Gecko, environmental work
Gecko is a large tile and concrete art installation located in the Kamppi bus terminal in Helsinki. The sculpture spans about 13 feet (4 meters) and covers around 2960 square feet (275 square meters) with irregularly arranged yellow ceramic tiles that wrap around the escalators connecting the main hall to the metro below.
Gecko was created in 2005 by three ceramic artists: Pekka Paikkari, Kristina Riska, and Kati Tuominen. Their collaboration with architects Aki Davidsson and Timo Kiukola shaped the final form of the work, making it an early example of Helsinki's efforts to integrate art into public transit spaces.
The Gecko was created by three ceramic artists who wanted to make the busy bus terminal feel more human and less cold. The yellow tiles arranged in an uneven pattern invite visitors to touch and examine the work up close, transforming a utilitarian space into something more personal.
The installation is located in the Kamppi bus terminal downtown and is easily accessible by public transit or on foot. Nearby cafes and shops offer places to rest and spend time before exploring other city attractions.
The yellow ceramic tiles were intentionally arranged irregularly to mimic natural skin patterns and create an organic quality in an otherwise mechanical space. This deliberate imperfection invites visitors to touch and engage with the surface, which is uncommon for art installations in public transit areas.
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