KEHIKOT 5G station
3rd prize in Helsinki 5G Base station design contest by the City of Helsinki, Nokia & Elisa 2019
Design Jukka Jokinen & Heikki Konu
Kehikot is a modular and scalable 5G base station structure. It is customizable for different environments, enabling unlimited possibilities with various materials, plants and light modules. Minimal structure is scalable in height and volume and can be installed into existing infrastructure or used as a standalone unit without compromising the city landscape.
Steel frame of the 5G base station consists of one meter modules that can be stacked on top of each other. The triangular metal structure does not distract the signals and interlocked devices require less space. The modular frame provides easy assembly and maintenance possibilities. It also enables low production costs and effective logistics.
“The objective of the 5G design contest is to design a standard model for the Helsinki 5G base stations and network environment. As a product, the base station is expected to be refined design that smoothly fits in a variety of environments and takes into consideration the needs of usage and technology as well as the user experience.”
-The design brief for the 5G base station competition
Kehikot 5G base station has modular casing options. Multiple materials and cover structures can be used for hiding the technical equipment inside the frame. Holes in the flat metal structure enable attachment of the covers. Cover materials can be adjusted to fit the environment. For example covering the base stations with vine plants adds greenery to the urban environment.
The base station module can be mounted on the wall through the holes in the steel frame. Wooden laths create a light see-through appearance for the base station.
Additional lighting modules bring ambient light and coziness to the city. 5G units already need electricity to operate so placing a light module at the bottom of the structure is an excellent functional addition.
Kehikot creates possibilities for cities and organizations to determine the looks of the base stations according to the identity and characteristics of the area. The network environment of several base stations makes a harmonious impression on the urban landscape.
