The Settlement House lobby in a new light

The lobby of Kalliola Settlement House in Helsinki has been renewed. The building was completely renovated in 2016, and now it was the turn of the lobby to be refurbished. Airam took up the challenge proposed by designer/photographer Ville Lehvonen, by donating new spherical Somke LED lamps with textile-covered cords and a Kajo series of decorative lights as part of the celebrations for Finland’s 100th anniversary.

The 1950s-60s atmosphere of the lobby is dominated by a wonderful mural designed and painted by illustrator Minna Mäkipää. On the mural, Finnish plants and berries are now basking in atmospheric lighting. 

The idea of the Settlement House is warm-hearted and unselfish: the work there goes to improving the well-being of people and the community, regardless of gender or faith. Two civic organisations and two social enterprises offer citizens year-round facilities, support and activities free of charge.

During autumn 2017, the lobby of Settlement House has been a common room for Kalliola residents. The building has hosted pop-up jumble sales and clothing swaps, changing art exhibitions, Finnish language classes for immigrants, pop-up cafés and, most recently, a gallery of street art.

Ville sums up the successful project as follows: “The lighting in the lobby has received a great deal of praise, and the murals in particular are now coming into their own. In the facility, we did a demo for families with children and Airam’s Kajo light series proved to be very child-friendly! Since the plastic bulbs do not heat up when on, children can touch them without any problems.

Photos:  Ville Lehvonen

Kalliolan Setlementtitalo from Kalle Kallio on Vimeo.