The livery lighting contest has been decided. Könni Kyläseura, Lakeuden Dog Sports Center and Ylistaro's Paakarinpuisto won the outdoor lighting plan for the shared site.
KVS Oy, which specializes in lighting, has been working on the winners' plans since April.
- The design of shared courtyards is no different from private ones in that everything starts from the needs of the users, the company's CEO Jukka Asp states.
However, there are more users in shared yards. For example, the Könni village hall must serve children and adults. The house is also rented out for parties, and in winter various clubs and gyms meet there every week.
- The need for proper lighting has been obvious. For example, the skating rink, playground and parking area of the village hall have been completely blacked out, says the person who announced the competition Lotta Airila From the village of Könni.
The plans are also going to be implemented. Airila believes that investing in outdoor lighting is worthwhile, as it increases safety and brings out the village's common meeting place better.
- Above all, functional outdoor lighting makes being in the yard more comfortable, but to some extent it also increases use, Airila estimates.
Asp, which has worked in the field for more than 20 years, agrees with Airila's vision.
- Functional outdoor lighting increases utilization significantly. However, Finland is a dark country.
Turnkey or DIY
If you have the ability to pay, fixing the outdoor lighting is easy. For example, KVS Oy also offers its customers lighting plans on a turnkey basis. In that case, in addition to the plan, the package also includes lights and installations. In this way, it can be ensured that the plan and the implementation match one hundred percent.
However, money is tight for many associations. According to Aspi, this is not a problem.
- The plan does not have to be implemented immediately. For example, a five-year plan can be made, where the customer can slowly progress towards the finished product at his own pace.
Rules of thumb for outdoor lighting design - at least think about these
Although the best final result is obtained by using a professional designer, according to Aspi, you can start by considering a few basic rules of outdoor lighting:
- What facilities do you have in your yard? Entrance, parking area, passageways, terrace, children's playground...
- What is done in the premises? Where is light needed? Place light where it happens.
- What do you want to emphasize? By aiming the light, you can bring out signs, trees or architecture, for example. Emphasize beauty, because users feel good in an aesthetic environment.
- How do you move around the yard? Surely moving on the paths and terraces is safe even in the dark?
- Is there enough light, but not too much? The eye does not like strong contrasts. Plants and animals can also suffer from glare and light pollution. The most pleasant end result is obtained with several light points, with light and shadow in balance.
- Is the right product in the right place? Outdoor lighting must withstand moisture and frost, among other things. A high-quality lamp is durable, long-lasting and energy-efficient.
In February, associations in the Liiver area had the opportunity to participate in a competition where the three best won the outdoor lighting plan made by a professional. Eight proposals arrived by the deadline. The winners were chosen by a jury, which included the association's contact person from each municipality in Liiver's operating area, i.e. Kiki Mattila from the town of Seinäjoki, Pasi Laasala from the municipality of Ilmajoki and Mika Mäntykoski from the town of Kurika.