With the majority of Finland’s winter spent in darkness, you might think it would dim the creative spark. Not in Helsinki at least, the newly appointed 2012 World Design Capital. Despite the dearth of light, Helsinki emphasized its bright design future with a New Year’s Eve 3D light show in Senate Square. Helsinki’s lighting design scene is (literally) shedding some light on the innovation and artistry of this new design medium.
The first signature event of Design Year was the New Year’s Eve celebration, kicking off the most extensive program of design events ever scheduled in Finland. Held in Helsinki’s Senate Square, the New Year’s Eve of Design included hot chocolate, live music, and a variety of design expositions. Just before midnight, the prominent buildings surrounding the square sprang to life with vivid colors and images projected onto them through the technology of 3D mapping projection. Accompanied by music from Lenno Linjama, Jesse Oliver Valo, and Tuomas Soppela, the lights playfully danced on the facades. At times images would be projected perfectly along the front or sides, but at other times the projections immersed the structures in a series of neon colors and patterns. The lighting designs were executed by Mural Media, a production company specializing in 3D projection, and the illustrations were by Finnish creative consultancy Agent Pekka along with Mural Media.
With their extensive background and superior technical skills, Mural Media really took advantage of the groundbreaking medium; the three-dimensionality combined with special effects created an astounding visual experience. Projections were tailored to fit any size and shape, from building surfaces to a stage backdrop, making them an integral part of the production.
The flexibility of the medium combines beautifully with music and art making lighting design an up-and-coming trend in both the design arena and the entertainment industry. It provides an electrifying feel to any concert or special event. As a result, lighting design is taking on a whole new level of significance in Helsinki, especially during winter, almost becoming a beacon of hope for the 2012 World Design Capital and encouraging new and innovative ideas for the future.
www.mural.fi/