Marsio – The New Meeting Spot at Aalto University

Designed in the spirit of Aino Marsio-Aalto and open to all, Marsio is a meeting place on the Aalto University campus, where you can immerse yourself in the university’s research, art and teaching through exhibitions, events, open lectures or films.

Electro Waves was responsible for the mechanical and lighting system package for the facilities, which included hoists equipped with truss frames and cable controls, film and projection projectors and lighting control systems that are also linked between different premises if necessary.

Marcus Korhonen, Operative Director at Aalto Studios said that the contractors were chosen on the basis of a careful comparison: “All suppliers were required to provide references for a corresponding project. Suppliers were compared by means of a reference interview, and their client companies evaluated, among other things, the companies’ punctuality, the competence of the staff and the quality of the installations.

A comprehensive and technically challenging implementation

The largest mechanical and lighting facilities at Marsio are the Stage, a large exhibition space, the Event Studio, a state-of-the-art production and research facility, the Digital Studio, and a 150-seat cinema.

The SIXTY82 TPM series of Middle Beam truss structures installed in the premises can be moved by means of GIS chain hoists controlled by digital OutBoard joysticks. The D8+-rated chain hoist control system includes a total of 149 channels and is divided into four dedicated control units, where the controllers connected by ethernet cabling are controlled by Outboard’s 64-channel RCX remote controllers.

The RCX-based system enables the implementation of multi-channel control cabling using a single ethernet cable. In addition, RCX remote controls can record the working time of the chain-driven controllers’ control units, which assist the user in the use of the light fixtures in working conditions during an event. All mobile hoist structures are equipped with cable management, through which the production and electrical cabling is brought to the truss junction boxes.

Certainty and efficiency through preparation

The scale of the mechanical project at Marsio was significant and required careful advance planning and a great deal of preparations. The 72 cables installed in the premises were handmade and fitted with various cables, connectors and junction boxes at Electro Waves’ production facilities in Espoo.

This enabled all cables and fibres to be measured and documented before delivery, ensuring functionality and significantly saving installation time at the site.

“The project was professionally managed by Electro Waves and implemented within the agreed timetable,” says Korhonen. “Any uncertainties and specifications that arose during the project were always solved in good faith. In addition, Project Manager Joonas Jylhä succeeded well in his task, which is crucial for the success of a project this large and complex.

High-quality lighting and control systems

The project delivery included cinema and performance/stage lighting equipment covering all production areas (Creamsource, Desisti, Robe, Chauvet, Astera, Cameo, Aputure) with all accessories (Admiral, Doughty, Powertex).

The sACN lighting control network of the production facilities was built around Luminex products and users were provided with event lighting control using grandMA egg candling tables. In addition, on a per-space basis, users are provided with wireless lighting control applications with pre-programmed files stored on Visual Productions storage devices, which enables versatile daily use.

“The three-level control model, where the lights are controlled with QSC, Blackout App or grandMA, works very well,” says Korhonen with satisfaction.

The Luminex lighting control network covers the entire large and small production areas of the building, including 11 switches, 120 nodes and the Araneo network management system for the configuration of the entire system.

A comprehensive delivery and successful cooperation

In addition to the large multi-purpose event spaces, Marsio is also equipped with several smaller facilities, such as self-service, virtual, smart stage, multi-purpose, experimental, greenhouse and test studios 1 & 2. The delivery also included a significant quantity of equipment, supplies and trusses for the takeout point for the user’s diverse teaching, testing and production needs.

The project package included all the tasks from project management and design to installation, programming, testing, commissioning, training and documentation. The total schedule was six months, and the project was handed over to the final customer for in-house and trial operation in September 2024. The final acceptance by the customer without comments took place after a three-month test period in December 2024.

The facilities are in full use and have received accolades

Marsio’s facilities have been excellently utilised for a wide range of events, research and educational uses. “The feedback from users has been excellent,” says Korhonen. “The Aalto Studios, Aalto Communications and Aalto premises team was awarded the Aalto Act of the Year award for Marsio’s first year in September 2025.”