Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall’s Iconic Lighting Gets a Modern Makeover – Where History Meets modern Event Technology

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Designed by Alvar Aalto, Finlandia Hall has stood as a symbol of Finnish architecture and culture in Helsinki since 1971. Its timeless design language and unique use of materials have made it a treasured landmark.

As part of a major renovation, the building’s lighting has been completely modernized. While staying true to Aalto’s original vision, the system has been updated with energy-efficient LED technology. The new setup enables dynamic lighting scenarios and creates a more flexible environment for events.

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“The lighting upgrade has taken our event production to a whole new level. We now have seamless control and an immersive atmosphere without the need for extra lighting setups, allowing us to deliver even more impactful and high-quality experiences to our clients,” says Ilari Suonpää, Head of Technical Department at Finlandia Hall.

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Lighting Modernization – Innovation Meets Tradition

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Lighting was an integral part of Aalto’s design philosophy. The goal of the modernization was to preserve the original aesthetics while integrating the benefits of modern LED technology. The result is a versatile lighting system that enhances Finlandia Hall’s role as a dynamic event venue.

Audico Systems and Tunto Design combined their expertise to create a solution where high-end technology blends harmoniously with Aalto’s original aesthetic. A key part of the design phase was ensuring that the new technology could be seamlessly integrated into the existing fixtures. The teams rigorously tested various options to find the best technical approach, with a focus on honoring the architectural legacy while supporting the building’s diverse event uses.

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“It’s amazing to see how Aalto’s iconic lighting fixtures have been brought into the modern era while preserving their original character and ambiance. This project is a unique fusion of history and technological progress,” says Mikko Kärkkäinen, Managing Director at Tunto.

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The new lighting setup allows the atmosphere of each space to be tailored to the event, highlighting the hall’s architectural features. The renovation involved both factory-made CLS Ruby and Ruby Compact fixtures and custom-designed light sources, all integrated into Aalto’s original designs using state-of-the-art LED technology for long-lasting, high-quality illumination. A total of 770 original fixtures—across 18 different designs—were meticulously restored.

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“This project is a great example of how innovation and tradition can go hand in hand. With this successful upgrade, we’ve brought Finlandia Hall’s lighting into the present day while preserving its function and beauty for future generations,” says Tapio Järvinen, Project Sales Manager at Audico.

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Benefits of the Upgrade – Versatile, High-Performance Lighting

• Flexibility and Efficiency – The lighting can be adapted to suit various types of events, eliminating the need for temporary lighting setups.
• Architectural Integrity – The new fixtures respect Aalto’s original vision and blend seamlessly into the building’s overall design.
• Energy Savings and Durability – Modern LED technology significantly reduces energy consumption and extends the system’s lifespan.
• Visual Impact – The lighting enhances the ambiance and uniqueness of each event.

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The Result – Finlandia Hall Shines in a New Light

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This lighting renewal does more than preserve Alvar Aalto’s original design—it brings a new dimension to it. The spaces can now be used more creatively and flexibly, with no need for external lighting additions.

This long-term investment strengthens Finlandia Hall’s position at the forefront of the event industry and ensures its competitiveness for years to come. The collaboration between Audico Systems and Tunto is a testament to how technological innovation can breathe new life into architectural heritage—seamlessly integrating it into the modern world of events.

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