Since times immemorial, people have given natural phenomena they do not understand supernatural origins. While the explanations for wind, rain and thunder can be found around the world, the Aurora Borealis are limited to the polar regions, and as both phenomena, and lore of origin are fairly unknown to most of the world. The newest development at the Saariselkä resort is called the Aurora Experience, and designed by the WhiteNight Lighting, it brings forward both the age-old supernatural view of the world, as well as the unique experience of the Aurora Borealis in the middle of the polar night.

According to the art plan of the ski resort area, the goal of the project was that along with new type of light art experience, the light art should guide tobogganers safely through the route and lit atmospherically otherwise dark hill. The art plan encourages to utilise beautiful nature of Finnish

Lapland and centuries old myths and mythologies as an inspiration for art projects of the area. The chosen Aurora Borealis inspired theme fits pleasantly to arctic milieu and unique nature of Finnish Lapland. Finnish folklore of “Tulikettu”, a mythical ember-tailed fox, fit perfectly to be the story behind the Aurora Experience.

The Aurora Experience consist of a toboggan run that lets the participants live both the thrill of following the Tulikettu and being inside an Aurora Borealis as well as to connect with the the age-old legends of the polar night. The course starts next to the sky itself, above the treeline at the top of the Kaunispää fell. From this barren landscape, the participants speed their way down an illuminated track through the arctic scenery littered with projected imagery of the Finnish lores and tales.

Halfway of the fell, they arrive to the plaza where “Pohjannaula”, the proverbial centerpin of the known world around, stands. After this pivotal point, the tone of the course changes, and natural beauty illuminated evergreens lines the rest of the way down to the valley at a leisurely pace, with the projections and lighting mimicking the dance of the Aurora Borealis.

Lighting of the route was executed by street light luminaires customized for this project by equipping those with RGBB-leds. This solution provided good optical qualities still maintaining powerful color effects. Light projections were mainly done by metal halide GOBO-projectors. Based on the experience it was known that there might be problems with led projectors. During the artificial snowing of the slopes there is snow whirling around high in the air and since LED projectors doesn’t produce heat on the front glass, there could have been problems keeping the front glasses clean from the snow. The RGBB-luminaires are DMX-controlled and hardware for lighting control is placed inside a switchboard next to the square at halfway of the route. The switchboard is equipped with a remote connection device with integrated modem, offering firewall protected VPN-connection. It is possible for the designer to edit programs from own office.

Client: Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort Oy
Project: Aurora Experience
Location: Saariselkä, Finland
Lighting Design: WhiteNight Lighting, Finland
Electrical contractor: Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort Oy and Ellappi Oy
Lighting Suppliers: Lumous Lighting, Meyer Lighting, Martin by Harman, Studiotec, Poles by Tehomet, Osram, Tosibox
Photo credit: WhiteNight Lighting Oy and Jaakko Posti

The international gastronomic restaurant scene demands world-class detail for both food, drink and overall experience. Lighting is designed to light an environment that enhances the restaurant experience and creates rooms to remember. The end result holds a high level of creativity that constantly gives the visitors new experiences, where the light takes place and emphasises both food, material and emotional states.

Restaurant Frantzén had two Guide Michelin stars before the new renovated restaurant was opened. The restaurant moved 2016 to a completely renovated 19th century building in the heart of Stockholm. The total area would go from 70 to 500 square meters. However, the number of guests would continue to be limited to 23 and these would be served by 23 people from the serving staff.

Black lighting design came into the project early on and got the assignment directly from the end customer through the interior designer who had already worked out an idea concept that the lighting team then interpreted from a light perspective and to reinforce and lift the visions contained in the concept. The basic idea was to jointly create a journey through the building where different experiences complement each other and make the visitor approach the gastronomy experience they are there to enjoy.

The trip comprises a total of 10 spaces that are all designed based on room activity, planned mood and orientation in the house. Björn Frantzén told himself about his vision as follows: “I don’t know of any restaurant in the world that is similar to what we create.” In addition, his stated goal is to be one of the world's best restaurants and to earn a third star in Guide Michelin.

The superbly executed lighting design plays a central role and raises the overall impression.

The team has worked with a great creativity in the treatment of light and shadow, to create very subtle and interesting effects. Contrasts, light levels and silhouette effects have been utilised in a sophisticated way to facilitate orientation and capture various details. A fine balance between the integrated light and the interior fittings creates well-being and harmony. The focus of illumination reinforces the most important thing - the culinary journey.

