Light in Jyväskylä

'Jyväskylä - the City of Light' already features 45 attractively illuminated sites.

Light in Jyväskylä is an architectural lighting event organized in the city. The fourth Light in Jyväskylä - held in September and October 2008 - saw the unveiling of 20 new permanently illuminated sites as well as a number of temporary installations, which were admired by thousands of inhabitants and visitors. It included a seminar for lighting professionals and more than 30 peripheral events.

In addition to Finnish lighting professionals and students, the 2008 event also included collaboration with architectural lighting designers from abroad.

Light in Jyväskylä is the only event in Finland focusing on lighting in the urban environment. The intention is to use lighting to improve security in the city and make Jyväskylä a more enjoyable place in the late autumn and winter. In 2006 Jyväskylä was the first Finnish city to join the Lighting Urban Community International (LUCI) Association. The next Light in Jyväskylä event will be organized in autumn 2010.

Photos:

Kuokkala bridge and water tower: Illuminated according to a 'Golden Bridge' theme. The combination of warm white and blue lighting, and reflections from the water, make the bridge and Lake Jyväsjärvi an impressive sight in the dark. The illuminated Kuokkala water tower can be seen in the background.

JAMK University of Applied Sciences main campus: Floodlighting was installed for the facade of the main campus building during a recent renovation. Light can also help to prevent vandalism and create a space where people feel safe.

Kilpisenkatu bridge: Blue light is used for the concrete parts of the pedestrian and cycle bridge to reinforce the cold nature of the material. The lighting concept for the bridge was created at an international workshop in 2003, and the project to permanently illuminate it was completed by autumn 2008.

Light installation at Jyväskylän Lyseo: An installation designed by Jukka Korpihete, 'Talviuni', was presented on the 150-year-old facade of Jyväskylän Lyseo. The installation - a modern camp fire story - featured an innovative combination of lights, lasers, sounds and video.

Orthodox Church: The church was illuminated for one weekend during autumn 2008. The lighting was designed and implemented by lighting design students and local electrical engineers. There are plans for permanent illumination of the church.

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Kolmikulma Shopping Centre: Lighting is used effectively on the front, the new entrance, and in the interior of the shopping centre to help attract customers.

Kokemus by Kari Alonen: This work by artist Kari Alonen was permanently illuminated for the autumn 2008 event. Light emanating from inside the work creates patterns on the ceiling. The light is warm and accentuates the shape.

Yliopistoportti: Located in the Seminaarinmäki area of the University of Jyväskylä campus, this work was temporarily lit for the 2006 event. This produced so much positive feedback that a decision was made to permanently illuminate it for the autumn 2008 event.





Words by Tommi Salo Photos by Juhana Konttinen