Länsimetro’s metro stations have been awarded for their lighting for the third time now. In addition to winning the title of Lighting Design of the Year for 2019, the eight metro stations of phase II also received two other esteemed international awards – Lighting Design Awards: Highly Commended, and LIT Awards: Winner
The West Metro stations won in the interior illumination category of the Lighting Design of 2019 competition.
The lighting in the public spaces of the eight metro stations that are part of phase I of the West Metro (i.e. Lauttasaari, Koivusaari, Keilaniemi, Aalto University, Urheilupuisto, Niittykumpu and Matinkylä) was designed by VALOA design. The overall architectural integration was headed by CJN Architects, and the architecture of the stations was designed by Helin & Co, ALA Architects + Esa Piironen, APRT Architects and HKP Architects. The electrical engineering was executed by Tauno Nissinen Ltd., and the electrical contractor was Are. The light art for the stations was provided by Tommi Grönlund and Petteri Nissinen (Keilaniemi station), and Lighting Design Collective and Helin & Co (Lauttasaari station).
Architecture, art and design create the metro stations’ identity
The competition assesses, among other things, the intended use of the site and lighting that supports the overall architectural solution. The aim for the lighting was to enhance commuters’ enjoyment of the spaces, and to fit in seamlessly with their surroundings.
“The key of the West Metro stations’ lighting solution is the integration of light and architecture as a coherent entirety. Each station has its own identity which is formed from the combination of architecture, art, and light. The role of lighting has been considered diversely, and the solution is subdued, but also architecturally high-quality and functioning in commuters’ everyday lives. The high-quality visual impact is created by the repetitive lighting styles, non-glare, sufficient light levels and the integration of the lighting,” says VALOA design’s CEO Roope Siiroinen, who was the lighting designer for the metro stations.
“The architectural lighting solutions used in the Helsinki metro stations are a refreshing exception to the usual metro station lighting. The high-quality environment makes passengers feel that the design not only aims for functionality, but also to increase their comfort,” said the jury on its selection of West Metro as the 2019 winner in the interior illumination category.
In granting the awards, compliance with the requirements set for modern lighting technology and the creative application of technical solutions, as well as financial and ecological factors, were also taken into account. Read more about the 2019 Lighting Design competition. (in Finnish)
The winners were announced on Wednesday, 5 February, at the Sähkö Valo Tele AV exhibition in Jyväskylä. As a competition winner, the West Metro’s lighting will take part in the Nordic Lighting Design Awards competition. The Finnish Lighting Awards competition is organised by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) of Finland once every two years, and awards are given for both interior and exterior lighting. The competition shines a spotlight on Finnish lighting designers and developers and commendably realised lighting projects.