Beställare: Restaurang Frantzén
Ljusdesigner: Sofie Bamberg & Anna Ekberg
Arkitekt: Koncept Stockholm
Inredningsarkitekt: Joyn Studio
Elkonsult: Exengo
Elentreprenör: APQ el
Armaturleverantör: XAL, Rebel Light, Ateljé lyktan, iGuzzini & Modular
Leverantör av belysningsstyrning: Rebel Controls
Photo credit: Erik Lefvander, Stefan van der Kwast, Martin Botvidsson

This project shows a solid knowledge of the lights interaction with colour, shape and material. The project has been carried out with tremendous passion and expertise about study environments, and the belief in the young person and her legitimate demands for dignity. The ergonomic and innovative light treatment integrates both function, experience and atmosphere. Darkness has an obvious place in the lighting design and creates focus.

With great courage and creative power, the lighting designer stages original expressions of security, confidentiality and wonder that enhance the feeling in this unique learning environment.

The lighting solutions are created for different individual study situations, with varied sitting positions and working tools, digital as well as analog. Lighting is individually adaptable to the physical circumstances as well as to personal preferences of the students. In addition, it contributes to a calm, contemplative, pleasant atmosphere that stimulates corresponding.

The outer space is a shoe-free place for collaborative work and interaction, inspiring conversation. It is a room with lots of daylight, furnished for various social situations. There is a cool colour gamut in green, light blue and white. The luminaires are therefore equipped with slightly cooler light compared to the interior room (3000K and 2700K, respectively).

Insight (Insikten), the study room, is housed in a shelter with no daylight. Both furniture and lighting signal a quiet room for individual reading and work situations. What stands out here is the variety of different types of seating and different lighting solutions. The darkness is also here, to create focus around the working places.

This space offers many different ways to sit and change positions and working methods during study sessions. For different personal preferences as well as to be adapted to analog and digital reading and work situations, the lighting is also individually customizable. In the center of the room has 14 specially designed armchairs in a circle around the focal point of the room, a gas fireplace. It is a contemplative eye-catcher and visible from every place in the room. The gathering around the campfire is the archetype of meeting people in all cultures since ancient times. The circle is also no bigger than being able to read all the faces, which is perhaps the most important criterion for quality conversations. The acoustics in this part of the room can be instantaneously adapted to the conversation situation.

Beställare: Akademiska Hus AB
Ljusdesigner och Belysningsplanerare: Jonas Kjellander
Arkitekt: Jonas Kjellander
Medverkandearkitekter: Seidi Afverberg, Alberto Badillo, Rayyan Haddad, Sofia Lindholm, Maria Parent Trovik
Elkonsult: Brawida Sverige AB/Magnus Ringvall
Elentreprenör: Brawida Elservice Uppsala/Magnus Ringvall
Armaturleverantörer: Ateljé Lyktan, Bergdahls, Erco, Hidealite, Ljusdesign AB, Zero, Zlamp
Leverantör styrning: Brawida/KNX
Leverantör gasbrasa: Eldmakaren, Ruuthsbo
Specialsnickerier: Mobacken Trähantverk AB
Photo credit: Åke E:son Lindman and Mikael Silkeberg

Holmestrand station is a unique and spectacular project. The station hall is located 150m inside Holmestrand mountain and is one of the world`s largest mountain halls in one volume.

The architecture creates a dramatic tension between the outdoor and indoor environment, with inspiration from rocks and mountain rooms. The portal buildings are designed with geometry that can give the impression of growing out of the mountain. The access tunnels have gradually rising ceilings the further into the tunnels you come, with sloping ceiling designs that have clear allusions to mountain formations.

The lighting concept is based on the station´s distinctive architectural design, with the materiality and shape of corten steel beams referring to railway tracks and sleepers. General lighting integrated in the vertical and horizontal beams creates pleasant ambience. The concept is based on a layer-by-layer technique which interacts multiple different lighting principles, using different dynamics and variety. Coloured light is used as a marker both on the platform edge and when no persons are present in the station hall. The complete lighting solution enhances the sense of space and support the architectural approaches.

There are four railway tracks through the hall, two of them for high-speed trains. This provides extremely high air pressure to the interior and luminaires. High aesthetic quality materials, with integrated light gives the interior an aesthetically beautiful appearance which is rarely found under these rough conditions.

Holmestrand station has become a delicate and inviting place where an unconventional lighting system gives a pleasant visual atmosphere.

