The Fairytale Forest installation was created at Kuuselakeskus, Sointu Senior Services in Tampere, Finland, as a community art project that engages with and transforms the spatial environment. The installation consisted of a visual-acoustic ensemble built from acoustic panels, with patterns based on collaborative paintings made by older adults. The overall installation design was created by interior designer Tuija Salmi. I developed the surface patterns based on artworks produced in our shared painting workshops with residents.
The work improved the acoustic quality of the space while simultaneously making visible the outcomes of a collective art process. Residents were able to recognize elements of their own paintings in the panels and experienced the space as more inviting. As the acoustics improved, speech and singing also became clearer within the environment.
The installation brought together community art and the practical needs of a care setting. Following this project, similarly patterned acoustic panels were later commissioned for other Sointu units. (Image: Kanerva Kartano)