Lighting brings added adaptability and atmosphere to exhibition premises

At Visavuori, the home and museum of sculptor Emil Wikström, Center spotlights highlight the works of his grandson, cartoonist Kari Suomalainen. Mounted on three-phase rails, Center spotlights are an ideal choice for galleries: they are easy to move and adjust when necessary. 

In June 2020, 100 years after the birth of Kari Suomalainen, Finland’s best-known political cartoonist, the renovation of Kari’s Pavilion, an exhibition space dedicated to his works, was completed. In conjunction with the extensive refurbishment, the lighting solution was also upgraded. Suomalainen’s cartoons are now illuminated by Airam’s versatile Center spotlights, which are ideal for the space because of their adaptability and clean-lined design. With assistance from Airam’s experts, a wireless Casambi system was selected as the control solution.

Located in Valkeakoski, Kari’s Pavilion is part of the Visavuori Museum Foundation. The refurbishment of the Pavilion had been in the cards for some time and when funding was secured, the project proceeded rapidly. With regard to lighting, changes were extensive. Natural light is now prevented from entering the exhibition space, enabling it to showcase works that are sensitive to sunlight. ‘Thanks to the improvements and the new lighting solution, we can host even more diverse and valuable exhibitions,’ says Juha Myllylä, Executive

Director of the Visavuori Museum Foundation.  

Lighting that is easy to move and adjust adapts to changing needs
The museum hoped to find new luminaires that would be compatible with the existing mounting rails. Center luminaires offered a solution that also suited the style of the premises. The goal was to have an adaptable lighting solution because the lighting needs to vary with each space and exhibition. The museum also wanted to have an easy-to-use control system. 
Myllylä explains that he first heard about Casambi-controlled luminaires years earlier from an electrical designer involved in the design of the project. At the realisation stage, the solution was updated by introducing wireless control.

Airam’s Center spotlights are ideal for exhibition premises because they are easy to move and adjust. Lighting levels are easy to control using a tablet. The Center Premium White luminaires make an ideal choice for locations where excellent colour-rendering properties and high-quality accent lighting are required. Center luminaires are available with bespoke luminous flux packages and a variety of reflector options.

‘I’m extremely happy with the result. The space has pleasant ambient lighting and light levels are easy to adjust in line with changing needs. Airam’s luminaires also offer great value for money. What’s more, I like their clean-lined design,’ shares Myllylä.

Airam’s lighting experts assisted in the choice of a wireless control solution 
Myllylä contacted Airam to enquire about Casambi-controlled luminaires. Upon hearing about the intended use, Airam’s experts recommended using Center spotlights with wireless control. 

‘I received plenty of tips and advice with regard to wireless features but things became concrete when I received a sample item to test. Collaboration with Airam ran smoothly in all areas. For example, products were always delivered on time, which is essential in a project with a tight time frame,’ explains Myllylä. 
 
Visavuori was the home and studio of sculptor Emil Wikström. It is also home to Finland’s most entertaining museum, Kari’s Pavilion, which showcases works by cartoonist Kari Suomalainen and hosts rotating exhibitions.