Päiväunen Paikka – Pop-up Nap Lounge
Helsinki Tall Ships Races, 17–20 July 2013

For four days at the Helsinki Tall Ships Races, Päiväunen Paikka (“Time for a Nap”) offered visitors a relaxing and safe lounge for a short power nap — inside a 12-metre sea container. The concept, created by Paula Päivike, Ville Purontaus, and myself, won Helsinki’s micro-entrepreneur competition and was featured on national television and radio.

The project team also included architecture student Joonas Ala-Karvia, who designed the nap space as his Bachelor’s thesis at Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Several sponsors helped bring the vision to life: Finncontainers provided the container, which was converted for nap use over 41 days; Sähköpalvelu Kipinä carried out electrical work; MetsäWood’s materials improved acoustics and managed moisture; and Jeld-Wen supplied the soundproof door separating the lounge from the nap area. Inside, Uploud Audio speakers played custom-designed soundscapes and music from Aalto Senses and Resonoiva Design Oy, tailored for a 25-minute nap.

Placed directly next to the event’s main stage, the container’s soundproofing was put to the ultimate test — and passed. The door to the nap area was closed in 30-minute intervals to preserve peace and quiet. The large end window allowed in natural light, while Nanso textiles provided each guest with their own private, comfortable sleeping nook.

The Päiväunen Paikka could accommodate five people napping at a time and welcomed thousands of visitors to Hietalahti Square over the four-day event. More than 150 people enjoyed a nap, with demand far exceeding capacity. Guests were gently awakened by staff so they could return refreshed to enjoy the rest of the festival’s cultural and maritime programme.

Key details

• Open: 10:30–17:30 daily, Wed 17 July – Sat 20 July (with a short maintenance break each day)

• Location: Hietalahti Square, next to the main stage

• Entry: Free

• Capacity: Five beds at a time, lounge area for waiting or relaxing afterwards

The project combined design, acoustics, and sensory elements to create a safe, rejuvenating space in the middle of a bustling festival — proving that even in the heart of the city, there’s always room for a good nap.