Tampere University, Finland
FinlandTampere University boosts lighting system performance and upgrades lighting control with Helvar’s new 945 DALI-2 Application Controller
Founded in 1996, Tampere University of Applied Sciences is the second largest University of Applied Sciences in Finland with over 10,000 students divided among over 40 degree programmes. It recently went through a lighting renovation with the lighting system updated to meet the different activities in the university.
Building on a long-standing partnership, Tampere University has continued to modernise its facilities with Helvar’s DALI-2 lighting control solutions. In September 2025, the Applied Science building was upgraded to the Helvar Imagine 945, a DALI-2 Application Controller. This strategic upgrade was the foundation for the university’s recent adoption of the cloud-based management platform, Helvar Insights.
“This is a very important project for Helvar, as it’s one of the first commercial projects upgrading to the new Imagine DALI-2 Application Controller. The experience so far has been very positive, with a smooth and quick commissioning process.”- Miikka Etelälahti, Head of Technical Operations, Helvar.
“The Imagine DALI-2 Application Controller was chosen because we have worked with Helvar for years, so it was a natural update for the existing lighting systems that we have here in the university. It provides us with all the benefits of a modern lighting control system now and in the future”, says Heikki Seppälä, Maintenance Engineer, Tampere University TAMK.
Three university building levels are equipped with Imagine 950 and 945 Application Controllers, 320D2 DALI-2 Occupancy Sensors, 321 Multi Sensors, 135 Button Panels, 478 DALI Broadcast Controllers and 492 Relays. “We provide education for lighting and lighting control systems so for us and our students, it’s important that we have access to the latest lighting control technology” – Kari Kallioharju, Senior Lecturer, Building Services Engineering, Tampere University TAMK.
“We are thrilled that we can introduce DALI-2 to the university as trused experts of the new standard and guide them on how to get the most of their system with the Helvar Imagine solution”- Thet Oo, Director of Wired Solutions, Helvar.
The adoption of the Imagine 945 provides the university with a high-performance, fully DALI-2 certified lighting control system. This commitment to a certified solution ensures interoperability and future-proofs the university’s investment, significantly reducing integration risks. The system’s flexibility allows for precise energy management and enhanced occupant comfort.
The solution’s scalability protects the investment by allowing the university to manage a single floor, an entire building, or connect multiple buildings across the campus with the same reliable solution.
The Helvar Insights cloud platform enables the monitoring and optimisation of lighting, space utilisation, and indoor air quality. The system measures levels of carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, and VOC emissions, among other things.
The modernisation reinforces the long-standing partnership between Helvar and TAMK, providing students with access to the latest smart building technology and thereby promoting sustainable development goals.
“Another aspect of good lighting and lighting control is to support the health and wellbeing of our staff and students. The system responds to the changing requirements of the future. We will continue the cooperation with Helvar in the future because it’s always a pleasure to work with the front runners” – Kari Kallioharju.
Photography: Niki Soukkio
