Designed for the shoreline pathway in Pikisaari, Oulu, this family of lighting bollards has been developed as part of the Art of Darkness research project.
The solution responds to a setting where cultural layers and urban nature meet, combining sensitive illumination with the ability to support temporary light art installations.
Original winter photo by Aapo Mäntykangas
The Pikisaari bollards are designed to provide soft, adjustable warm light that supports the experience of darkness rather than overpowering it.
The solution integrates adaptive control and is built for long-term use, with a focus on durability, maintainability, and future flexibility.
Developed as part of the Art of Darkness Pikisaari Oulu research project, the Pikisaari pathway is one of several European pilots exploring the cultural, ecological, and experiential values of darkness.
Located close to the centre of Oulu, Pikisaari is a place where layered cultural heritage meets urban nature. The lighting approach responds to this setting with a clear aim: not to eliminate darkness, but to complement it gently and respectfully.
AICCI’s role in the project is to design and manufacture the permanently installed bollards, translating research insights and user knowledge into a built solution.
While developed for Pikisaari, the concept is based on principles that can be applied to other sites where sensitive, context‑aware lighting is needed.
The Pikisaari bollards form a unified system combining pathway lighting, power supply, and infrastructure for temporary light art.
Each bollard is designed for durability, safety, and flexible use, with integrated connections and secure service access.
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
Allows users to activate lighting modes via push buttons at 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
Designed for highlighting landscape features, structures, and details. Adjustable lighting elements enable precise, site‑specific compositions.
Dimensions: W300 x D196 x H1230 mm
Provides infrastructure for temporary light‑art installations and events, including power supply and connection points for equipment.
Dimensions: W300 x D196 x H824 mm
Looking for a context‑sensitive lighting solution that respects darkness? We’re happy to discuss how the Pikisaari bollards – or a tailored solution – could be adapted to your site.
AICCI designs and manufactures its lighting solutions in Finland, serving projects across Northern Europe that value durable, high‑quality, and context‑aware lighting.