Thursday 24 September

 

Helsinki Senate square – inspiring architectural lighting design for the historical city centre

 

The historical and architectural significance of the Senate Square is remarkable locally, nationally and internationally. It is a symbol of Helsinki as a capital, and the whole country of Finland as an independent nation. The main idea of this lighting master plan is to highlight the public space, its architecture and historical value through elegant lighting solutions. Facades are the main focus, using light to emphasise the hierarchy of the buildings and creating an identity for the area.
The design process has been carefully planned. Various departments of the municipality, property owners and other interest groups have been cooperating during the process. The plan has been approved by each party, and finally by the Helsinki city picture advisory board. The execution of this lighting master plan could serve as an example of a successful lighting design strategy of cultural and architectural heritage for other cities.

 

Roope Siiroinen, Principal Lighting Designer, Owner, VALOA design Ltd.

Roope Siiroinen received a Masters Degree in lighting design from the Department of Lighting and Sound Design of the Theatre Academy in 1995. In 1996, Siiroinen founded Valoa Design Ltd., one of the first lighting design offices in Finland specialised in architectural lighting. He has since been the CEO and head designer of the company.

Siiroinen has won several national and international lighting awards, including the city.people.light award 2005, Edison Award of Excellence in 2007 and Special Citation in 2008.

Of his most recent projects, the most significant ones are: the Senate Square in Helsinki, Valovoimainen Pirkanmaa – the regional masterplan for Pirkanmaa county, and Valoviikot – the annual, traditional lighting festival in Tampere.


 

Roope Siiroinen