The Revontuli concept proposes transforming an area in Helsinki into a cultural center focused on light, greenery, creativity, sharing knowledge, and community. It would include an indoor garden space promoting sustainability, studios and workshops for artists and designers, and host public events and forums. The building would be inspired by the northern lights and act as a landmark. It aims to connect two areas of the city and make use of waterfront space while blending with the surroundings. Financing would come from public-private partnerships, sponsorships, and commercial uses within the center. The project aligns with Helsinki's strategies around welfare, competitiveness, and urban development.

1. REVONTULI
LIGHTHOUSE FOR CULTURE AND DESIGN

2. CONCEPT
• light
• year-round green space
• creativity and design space
• sharing knowledge space
• meeting point

3. LIGHT
• inspired by the northern
lights
• lack of daylight
•a transparent landmark seen
from afar
• light
therapy for locals and
tourists

4. YEAR-ROUND GREEN SPACE
• reinterpretation of historic
winter gardens
• urban indoor garden
• place to get your hands dirty
• promoting a greener way of life
• connection to nature

5. CREATIVITY AND DESIGN
SPACE
• corebuilding + space for
gradual extension
• residences for architects,
designers, artists etc.
• galleries, studios, workshops,
stage area targeting citizens
and tourists

6. SHARING KNOWLEDGE
SPACE
• public events on arts and science (Festival of Lights etc.)
• cooperation with educational institutions (University of
Helsinki, Aalto University etc.)
• cooperation with local and international NGOs and cultural
organizations
• local community forum

7. MEETING POINT

8. FUNCTIONS OF SPACE

9. FUNCTIONS OF SPACE

10. FUNCTIONS OF SPACE

11. DESIGN GUIDELINES
reference to Finnish design,
CONNECTING AREAS
•
local materials, sustainability
• transparency, inside-outside
views
• connection between
Katajanokka and Market
Square, a new tram stop
• use of seashore, a floating
pool
• considering neighbouring
buildings carefully, no higher
than surrounding buildings

12. PLANNING & DEVELOPING
TIMELINE
• promotion and involvement: architecture competition, public
meetings, democratic decision making, engaging sponsors and
partners
• ideas
competition for functions of existing space and
extensions: participation opportunities
• establishing core activities and the practice of temporary uses

13. FINANCING IDEAS
• public
private partnership: gaining income, use of the
trademark Revontuli, social responsibility
• commercial sponsorship (glass from Rakla, soil from Kekkilä,
gardening tools from Fiskars, wood from UPM, electricity and
lighting from Helsingin Energia and Airam etc.)
• favorablebusiness conditions for design and art related retail,
restaurants, bars, cafes
• office space
• renting for events

14. REVONTULI AND
HELSINKI CITY STRATEGY
• welfare and services: a variety of services available for all kinds
of social groups, encouraging citizen involvement
• competitiveness: international recognition and networks
• urbanstructure and housing: underdeveloped area will be put
to use for the benefit of all

15. "And when a boat would approach Metropolis, then every foreigner would be
compelled to ask, with eyes wide open, what that castle was that was glimmering
there. None of the earlier buildings of Metropolis were anything in comparison.
During autumn evenings, the palace could in fact be used as a lighthouse, in
exactly the same way like back there in America, with the Statue of Liberty. It
would namely be lighted by absolutely special lamps. The lighting in the city would
really become unnecessary because of this Light Palace."
extract from the novel CHILDREN OF NINEVEH (1915)
by MAILA TALVIO (1871-1951)
translation by LIEVEN AMEEL

16. CREATED BY
HSINYU HUANG
JOANA LARANJEIRA FARIA PAIS
KRIS TAMMISTU
MARIA MIKHEYSHINA
MARIKA SAASTAMOINEN
MATTEO PACHER
MENGMENG GENG
VALENTIN HOFER