Oulu University Hospital
Oulu, FinlandIn northern Finland, one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, we stopped by for a project in Oulu — city that has an established reputation in Finland and abroad as a city of advanced technology. This statement is definitely backed up by one of their latest modernisation projects — Oulu University Hospital — which aims to become the smartest in the world by 2030.
Smart buildings go beyond just implementing advanced technology into the building — it’s about digital connectivity between the user and the facility, energy savings, sustainability, and flexibility. In the healthcare sector, automation plays a vital role in improving both efficiency and patient care. There are a lot of systems implemented and integrated inside the building to foster good change, including smart lighting control which in healthcare is crucial for energy efficiency, improved operations and patient recovery experience.
The Oulu University Hospital is being rebuilt by 2030. This renewal programme includes the expansion and reconstruction of the existing buildings as well as constructing new facilities. The aim is to build functional treatment facilities that will bring significant energy and costs savings as well as focus on adaptability of spaces because of the evolving medical treatment and needs.
These values have always been a priority for Helvar. That’s why, in the hospital buildings A and B, we implemented a wired DALI Helvar Imagine lighting control system with tunable white technology and cloud-based lighting management solution Helvar Insights.
Photo source: Pohde
Photo source: Pohde
Lighting is vital for clinical spaces for both patients and staff, and we’re most comfortable bathed in light which is as close to natural light as possible and supports our circadian rhythm.
Tunable White lighting technology lets you control the light source’s colour temperature output — you may have come across terms like colour temperature control or human-centric lighting — all rooted in the same concept (Tunable White). Using a control unit, such as a panel or lighting control software, you can select a colour temperature within a specified range.
With Helvar Imagine DALI lighting control system, the light is adjusting to match human needs and preferences. It’s fully scalable – from patients’ rooms to the entire building. It ensures safety and comfort through presence/absence detection and integration possibilities. The 500 patient rooms in the new hospital are mainly single or double rooms, and to enhance the patient experience, lighting management is integrated into the 9Solutions patient call system. This means patients can control their own lighting above and next to the bed wirelessly from their hospital bed.
The user can take control whenever they need to, but when it comes to managing a facility effectively and staying informed about what’s happening within your space, it’s all about the data. With proactive maintenance recommendations and real-time alerts in Helvar Insights, you can address issues with your lighting system before they even occur.
Photo source: Pohde
At Oulu University Hospital, Helvar Insights has been introduced in Buildings A and B. The Monitoring & Control module ensures optimal system performance with real-time fault notifications, remote control capabilities, and maintenance recommendations. These features help minimise downtime and streamline operations, giving staff more time to focus on their core tasks.
The Occupancy Insights module provides valuable data on how spaces are used, helping the hospital make better use of its facilities. By identifying under- or over-utilised areas and analysing trends, the hospital can adapt spaces to meet evolving needs effectively.
Together, these tools ensure Oulu University Hospital remains at the forefront of smart healthcare innovation.
Key facts
Project completed: 2024
Project location: Finland
Builder and property owner: POHDE Pohjois-pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue
Oulu, Finland
