Timeless Design, Modern Light –Finlandia Hall’s Lighting Renewal
Finlandia Hall, designed by Alvar Aalto, stands as a cornerstone of Finnish architecture and culture. As part of the building’s extensive renovation, its lighting system was upgraded to meet today’s technological standards—while carefully preserving the building’s original design language.
Honoring Aalto’s vision with modern technology
Opened in 1971, Finlandia Hall is known for its timeless design and refined use of materials. Lighting has always played a central role in the architectural experience of the space. The aim of the renovation was clear: preserve the iconic design of the original luminaires while equipping them with efficient, intelligent lighting technology.
The result is a lighting solution that:
- Respects Aalto’s original aesthetic
- Adapts seamlessly to diverse event needs
- Improves energy efficiency and reduces maintenance
- Enables dynamic, atmospheric lighting without additional equipment
A new level of event experience
The upgraded lighting system now provides entirely new flexibility for event production at Finlandia Hall. The spaces can be lit dynamically and tailored to different atmospheres using programmable lighting scenes—without the need for temporary lighting setups.
According to Ilari Suonpää, Head of Technical Department at Finlandia Hall, the lighting transformation has taken their event production to a new level. “The seamless control and immersive ambiance are achieved without extra equipment, which means we can now deliver more impressive and higher-quality experiences to our clients,” he explains.
770 original fixtures, 18 designs – one unified vision
The renovation was carried out by Audico Systems in close collaboration with Tunto Design. A total of 770 original luminaires, representing 18 different designs by Aalto, were meticulously restored and retrofitted with state-of-the-art LED technology. The goal throughout the design and testing process was to ensure that the new lighting integrated perfectly with the historical fixtures—both technically and visually.
The benefits in a nutshell
- Adaptability: Lighting can be tailored to suit different events and moods without temporary setups.
- Architectural integrity: The original aesthetic remains intact, and new components blend in seamlessly.
- Energy efficiency: LED technology significantly reduces power consumption and extends system lifespan.
- Enhanced experience: Lighting now plays an even more impactful role in defining the atmosphere of each event.
The outcome: historic spaces in a new light
The updated lighting system doesn’t just preserve Alvar Aalto’s original vision—it adds a new layer of versatility and functionality. Technically advanced and visually discreet, the new lighting strengthens Finlandia Hall’s position as a world-class venue for events and as a living example of architectural heritage.
