Genelec loudspeaker system helps transform historic Parkano Bank into an interactive museum in Finland

Having visited the OLVI Foundation’s Brewery Museum in Iisalmi, the Savings Bank Foundation discovered a sound system designed and installed by OiOi Collective and 4Business that provided inspiration for the audio experience at Parkano Bank. “The Savings Bank Foundation had experienced one of our previous projects and were impressed by the audio quality and overall visitor experience, so they reached out to discuss the restoration of the old bank building,” says Janne Lankinen, COO of 4Business, a Finnish AV integration and technology specialist. “We immediately contacted our friends at OiOi Collective, an experience design studio whom we often collaborate with. They develop the creative concept, and we look at how that can be brought to life within the physical space.”

“Sound is a crucial part of the museum experience, and without it, it would have been impossible to create a space that feels truly immersive and emotionally engaging,” adds Aki Päivärinne, lead sound designer for OiOi Collective. “The bank has been divided into different zones, including a main museum area, immersive screening space, foyer, and the vault. The main audio objective was to engage the senses of visitors as they move through the restored building, connecting them to the space itself rather than simply observing it.”

OiOi created a series of six short documentary episodes about the bank’s history, as well as a calm ambient soundtrack to be played throughout the lobby and exhibition area in the vault. The documentaries begin with the emergence of the monetary economy and the period when the banking system was first established in Finland, moving through the story of Parkano Savings Bank, the foundation that followed it and the broader development of Parkano itself, vividly bringing the past to life through sound and visuals.

“For audio, Genelec loudspeakers have proven time and time again to be the perfect tool for immersive audio environments,” continues Lankinen. "Their superior performance, clarity and PoE capabilities make them ideal for small to mid-sized venues such as this where intelligibility is key.”

Throughout the museum, a total of seventeen Genelec’s Smart IP and four Installation loudspeakers are installed to deliver carefully crafted audio content. In the immersive screening room, three 4430 and eight 4420 Smart IP loudspeakers, supported by one 7360 subwoofer concealed under furniture, hang from the walls and ceilings. The loudspeakers are configured in a 7.1.4 surround sound formation to deliver clear, natural speech and immersive sound throughout the documentary episodes. The remaining six 4420 loudspeakers are installed across the museum area and foyer, with two loudspeakers in each space to ensure that visitors are greeted by a calm, welcoming atmosphere upon arrival.

“The Smart IP loudspeakers deliver excellent intelligibility, natural-sounding speech and detailed audio design,” says Lankinen. “The sound transports visitors back to the bank’s working years while reinforcing the importance of preserving local heritage.” These loudspeakers were supplied in RAL 1036 pearl gold to complement the cinema aesthetic.

In the vault, four black Genelec 4010A Installation loudspeakers deliver OiOi’s custom soundtrack alongside a rotating digital photo exhibition showing Parkano’s development. “We created a soundscape to accompany the images,” says Päivärinne. “From the foyer to the screening space and vault gallery, audio completes the experience.” Acoustic panels supplied by Konto Oy were also installed behind draping green curtains to soften and absorb sound throughout the exhibition spaces to maintain the calm, soothing atmosphere.

Installing audio in a historic building can be challenging, but Smart IP’s network connectivity enabled 4Business to deliver a neat, efficient integration. “Using a single CAT cable for each loudspeaker, carrying power, audio and control, saved significant time,” says Lankinen. “It meant fewer cables, less impact on the walls and a solution that preserves the building while enhancing the experience.”

Beyond the loudspeaker system, a central control management system keeps the museum easy for staff and visitors to operate. Staff can activate the museum each morning at the press of a button and shut everything down just as simply at the end of the day, while visitor-facing interfaces allow selected parts of the experience to be controlled independently. Dynamic lighting also follows presentations to enhance the immersive spaces. Primarily used for museum content, speech and ambience, the system can also support events, including Teams audio streaming, while a dedicated boardroom provides meeting functionality.

By combining natural speech reproduction, immersive sound design and a visually appealing integration, the Genelec loudspeakers help visitors connect with the story of the bank and the wider development of Parkano. “The system works like a charm, and it’s easy for both staff and customers to control,” concludes Lankinen. “Support from Genelec is always great too – we rarely need it, but when we do, it’s quick, and they are always available.” The museum experience brings Parkano Bank’s history to life with clarity, atmosphere and emotional depth that supports the Saving Bank Foundation’s mission to preserve local heritage while giving the landmark a renewed cultural purpose for the community.