnificent landmark, the Landscape column Viäntö (”Twist”).
in the area are part of the Concept of Light. They bring people together and activate operators in the region,” says Orell.
SAVILAHTI IS A SOURCE OF COMMON INSPIRATION
In addition to general lighting that has been designed with exceptional care, Savilahti will also have special lighting features and art that utilizes light. For example, bridges with integrated lighting may soon provide information about the surrounding weather conditions.
One of the biggest works of art in the area, Pulssi (“Pulse”), is practically a landmark. The light art piece will be constructed near the event and exercise centre. The work is designed by media artist Pasi Rauhala and visual artist Jaakko Niemelä. Pulssi is a work of art where the pulsating movement of light plays an important role.
Orell is delighted that Savilahti has become a source of common inspiration. The strong sense of community can be seen in the fact that operators in the area are actually volunteering to help turn the Concept of Light into reality.
“The Concept of Light is a shared passion for everyone involved in the Savilahti area. People are excited to take part and come up with various ways to give expression to light in terms of lighting, art, knowledge and events,” says Orell happily.