Client: Bane NOR SF
Builder: HENT AS
Lighting designer: Rambøll Norway AS
Architect: Gottlieb Paludan Architects
Interior designer: Gottlieb Paludan Architects
Electrical designer: Rambøll Norway AS
Electrical contractor: NLI
Lighting supplier: Osram, Erco, iGuzzini, Fagerhult, Philips, Nortronic, Insta, Luce and Light and Zumtobel
Photo credit: Tomasz Majewski

Länsimetro (Western metro) opened in the autumn of 2017 and expanded the metro network of the capital area of Helsinki to Espoo side. There are eight metro stations in the new 14 kilometers long rails: Lauttasaari, Koivusaari, Keilaniemi, Aalto-university, Tapiola, Urheilupuisto, Niittykumpu and Matinkylä.

The essential solution was the integration of light and architecture into a coherent entirety. Each station has its own identity, which was created from the synergy of architecture, art, and light. The role of the lighting has been carefully considered, and the solution is a restrained but architecturally high-class, designed to function in people’s everyday lives. The impression of quality is created by repetitive lighting principles, no-glare solutions, sufficient lighting levels, and the integration of the lighting.

The lighting principle was to use vertical surfaces and highlight horizontal spots, which makes perception and movement more comfortable. Lighting is placed on the back of the glass surfaces where it lines up space. The sufficient light level is taken care of with general illumination. With the possibility to control the lighting, the balance between general and accent lighting is adjustable. The controllable lighting makes it possible to change the contrast and, thus, the mood and the light levels between darker and daylight hours.

Helsinki metro stations are an excellent example of light, architecture, and housing techniques integration possibilities. In underground spaces, the meaning of light is fundamental. Because there is no contact with the outside, the lighting must also work psychologically.

The illumination is part of the architecture, which one key feature is visual durability. Finding balance with this durability and straightforward normality is challenging. Still, cooperation and the recognition of the lighting’s aesthetical meaning already at the beginning of the process have made possible balanced but exciting lighting experience.

Client: Länsimetro Ltd
Builder: Länsimetro Ltd
Lighting design: VALOA design Ltd
Architects: CJN Architects, Helin & Co Architects, ALA Architects and Esa Piironen, HKP Architects and APRT Architects
Electrical engineering: Tauno Nissinen Ltd
Electrical contractor: Are Ltd
Light art of stations: Tommi Grönlund and Petteri Nisunen (Keilaniemi), Lighting Design Collective and Helin & Co Architects (Lauttasaari)
Lighting suppliers: Purso Oy, Reggiani Illuminazione, planlicht GmbH & Co KG, ERCO, Martin HARMAN International, iGuzzini, LED Linear, OSRAM Lighting Solutions, Traxon e:cue, Sattler, Halla, a.s., BEGA.
Photo credit: Koivusaari by Kuvio Oy, Petri Vuorio, Indav Timo Kauppila

The lighting at Noma, designed by Studio David Thulstrup in the inspiring architecture by BIG Architects appears almost magical - the surrounding nature, the story and the industrial context blends into a unity with the inspiring rooms in the restaurant by means of the lighting, which is very successful in both form, function, quality and aesthetics. The lighting concept is very well elaborated and works symbiotically with the buildings and the surroundings.

The solution is a result of the chef and founder of Noma, Rene Redzepi´s philosophy of creating a complete Nordic experience where food, lighting and interior express one and the same idea. The entire house is well designed with very special selected materials and furniture and with a special attention given to the lighting scheme.

The light settings are continuously adapted to the food and the three seasons the kitchen works. By turning up and down the lighting and by working with the warmth of the white light, the entire lighting can be set to support different moods. For example, guests can experience how the electrical lighting in the summer almost extends the sunlight into the rooms and highlights the ceiling and skylights. During winters, a cave-like atmosphere can be created, with the light focused on the individual tables. The winter lighting is made to reflect as little as possible in the large windows facing the nature, where trees and plants in turn are illuminated gently with dimmed light.

Client: Restaurant Noma
Builder: NT Consulting
Lighting designer: Studio David Thulstrup, in dialogue with Anker & Co.
Architect: BIG Architects
Interior designer: Studio David Thulstrup
Electrical designer: SIF Gruppen
Electrical contractor: SIF Gruppen
Lighting supplier: Anker & Co., XAL, Tekna, Wästberg and more
Photo credit: Irina Boersma and Jason Loucas

With a subterranean spa carved into the volcanic earth, a terraced geothermal lagoon, a restaurant that reinvents Iceland´s culinary heritage, and 62 elegant guest suites surrounded by a stunning mineral-rich waterscape, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Iceland opens door to an unparalleled journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration.

To preserve the enchantment and inspiration manifested by Icelands natural lighting and the night sky, architectural lighting was designed to create relaxing atmosphere by articulating the relationship between nature, human biology and architectural design.

