Pikisaari light bollards are part of a darkness-sensitive lighting concept developed for the shoreline pathway in Pikisaari, Oulu, within the Art of Darkness research project. Led by Professor Henrika Pihlajaniemi at the University of Oulu, the concept emerged through an extensive participatory design process involving residents, artists, associations, students and representatives of the City of Oulu.
Pikisaari Oulu bollards for darkness‑sensitive lighting
Project team
Research project
Art of Darkness
Pilot site
Art of Darkness Path, Pikisaari, Oulu, Finland
Research & soncept development
Department of Architecture, University of Oulu
Lead researcher: Henrika Pihlajaniemi
Client
City of Oulu
Design, dngineering & manufacturing
AICCI Oy
Research-led and participatory design
The lighting concept was developed as part of a research project exploring how public lighting can support the experience of darkness while responding to the site’s cultural and ecological characteristics.
Through workshops, discussions and collaborative design activities, residents, artists, students, associations and representatives of the City of Oulu contributed to the development of the route’s lighting and future use.
Place and context
Pikisaari is known for its historic wooden neighbourhoods and industrial heritage. Along the shoreline route, foundations and remnants of former sawmill operations reveal traces of the island’s industrial past.
Part of the Oulu River delta, the area has been shaped by post-glacial land uplift and human activity over centuries. Within this evolving landscape, history, nature and darkness converge, creating a distinctive setting for darkness-sensitive lighting and temporary light art installations.
Original photo by Aapo Mäntykangas
From concept to built solution
Based on the concept developed by the University of Oulu research team, AICCI was responsible for the bollard design, technical engineering, design for manufacture and manufacturing.
The concept defined the lighting principles, user interaction and DALI- and DMX-based control strategies. AICCI translated these requirements into a manufacturable, maintainable and durable solution for demanding northern conditions.
The development process included the selection of materials, components and lighting technologies, as well as the design of pathway and accent lighting solutions.
The bollards were developed as multifunctional elements integrating lighting, control systems, power distribution and audio-data connectivity for temporary light-art installations.
AICCI also prepared the technical documentation supporting commissioning, operation and maintenance of the bollard system.
Schedule
AICCI’s involvement in the project began with a tender invitation issued by the City of Oulu in late 2025. During the tender phase, preliminary proposals were developed for the bollard family, including its visual identity and technical concept. Following the contract award, the project progressed into detailed design, prototyping and manufacturing as part of the implementation of the Art of Darkness Path.
From the initial tender-stage concepts to a completed and manufactured bollard family, the project was delivered in approximately six months.
- Preliminary design and tender phase → 12/2025–02/2026
- Technical engineering and product design → 02–05/2026
- Prototype manufacturing → 06/2026
- Manufacturing and delivery → 06–07/2026
Infrastructure for darkness-sensitive lighting and light art
Developed for the Pikisaari shoreline path in Oulu, the bollard family combines pathway and accent lighting with adaptive DALI and DMX control strategies. In addition, the system provides power, lighting-control and audio-data connections for temporary light-art installations. Together, these functions create a flexible technical platform that supports both everyday use and artistic, cultural and community events.
AICCI PPL T1 – Path lighting bollard
Provides glare‑free, softly defined pathway lighting that blends gently into the surroundings. The light output is adjustable and supports adaptive control based on presence and daylight.
Dimensions: W300 x D196 (400) x H900 mm.
AICCI PPL T2 – User-activated lighting bollard
Allows users to activate lighting modes via push buttons at the key points along the route. Supports energy‑efficient and darkness‑sensitive use by providing light only when needed.
Dimensions: W300 x D196 (400) x H900 mm.
AICCI PPL T3 – Accent lighting bollard
Designed for highlighting landscape features, structures, and details. Adjustable lighting elements enable precise, site‑specific compositions.
Dimensions: W300 x D196 x H1230 mm.
AICCI PPL T4 – Power and data bollard
Provides infrastructure for temporary light‑art installations and events, including power supply and connection points for equipment.
Dimensions: W300 x D196 x H824 mm.
Darkness-sensitive pathway lighting
The lighting concept combines amber and warm-white light sources. Amber light contains no blue wavelengths, helping to preserve darkness and reduce the environmental impacts of artificial lighting. The studies evaluate visual comfort, colour rendering and the experience of darkness in a sensitive natural environment.
AICCI PPL T1
Amber 1800K 710 lm CRI>90
2700K 620lm CRI>95
1800K + 2700K 1330lm CRI>90
Project roles
University of Oulu, Department of Architecture
Led by Professor Henrika Pihlajaniemi
- Darkness-sensitive lighting concept
- Participatory design process
- Stakeholder engagement
- Art of Darkness Path development
City of Oulu
- Pilot environment
- Urban development coordination
- Integration with public infrastructure
AICCI
- Bollard design
- Technical engineering
- Design for manufacture
- Prototyping and manufacturing
Delivered through collaboration
The Pikisaari bollards are the result of collaboration between research, participatory design, public-sector implementation and manufacturing expertise. The darkness-sensitive lighting concept for the shoreline path was developed by the Department of Architecture at the University of Oulu, led by Professor Henrika Pihlajaniemi, through an extensive participatory design process. The City of Oulu acted as the pilot site owner and end user, procuring and installing the bollards, while commissioning was carried out in collaboration with the University of Oulu research team.
Based on the concept, AICCI was responsible for the bollard design, technical engineering, design for manufacture and manufacturing. AICCI also produced the technical documentation required for commissioning, operation and maintenance of the bollard system.
Let's continue the conversation
The Pikisaari bollards were developed for a unique place, but the ideas behind them are widely applicable. We are particularly interested in projects where lighting needs to respond sensitively to its surroundings, whether the context is natural, cultural, historical or architectural.
If you’d like to know more about the project, the design process, or the technical solutions behind it, get in touch. We’d be happy to share our experiences and discuss your ideas.