The Atmosphere of Historic Market Halls in the Light of Airam
Airam supplied the lighting for the sales stalls in the Helsinki Market Halls. The stalls are illuminated by Vario series linear luminaires, whose glare-free Deep Optic solution ensures a pleasant and atmospheric shopping experience.
The Old Market Hall and Hietalahti Market Hall are among Helsinki’s most renowned historic landmarks. Completed in 1889, the Old Market Hall offers high-quality culinary experiences beside the Market Square, while Hietalahti Market Hall combines more than a century of history with an international selection of restaurants and cafés. Both halls are vibrant meeting places where traditional architecture and modern services come together in a unique way.
Lighting plays an important role in market halls, highlighting both the distinctive features of the buildings and the atmosphere of the spaces. Well-designed lighting supports the attractive presentation of products and restaurant services while creating a pleasant environment for the halls’ daily visitors. At the same time, lighting solutions must complement the valuable historic surroundings and meet the requirements of a modern, energy-efficient property.

Efficient and Atmospheric Lighting for Market Stalls
Airam implemented the lighting for almost all sales stalls in both market halls. The stalls are illuminated by Vario series linear luminaires, whose glare-free Deep Optic solution ensures a comfortable and atmospheric shopping experience. Vario luminaires have also been installed in the staff working areas of the stalls. In each stall, the lighting was installed according to specific needs, but as a general rule, the same luminaire model and positioning proved highly suitable for all operators. Due to the project’s special requirements, the installation method of the luminaires was also customised for the site.
A Customised Lighting Solution for Project Requirements
Suomen Turvalaitepalvelu Oy defined the project needs and requirements for the customised luminaires. Based on a collaboration initiated through Sonepar, we designed and offered a solution that met these requirements. The luminaires were tailored specifically for the site, taking into account dimensions, housing colour, optics, colour temperature and control method.

At the Robert’s Coffee café, work is carried out efficiently and smoothly in a fast-paced environment. Vario Deep Optic provides effective illumination for both customer seating areas and the kitchen worktops and shelving.
The historic setting deserves high-quality lighting




Consistent Warm Light Preserves the Market Hall Atmosphere
The hall walkways are illuminated by the original wall-mounted luminaires retained during the renovation and upgraded with consistent Airam Decor LED lamps. The light colour temperature is a warm 2200 K, perfectly suited to the nostalgic atmosphere of the historic market halls. The continuous row of light along the walkways also provides illumination for counters and displays positioned outside the stalls. The lamp specification defined in the maintenance instructions ensures that the same light output and atmosphere are preserved whenever lamps are replaced.


Vario Deep Optic
Vario DO – Glare-Free Lighting
Vario DO luminaires are the perfect choice for spaces where minimal glare levels and seamlessly integrated lighting are required. Designed with user comfort as a priority, the high-quality lenses and glare shield ensure that light is distributed evenly and discreetly across the illuminated area.
Vario luminaires are designed and manufactured at Airam’s factory in Lahti, Finland. The product has been awarded the Key Flag Symbol, indicating Finnish manufacture.

Decor Led Amber
Antique-Finish LED Lamps
The antique-finish LED lamps in the Amber range create a distinctive atmosphere. The amber-tinted glass globe emits warm, soft light in all directions, including towards the lamp base.