Light levels throughout the Retreat is carefully controlled and balanced taking into consideration the amount and availability of natural light. All lighting products specified allow for a superior level of comfort, meeting the functional requirements at the same time creating a mood and atmosphere for the guests to relax and rejuvenate. Indirect, soft and diffused lighting is employed, revealing the essence of materials, its delicate textures and to provide emphasis on the architectural volume.

Biodynamic lighting is employed in the guest rooms, with tunable fixture embedded into Clipso acoustic ceiling.

Deep underground, surrounded by lava walls is the wine cellar. Without illuminating the ceiling, a floating light canopy reinforces an intimate and enigmatic environment. White light at the base of the volcanic rock reveals the natural iridescent colours and surface textures of the rock.

With technology facilitating design intentions, the concept was to establish a seamless connection and to integrate the elements of design with nature, human biology and architecture.

Client: The Blue Lagoon
Builder: Jáverk
Lighting Designer: Liska ehf., Guðjón L. Sigurðsson, Reynir Örn Jóhannesson, Sandra Dís Sigurðardóttir og Rósa Dögg Þorsteinsdóttir
Architect: Basalt architects
Interior designer: Basalt architects and Design Group Italia
Electrical designer: Efla
Electrical contractor: Rafholt
Lighting supplier: Iguzzini, Vibia
Other essential parties: Verkís, The Blue Lagoon
Photo credit: Gunnar Sverrisson, Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson and Blue Lagoon.

Located near the harbor in central Reykjavík, The Old Pier reappeared during the construction in the area in 2018. Originally built in 1884, the old pier disappeared under the refill of the area in 1940 and had mostly been hidden since then. Once revealed, and due to the impressive state of the pier itself, a decision was made to adapt a portion of it into the new design of the area.

During the design phase, designers were very aware of the pier in a historical context and the importance of telling that story through material, texture, and light.

The lighting concept takes its inspiration from the sea, the history of the pier and its connection to the people of the city and its closest surroundings through the decades.

Warm colour temperatures and low light levels surround the old pier. Instead of illuminating the pier itself, light fixtures are hidden in benches, rails, walls and the ground on the square above the excavation. Inspired by the main mast of the ships that once occupied the pier, custom designed lamps rise above the excavation and illuminate the square where the rest of the pier lies underneath the surface.

The new design of the area is a dialogue between the old and the new. It may work simple in many ways and does not crave for your attention, but when exploring the site one can find various details through light and design that refers to the history of the area and its surroundings.

Client: The City of Reykjavík, Iceland
Lighting Designer: Andri Garðar Reynisson, Mannvit
Landscape Architect: Landmótun
Electrical Designer: Mannvit
Electrical Contractor: Lóðaþjónustan
Lighting supplier: Led Linear, Berthelme, Filix and Helvar controls
Photo credit: Guðmundur Ólafsson

Under is Europe’s first underwater restaurant designed by Snøhetta. Its rough concrete structure makes it easy for mussels to cling to its surface, acting as an artificial reef.

The lighting design ensures a clear view, a safe experience, and an extraordinary journey for all visitors. With a natural reference to the theme of the restaurant, the interior lighting floats like waves into the room when and where it is needed – a unique feature of the concept Liquid Light®.

More than 400 ceiling‐mounted LED lights are carefully positioned with vertical output in a grid formation. They can be grouped to create various lighting scenarios or be individually controlled to adapt and adjust the lighting and levels to a specific area, e.g. over the tables when night falls, which saves energy, whilst adding light where needed. Because of the minimal amounts of daylight on the seabed 5 meters below the surface, it was crucial to maintain a sense of natural light to create a safe and inviting environment for the visitors and staff.

The lighting experience ensures warmth and intimacy inside the restaurant, without disturbing the view of the wonders beneath the sea. The subsea lighting attracts various species of marine wildlife making them visible from inside the restaurant and helps naturally rinse the sea water and increase biodiversity.

It was fundamental that the lighting scheme met the practical requirements of a naturally dark environment, whilst protecting local wildlife without jeopardising the architectural look and feel of the restaurant.

Client: Stig og Gaute Ubostad
Builder: Stig og Gaute Ubostad
Lighting designer: Light Bureau (Former ÅF Lighting)
Architect: Snøhetta, Norway
Interior designer: Snøhetta, Norway
Electrical designer: Tratec Teknikken AS
Electrical contractor: Tratec Teknikken AS
Lighting supplier: iGuzzini, Nortronic, MakingMatters, Fiberoptisk, Fagerhult, Stokkanlys – Deltalight, Luminator, Atendi.
Photo credit: Tomasz Majewski