Helsinki Outlet

The Norwegian owner of the centre, Fortus, brings extensive experience from the outlet sector. The search for the right location in Finland took time until the ideal site was found between Helsinki and Vantaa, at the junction of Lahdenväylä and Ring III. The outlet follows the concept familiar from major European cities: all stores are accessed individually via a shared courtyard, which creates an elegant and green open-air oasis at the heart of the complex.

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"Different is a word we have cultivated a lot in the design phase," Haltia adds. "We want to deliver a different, pleasant and experiential shopping experience for people. Scandinavian lines and a sense of space with a European twist!"

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Lighting as a communication tool

Lighting is a defining feature of the outlet village experience. The lighting concept was created by Lighting Design Collective (LDC) and technically implemented by Audico Systems. A striking element of the centre is the light art installation "Moment Magnet", which reflects both environmental cues and cultural moments, such as wind direction or even sports events.

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"The client wanted a tool for indirect communication and marketing," explains Jari Vuorinen of LDC. "They didn't want traditional AV screens but something experiential."

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Audico Systems acted as a technical subcontractor, translating LDC’s vision into reality.

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"There are only a few operators in Finland who can do this kind of work. When Audico is involved, we know that the job will be done right," Vuorinen says.

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Lighting design and technical planning were closely integrated from the early stages, ensuring that the result met both the aesthetic and technical goals.

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"It’s not just even light, but contrasts," adds Audico’s Tapio Järvinen. "Round spotlights draw attention to beautiful things, like plantings."

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High-quality sound throughout the village

Audico Technology was also commissioned to design and install the sound system for the outlet’s public outdoor areas. The system was delivered on a turnkey basis by Jyri Hiltunen. Its primary purpose is to provide high-quality background music to enhance the shopping experience, while also being equipped for announcements and potential emergency use. Portable speakers and microphones were also delivered for use during events.

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"Usually, other criteria override quality, but here the client’s only wish was good sound," says Hiltunen. "We wanted to invest in the sound."

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Audico’s Tapio Järvinen notes that Helsinki Outlet is an exceptionally welcoming and visually coherent centre.

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"You can always do things from two perspectives: practical or beautiful – but they don’t have to be mutually exclusive."

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A collaborative result

The project brought together experts in architecture, lighting and audio to deliver a customer-centric environment. Special attention was paid to weather resistance, system reliability and atmosphere. Lassi Välisalo from GSP Group Oy, the construction manager, also contributed to the successful outcome. The result is a harmonious outdoor retail space where technology enhances comfort and experience without dominating it.

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