The lights of a new architectural icon in Tampere

Inaugurated on 15 December 2021, the Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland, is much more than a sports centre: it is a multifunctional hub that revitalises and connects different parts of the city. The new architectural icon designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind reunites and connects the east and west parts of Tampere, previously separated by the tracks of the metropolitan railway system, thus resolving a decades-old urban caesura. The project is transforming into an attraction a part of the city that was previously a sort of urban black hole. The Nokia Arena covers about 82,000 sqm, including 64,500 sqm for the arena, 5,800 sqm for multi-purpose spaces and 11,600 sqm for the hotel. With also a casino, bar and restaurant, the project is conceived to be a hub for various urban activities.

One of the most influential environmental factors in the design is light. Artificial lighting is a key component of this futuristic and technological architecture. For this Performance iN Lighting supplied more than 900 linear luminaires of the SL764 series for the general lighting of the large common areas, the corridors and the spacious atria.  The company produced customised products, painted black to blend in with the architectural concept and comply with current safety regulations. The luminaires were supplied pre-assembled with quick connectors for easy installation and reduced assembly. The Performance iN Lighting products – totalling more than 2,000 linear metres – create geometric compositions of 2x2 m, giving rhythm to the ceiling and creating a spectacular luminous texture.
The lighting is controlled using a DALI digital protocol, which allows for the creation of different lighting scenarios and the modulation of energy consumption, a feature that has contributed to the energy classification of the entire complex, which, thanks to its highly sustainable design, has achieved a LEED Gold rating.