Jessica Johansson

Sweden’s first action water park will open soon in Västerås. ÅF has been involved in designing the lighting in the eight-storey palace of pools, Kokpunkten, which offers visitors truly extraordinary experiences. Project manager Jessica Johansson is looking forward to her first dip in the new pools.

The old steam power station in the heart of Västerås has been transformed into an action water park, brimming with spectacular slides and other attractions. When Kokpunkten opens in August, visitors will also be treated to sound and light shows giving them a sense of being in space or in the middle of a volcanic eruption. ÅF’s project-managing lighting designer Jessica Johansson has been in charge of all permanent lighting installations at Kokpunkten, including the lighting in the pools.

What makes Kokpunkten exciting as a project?

We’ve had the opportunity to create unique solutions in an extremely cool building. The architects have harnessed the industrial feel of the old steam power station and have utilised the height to create really spectacular slides and other attractions. Lighting has been a key part of the project, and I have worked closely with the project’s concept manager, the architects at Archus in Västerås and event lighting designer Robert Ricciuti.

What was the major challenge?

Getting all the installations fitted into quite a limited space along with water purification, electricity, ventilation and audio. For me, personally, it has been a challenge to lead a project that involves so many senior members of staff. I have wanted to show that I can deliver even though I’m not as experienced. That’s why I’m particularly pleased to hear how satisfied everyone is with our cooperation.

How has your development at ÅF taken shape?

When I joined ÅF in 2010 there were just three people here in Stockholm who worked with lighting, but there was great potential and will to develop. Today, we have expanded to 70 employees, and Lighting is now a separate business area with offices in five Nordic cities. My role has evolved to encompass greater responsibility as a manager of the projects and a coach for my colleagues. In the future I would like to work more internationally within ÅF. We have many exciting projects around the world, such as currently creating lighting concepts for entire cities in China.

What characterises ÅF as an employer?

The investment in the younger generation. The company is good at honing talents and likes to employ new graduates who bring new perspectives and innovative ideas. Here, you are given responsibility early on and can climb the career ladder quickly; my manager is one of many young leaders in the company. ÅF’s will to develop is noticeable throughout the organisation; we want to expand and improve by sharing knowledge and helping each other.

What is the best part of being a consultant?

I like the variety. I like to have a role as leader in the projects as well as taking part in the work, being creative and producing solutions from scratch. I can do that here at ÅF. As a consultant you learn things every day, work together with skilled people and run projects in which your skills always develop. For me, it’s the best job in the world.

What are you looking forward to at the moment?

My first dip in the Kokpunkten water park, of course! I haven’t been there since they started to fill the pools in March, but I’m going to take my swimming gear and go for a sneaky premiere swim soon. Kokpunkten is the first major property project that I have been involved in from start to finish, so it will be really amazing to see it become a reality.