Location: Sotkamo, Finland
Year: 2021
Application: Area Lighting
Designer: Jukka Laukkanen, Valosa Oy
Photographer: Ilpo Aalto
An immersive light installation at Sotkamo’s Hiukka Beach transforms the landscape into a canvas of seasonal storytelling — blending nature, art, and technology in a way that captivates both locals and visitors year-round.
A Subtle Statement in Steel
Perched on a sandy ridge among pine trees, 28 corten steel lighting poles stand at quiet attention. Their rust-hued surfaces mimic the tones of the surrounding forest, making them nearly invisible during the day — yet at night, they come alive. Each three-metre pole supports two luminaires, casting light both along the path and up into the canopy, turning the ridge into a living corridor of light. The poles are spaced at 250-metre intervals, inviting visitors to experience the installation as both a journey and a destination.
Lighting Inspired by Nature and Community
The concept, designed by Jukka Laukkanen of Valosa Oy, draws on seasonal and cultural rhythms. A six-minute light show plays every Saturday from September to March, with themes inspired by autumn foliage, snowy winters, and even the aurora borealis. Key national days — such as Independence Day, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day — are honoured with special lighting sequences, creating emotional resonance and a sense of place.
“This wasn’t just about light — it was about time, memory, and meaning,” Laukkanen explains. “We wanted something that would stand the test of time and remain compelling day after day.”
Engineering Behind the Experience
From a technical standpoint, the installation required precision — not just in aesthetics, but in integration. Jenna Hyvönen, Electrical Design Engineer from Afry, says that collaboration with Tehomet was seamless: “We were able to adapt to design changes along the way. Tehomet’s responsiveness and flexibility helped keep the project on track.”
The most complex challenges lay in the control system and cabling infrastructure, especially as the setup had to accommodate surveillance systems in parallel with lighting control. Robustness, safety, and discretion were key factors in the electrical layout.
A Lasting Landmark
Located in the heart of Sotkamo’s civic area, the Hiukka light installation has quickly become a local landmark — a place where everyday walks turn into moments of wonder. It showcases how lighting, when approached as both an engineering and artistic endeavour, can transform a public space into a shared story.
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