The Institute for Measuring and Modelling the Built Environment, known as MeMo, is currently touring Ostrobothnia to model local museums, buildings, and objects — including this sauna used by KAJ. Photo: MeMo Institute
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Aalto University has digitally recreated the touring sauna made famous by Finnish Eurovision act KAJ, using 3D modelling to preserve and promote Ostrobothnian cultural heritage in an innovative new form.
The structure, which has accompanied KAJ across Europe and gained cult status among fans, was scanned in Vöyri by researchers from Aalto’s MeMo Institute, the university’s built environment measurement and modelling unit.
The sauna is just one of several landmarks being digitally documented as part of MeMo’s ongoing tour through the Ostrobothnia region. The project aims to create interactive, accessible virtual experiences of local architecture and artefacts, combining advanced laser scanning, drone imaging and photorealistic textures.
“We use drone technology to model the built environment, integrate it with laser scanning data from both inside and out, and combine various camera inputs to ensure colour accuracy,” said Hannu Hyyppä, director of the MeMo Institute. “The indoor scanning gives us rapid models that clearly show the spatial layout.”
The broader project, titled Digitally intelligent, visual and recyclable cultural heritage, is being conducted in partnership with the University of Helsinki’s Ruralia Institute. It seeks to transfer top-tier research capabilities to regional communities while rethinking how culture is archived and shared.
Vöyri, brought into the Finnish spotlight recently through KAJ’s success in Melodifestivalen and Eurovision, has been undergoing its own cultural transformation. Once three separate municipalities — Vöyri, Maksamaa and Oravainen — the area is now forging a unified identity. Hyyppä sees the sauna as symbolic.
“The Eurovision phenomenon around KAJ is strengthening a shared cultural identity in Vöyri,” he said. “And the sauna, a form of intangible cultural heritage, is a part of that.”
Another key site in the project is Vöyri Church, the oldest wooden church in continuous use in Finland. Set to undergo renovation, the church has also been modelled in detail to help local residents visualise upcoming changes. The church will mark its 400th anniversary next year.
Hyyppä emphasised that the work is not only about preservation but also about engagement. “We want to inspire young people to connect with their cultural roots using technology. These aren’t static models, they’re part of an evolving story.”
The 3D model of KAJ’s sauna is the first in a series that Aalto plans to make publicly accessible. More digital recreations of regional heritage sites are expected to follow as the project expands.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
