Case

A place to sing your heart out

Åke is Helsinki’s premier nightlife destination, inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant karaoke culture and shaped by 70s disco nostalgia. It was born out of a desire to break with convention: creating a venue that serves as the main event of the evening rather than just a last stop in the small hours.

We collaborated with Åke’s founders from the very beginning, helping distill a wild mix of early inspirations—from arcade games and Tokyo karaoke booths to retro disco—into a clear, singular experience. Handling everything from initial concept and brand identity to interior architecture, we transformed the historic, ground-floor Art Nouveau space into a dimly lit, private world where no one needs to feel shy.

 

Case Information

Client

Åke

Scope

  1. Concept design
  2. Identity design
  3. Interior design
  4. Signage & Wayfinding

Photography

Vertti Luoma
Aleksi Kuokka

“One of the core ideas was to change the dynamics of performing by placing the stages or areas for the performer in the middle of the room. The singer therefore became the heart of the space, surrounded by their friends instead of separated from them. The guests have enjoyed this design and naturally stepped up on stage, embracing the spotlight without hesitation.”
Designers Tuula Vitie and Jessica Liman in conversation

Glamour. Cinema. Disco. Time travel.

The atmosphere comes alive through rich shapes, deep warm colors, and tactile materials: plush velvet drapes, mirrored surfaces, and stepless lighting that shifts as the night demands. Handmade neon tubes nod to Tokyo nightlife, while heavy textiles, acoustic paneling, and deep-set rugs guarantee studio-quality sound while keeping tech completely hidden.

The venue takes its name from Åke Blomqvist, the legendary dance instructor who brought disco into Finnish living rooms in the 1970s and taught Finns to dance. Now, Åke is making us sing.

Results

  1. A clear visual identity and recognizable design elements that can transform any space into an unmistakable Åke venue
  2. Attracted and retained the exact target demographic the founders envisioned from day one
  3. Delivered strong, sustained commercial performance since the launch
  4. Proved that bold, uncompromising spatial design can redefine an entire city's nightlife landscape

Are you interested?

Aleksi Kuokka

Head of Brand & Spaces,
Partner

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