mokša urban furniture illuminates the nordic winters of lahti, finland

as part of the ‘vibrant port road’ innovation competition, the award-winning mokša is a proposed street furniture developed by finnish designers simo lahtinen, suvi saastamoinen and mikko rikala. the first prototypes have been presented during the FIS nordic world ski championships 2017 in lahti, finland.

mokša is a street furniture released in lahti, finland, during the FIS nordic world ski championships 2017

simo lahtinen, suvi saastamoinen, and mikko rikala from finnish infrastructure company sito Ltd, have collaborated with outdoor lighting manufacturer tehomet to create a truly inviting experience. indeed, the design is characterized by adjustable lighting that users can controll with a push of a button — offering a brighter atmosphere to the dim city. ‘mokša brings light to the dark nordic winters and encourages to take a moment to sit down and admire its refined elegance and functional design language’, explain the designers. with that concept in mind, the trio has won the ‘vibrant port road’ innovation competition in spring 2016 — initiated by the city of lahti, lahti energia and lahti region development LADEC Ltd — which seeks to enliven the public environment through unique services and products. 

the project proposes adjustable lighting features that can be controlled with a button switch

serving as a meeting point and urban landmark, the wooden and steel unit is conceived as a 2.5 meters heigh and wide structure, with a one meter in depth. in addition, the thin illuminated light panels installed onto the roof-like overtop are chosen as transparent features that gently reflect the warmth of the wooden frame. even though the project has been conceived for dim urban settings, mokša can also be enjoyed during summer days and nights thanks to its enriching social and public values.

the wooden and steel structure is 2.5 meters high and one meter deep

transparent lighting panels reflect the warmth of the wooden surface

mokša street furniture offers a bright pattern to the dim winter days of lahti

project info: 

designers: simo lahtinen; suvi saastamoinen; mikko rikala, sito ltd

location: lahti, finland

project year: 2017
built area: 2 sq. m

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom