L.I.N.G. Brings Life to the Cityscape

The gray façade was transformed as Partanen & Lamusuo redesigned the exterior of Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi. Now, in the heart of Kuopio, a public artwork shimmers in golden and bronze tones, opening in two directions and bringing rhythm, color, and light to the streetscape.

“The façade of Puijonsarvi needed vitality and a refreshed look that would give the hotel the visibility it deserves. Our goal was to create an artwork that extends the artistic world of the hotel’s interiors to the outside, while also serving as a landmark within the urban landscape,” explains artist-architect duo Partanen & Lamusuo.

The piece was named L.I.N.G., derived from the phrase "Life Is Not Gray." L.I.N.G. is like a melody freed from the constraints of a musical staff — it dances in the light, rises above the street in bronze and gold, and tells the story of a city where music and dance are part of life. It also represents the artists’ statement that urban culture and the built environment do not need to be gray, just as we humans are not gray either.

An Immersive Entrance Welcomes Hotel Guests

L.I.N.G. is part of the artistic ensemble designed by Partanen & Lamusuo for Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi. In addition to the new artwork, the ensemble includes dynamic pieces in the hotel’s elevator lobbies and corridors as well as a light-activated canopy at the main entrance, warmly welcoming guests to the hotel.

L.I.N.G. continues the renewal of the hotel’s entrances, integrating the illuminated canopy and the interior artworks’ atmosphere into the building’s exterior. The light artworks create a visual pathway that invites visitors inside. In this way, the guest experience begins even before stepping through the doors: the artworks set a welcoming first impression and establish the mood for the hotel stay.

The artwork’s form draws inspiration from music and movement. Music serves as a unifying theme, linking the piece to the hotel’s interior artworks and Kuopio’s vibrant cultural scene. Kuopio is known for its music and dance events as well as education in the arts, and these elements are reflected in the rhythmic, note-like shapes of the artwork.

A Dialogue of Light and Structure

The three-dimensional forms and textured surfaces of the metal artworks, cut and shaped from metal, create a lively and dynamic effect. Partanen & Lamusuo chose a golden background for the installation, whose warm tones complement the bronze-colored sculptures. The interplay of these warm hues adds depth and visual impact to the artwork, which is enhanced by light both during the day and at night.

The design and installation of L.I.N.G. required extreme precision to ensure that the three-dimensional elements aligned perfectly and projected from the wall as a vibrant, rhythmic composition. The result is a combination of technical accuracy and artistic expression, effective both visually and structurally.

“Many thanks to our partners Saneko Ltd. and Sähkötel Ltd., whose skilled installers carried out the installation and lighting of the artwork with care and expertise,” Partanen & Lamusuo express their gratitude.

The Bronze Tone and Texture Created Through Collaboration

Partanen & Lamusuo’s artistic vision required materials with unique characteristics that would support the expressive qualities of the artwork. A special aspect of the project was the custom-made textured bronze-colored paint, developed in collaboration with Teknos.

“From the very beginning, the guiding ideas for the artwork were the golden wall surfaces and the metal artworks highlighted with textured bronze-colored paint. The challenge, however, was that the textured paint was originally only available in black,” Partanen explains.

“We did not give up. Instead, we contacted the local Teknos representative and explained the solution we were seeking. Teknos’ laboratory developed a custom-made bronze-colored textured paint precisely according to our vision, which was then used to coat the metal artworks,” adds Lamusuo.

L.I.N.G. Captivates Viewers and Leaves a Lasting Impression

L.I.N.G. has received widespread praise from hotel guests, staff, and local residents. The hotel’s new appearance has sparked conversation and curiosity. In particular, the artwork’s name, L.I.N.G., has raised questions, and a nameplate explaining the story behind the piece is planned.

The artwork brings positive energy and visual appeal to the cityscape, supporting the hotel’s brand and distinctiveness. It is now part of Kuopio’s downtown streetscape: a modern, striking, and meaningful landmark that celebrates individuality and the city’s vibrant music culture.

“We wanted the artwork to add something to Kuopio’s cityscape that captivates viewers and brings color, joy, and a sense of well-being to the lives of residents and hotel guests,” the artist-architect duo summarizes.