Collective Light Mural Neighbourhood

Lead Designers Valoa design team

Entry Description

Virontörmä is a large residential area located in Western Tampere, Finland, consisting of multiple apartment buildings built in the 60s and 70s. Before, it was just another residential area, but now it has its own identity. It is the most significant light mural area in the Nordics.

At the beginning of the design process, the aim was to focus on yard lighting. After seeing the buildings, designers came up with a collective method. Residents and children of the local kindergarten got to draw and paint the elements that would be projected in the walls of their homes. The imagery would be their own.

The themed illustrations can be seen when normally painted murals fade to the dark. The images and the house numbers make it easier to recognize the building you live in, instruct visitors, and for emergency vehicles to see where the right house is. All in all, 70 gobos were designed, five for every 15 walls, so that the scenery can change.

Now, when you walk or drive through the street, your gaze focuses on the shining images that stand out all the way and unify the area's dark time look. Together, the light murals create a one of a kind area appearing when the sun sets.