Europark P-CityForum
FinlandTucked beneath the busy streets of central Helsinki, the EuroPark P-CityForum indoor car park needed a lighting upgrade. The existing system had reached the end of its life, and EuroPark wanted something smarter – more energy-efficient, easier to use, and better for their end-user experience. But there was one key requirement: the upgrade had to work with the existing wiring.
The answer came in the form of Helvar ActiveAhead wireless lighting control system. It brought new life to the lighting system and the space – without the need for rewiring.
The previous system had served its time, explains EuroPark’s Reijo Mesiniemi. We wanted better energy performance, but also something we could easily adjust. ActiveAhead delivered on both fronts.
The wireless system allowed for a smooth retrofit using the existing cabling. For electrical engineer Ari Nukarinen, CEO at E-Plan, the brief was clear: replace the old lights with new ones suited for a damp environment, and shift to motion-based lighting control – all without disturbing the existing infrastructure.
ActiveAhead made that possible. Each luminaire includes built-in sensors that communicate wirelessly, learning how the space is used and adjusting light levels in real time. The system responds to motion and ambient light, optimising energy use while ensuring comfort and safety. Settings can be adjusted through Helvar’s mobile app even after installation, and the Helvar Insights cloud service offers remote monitoring and fine-tuning based on real usage data.
Photo by: Kokemuksia
Photo by: Kokemuksia
The luminaires used in the project were Ensto Flip models by Legrand Finland, a solid choice for demanding environments like indoor car parks. The luminaires came pre-equipped with ActiveAhead sensors and factory-installed connection cables, which helped speed up the installation process.
Photo by: Kokemuksia
The results speak clearly. Energy costs at the car park have dropped by 30%, and both the visual environment and ease of use have improved significantly.
I can warmly recommend both Helvar and Legrand, says Mesiniemi. They were professional, responsive, and really understood what we were trying to achieve.
Smart technology doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. This project proves that with the right approach, even a complex retrofit can be simple, fast, and future-ready – with no need to rewire a single cable.
Key facts
Project completed: 2025
Project location: Helsinki, Finland
Electrical Design: E-Plan Oy
Luminaire Manufacturer: Legrand
Finland
