Storytelling Through Art, Color and Light

Töölönkatu, Helsinki, 2025

In the heart of Töölö, Parnassia's classic Helsinki apartment building received a thorough stairwell renewal. One that brings a sense of personality, playfulness, and permanence to everyday transitions. With subtle artistic details and locally inspired elements, the updated spaces are more than just functional, they welcome the residents home with warmth and charm.

Everyday Art – Details That Make You Look Twice

Design Rooted in Time and Place

Every element in the design respects the building’s own story. The architecture, original construction era, and existing materials guided the visual language, while the property owner’s preferences were carefully woven into the plan. Materials and colors were selected to harmonize with what already exists, creating a cohesive and long lasting result. Durability was a priority—solutions were designed to last, integrating seamlessly with fixed elements like elevator shafts and built-in structures.

Local Inspiration, Subtle Impact

The art elements of the stairwell celebrate the nature found just outside the door. Inspired by Hesperia Park and Töölönlahti Bay, the concept leads visitors on a journey from the water’s edge through layers of urban wilderness—one floor at a time. From aquatic life at the entry to treetop species above, the building becomes a quiet celebration of local biodiversity.

The name Töölö itself—meaning swamp or marshy pond—is echoed in the etched patterns of vintage Hesperia Park park plans and the presence of local fauna embedded into artistic wall elements and directional signage. These playful gestures don’t demand attention, but reward the curious with discovery.

Quietly Playful, Comfortably Familiar

Lighting the Way

The entrance experience was elevated with layered lighting and subtle ceiling structures. General lighting was improved for functionality, while ambient, indirect light adds a sense of arrival. The overall palette was intentionally muted to match the building’s era, allowing the artistic components to shine without overwhelming the space.

Quietly Expressive, Locally Lasting

This project demonstrates how even modest updates can breathe new life into shared spaces. With approachable, cost-effective artistic elements and a clear connection to place, the stairwell becomes more than a passage: it becomes part of a home.

Photography by Nick Tulinen